The hot air balloon ride is the most sought-after activity in Dubai. Moreover, with its serene and breathtaking views of the Arabian Desert, it is a rather magical experience in Dubai. However, many people sit unaware of the pre-flight safety requirements that they need to check to avoid general confusion. There are some set rules mandated by the GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority) that all the hot air balloon ride providers must adhere to. This blog will have all the necessary pre-flight safety checklist requirements mandatory for a Dubai hot air balloon ride.

What happens before the Hot Air Balloon Flight?

It is a common misconception that a hot air balloon flight just consists of a plain, simple balloon ride. These are the steps involved in the pre-flight arrangements of a hot air balloon ride.  

• Your Dubai hot balloon ride starts with the hotel transfers as you drive down in the Arabian deserts. 
• Before that, Pilots review the weather conditions and the speed of the surface winds (preferred to be below 10 mph) and general visibility to ensure safety. 
• The basket and the burner are assembled and attached, and the large balloon is laid out on the ground and connected to the basket. 
• You witness this phenomenon at dawn before sunrise while having complementary tea or coffee. A huge fan blows cool air into the envelope, and the balloon stands upright gradually.  
• The pilot gives instructions in English before boarding and makes the passengers aware of the landing position and safety rules before you board the basket. 

Note: Please check out the inclusions and exclusions of the ride packages on What are the Inclusions of Different Hot Air Balloon Packages?

Activities to avoid before flying

According to the pre-flight safety checklist, there are some activities to avoid before flying to avoid any chance of unsafe flight. One should not do these things before your deluxe hot air balloon flight starts, as this could lead to cancellation of your flight. 

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Alcohol/ Drugs Consumption

Consumption of Alcohol/ Drug can result in your prohibition from the flight. As it can impair balance and hamper the safety of other passengers in the hot air balloon flight, one should avoid consumption of alcohol or drugs. 

Heavy meal

It is advisable not to have extra heavy meals before your flight as the elevation shifts of the ride can trigger motion sickness. It’s okay to have light snacks beforehand. 

Ignoring the use of the restroom

It is advisable to use the restroom facilities before boarding your flight, as there are no restrooms available once you get on the basket, and it can cause discomfort. 

Not attending the safety briefing

One should carefully listen to the pre-flight instructions, especially when the instructor demonstrates how to kneel during the hot air balloon landing. 

Don’t Scuba Dive at least 24 hours before your flight  

It is not safe to Scuba Dive and ride a hot air balloon on the same day. Owing to the difference in altitude and pressure, the nitrogen in your blood might expand into bubbles, which can lead to serious decompression sickness called the bends. 

Note: For more information on the hot air balloon ride, check out the top safety tips for hot air balloon adventure

Medical Restrictions

These are the medical restrictions for flying in the platinum hot air balloon ride, the most important item on the pre-flight checklist. One should go through these before they book their flights. 

Pregnancy over 3 months

If a lady is pregnant over 3 months, they are strictly prohibited from riding the hot air balloon ride.  As it is risky for the baby’s as well as the mother’s life to ride a hot air balloon flight. 

Recent Surgery/Fracture

If you or the other passengers have had any major surgery, fracture, or tear in the ligaments in the last 6 months, you cannot participate in the hot air balloon activity. As the boarding and landing of the hot air balloon flight can cause further damage to your health if you are disbalanced. 

Any Cardiac or Physical Abnormality

If you have a serious heart problem, neck or back pain, knee/back injuries, or any other physical disabilities, you are not allowed on the hot air balloon ride. 

Age Limit

Any child below 5 years old and adults over 75 to 80 years are not permitted on the ride. The age limit of the passengers depends on different operators; check with your provider to know about the specific age restrictions. 

Mobility

Any person riding the standard hot air balloon must be able to climb in and out of the baskets unassisted and stand during the whole flight for 60 minutes. 

What to Carry 

Here is a pre-flight safety checklist for a Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride for things to carry. 

ID 

Carry a UAE Emirates ID or your government-issued ID with your accepted Visa for verification before boarding the hot air balloon flight. For further information about the ID and Visa, contact us.

Smartphone or  Camera for Photography

Capture the breathtaking views of sunrise over the Arabian Desert with a smartphone or a camera. Do not carry a high-zoom camera with heavy equipment as it is prohibited on the ride.

Light Layers

It can get chilly during the early mornings, so it is advisable to carry a light jacket and light layers. Especially when the hot air balloon ascends, you might feel cold; please carry a jacket or something warm. 

Closed-toe comfortable shoes 

It is mandatory to wear closed end comfortable shoes for your hot air balloon ride to cope with the uneven terrain during landing and take-off. 

What Not To Carry

Here is a pre-flight safety checklist for a Dubai Hot Air Balloon Ride for things not to carry.

Heavy Luggage

As there is limited space in the basket with limited weight restrictions, big backpacks and suitcases are not allowed. 

High Heels

High heels or open-ended sandals can be uncomfortable for landing and takeoff. Moreover, you will remain standing on the flight; it is advised to not wear uncomfortable shoes. 

Jewellery 

Any jewellery that causes uneasiness during the flight should not be worn, like loose bracelets, danglers, or rings that can slip off. 

Dresses

As the premium hot air balloon ride is windy in nature, dresses and flowy dresses are not allowed. Moreover, it gets unnecessarily uncomfortable to board the flight and land in dresses. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, you are now well aware of the pre-flight safety checklist instructions for the hot air balloon ride.  The important information about medical restrictions for flying and activities to avoid before flying will help you in deciding whether the ride is suitable for you or not. We want you to enjoy your Dubai hot air balloon ride, but your safety is our main concern. Make sure that you follow all the necessary restrictions given above for the best experience of the Dubai Hot air balloon ride. Book your premium hot air balloon ride now with Dubaihotairballoonride.com.

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Read More Blogs:

• Top Safety Tips For Hot Air Balloon Adventure
• Dubai Hot Air Balloon Safety Tips: For Memorable Trip