The Wicked Balloons Journal
Ballooning stories, history & how-tos
Everything about hot air ballooning — from the very first flight in 1783 to planning your own sunrise ride over New England.
How High Can a Hot Air Balloon Fly?
How high can a hot air balloon go? From record-setting stratosphere flights to a typical sunrise ride, here's what really determines a…
Balloons Go to War: Ballooning in the Civil War
How Civil War hot air balloons carried Union and Confederate aeronauts aloft for battlefield reconnaissance in the 1860s.
Private and Group Balloon Flights, Explained
Thinking about a private hot air balloon ride versus a shared flight? Here's how they differ in cost, privacy, and experience.
Can You Fly a Hot Air Balloon in Winter?
Yes, hot air balloon rides in winter are real and often smoother than summer flights. Here's why cold mornings make for great…
Double Eagle II: The First Atlantic Balloon Crossing
The story of the Double Eagle II Atlantic crossing, the 1978 flight that made history as the first nonstop balloon trip across…
What Is a Balloon Glow?
Curious what a hot air balloon glow is? Learn how tethered balloons light up the night at festivals, and where to see…
How Film Productions Use Real Hot Air Balloons
Why filmmakers still book real hot air balloons in film production over CGI, and what it takes to safely fly one on…
How Much Does a Custom Advertising Balloon Cost?
Curious about custom hot air balloon cost? Here's what drives the price of special-shape and branded advertising balloons.
How Windy Is Too Windy to Fly?
How windy is too windy for hot air balloons? Learn the wind limits, gust risks, and why sunrise flights are safest.
Why Balloon Rides Launch at Sunrise
Why do hot air balloons fly in the morning? Calm, stable sunrise air makes for the smoothest, safest, and most scenic flight…