120 Turnbull Rd
New Hartford, CT 06057
Call
(860) 620-3754
Today to Book Your Reservation
Everything You Need to Know About Our Flights
We typically schedule our balloon flights for just after sunrise. The wind at this time is usually as calm as it will be at less than 10 miles per hour. The entire process takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, with a total flight duration of 1 hour. Any flight in the Spring or Summer will launch at 6 a.m., and any flight in the Winter or Fall will launch at 7 a.m. While our balloons are engineered for carrying more passengers, we limit parties to four passengers to allow more room in the basket.
Depending on a few different conditions, passengers can enjoy a view from 50 to 100 miles above the terrain. That can sometimes mean getting a view of three or four states at once! The speed and direction of the wind will determine the distance of a flight, but the average is 5 to 15 miles. Upstate New York and Long Island are visible to the north and west, with New Hampshire and Massachusetts to the north.
What To Expect
The first step of take-off is to inflate the balloon at one of our launch sites. This will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. We will then get all passengers on board, snap a few photos, and slowly ascend with the help of our chase crew. The chase crew will be right behind us the entire time to help us land safely, pack everything, and get us back to the launch site after the trip is complete.
Once we’re back at the launch site, you can enjoy a complimentary snack and traditional Champagne toast to commemorate your flight. Passengers will also receive a balloon pin as a special souvenir.
What to Wear & Bring
You should avoid wearing flip flops, sneakers, sandals, footwear with high heels, or any footwear that may not respond well to a dewy lawn. Waterproof footwear is the best thing to wear to your balloon flight. Wear layers that are appropriate for the weather and the season. It’s also a good idea to bring sunglasses. While we used to recommend bringing plenty of film, times have changed! We now recommend bringing a well-charged camera or smartphone to record the stunning views.
The Launch Sites
Site 1: New Hartford, CT
530 Main St, New Hartford, CT 06057
● Meeting area is the parking lot behind the Town Hall.
Site 2: Whelan Farms Airport
249 Hard Hill Road North, Bethlehem CT
How To Get To Launch Sites
Our launch sites are located in Southington, Farmington, Bethlehem, and New Hartford, CT. If you are driving from New York City, Long Island, or Boston, the total drive time is about 2 hours. Our launch sites are easily accessible from Bradley International Airport. You can also use the local airport, Robertson Field (4B8), if you are flying yourself into the area.
The launch site we use on any given day depends on weather-related factors, including wind speed and direction. Our objective is always to choose the launch site that will give you the best views and most scenic flight possible.
Berkshire Balloons | 120 Turnbull Rd, New Hartford, CT 06057 | (860) 620-3754
