Hot air balloon weight limits
53 of the 115 operators we cover publish a rule about passenger weight. Where there is a hard per-person limit, it runs from 250 to 300 lb. Most of the rest charge for a second seat somewhere around 250 to 300 lb, or ask you to call.
A balloon can only lift so much on a given morning, and the number changes with the air temperature and the altitude of the launch field. That is why every operator asks for each passenger's weight when you book, and why the rules below differ so much. Be accurate: pilots plan the load around the figures you give, and several operators say a flight can be refused on the day if the numbers were off.
A per-person limit
The operator sets a top weight for each passenger.
| Operator | Place | Their rule | Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
250 lbs maximum per person (FAQ); balloon page asks guests over 225 lbs to call ahead |
250 lb | ||
114 kg (18 st) per person |
251 lb | ||
Must weigh less than 275 lbs |
275 lb | ||
275 lb maximum per adult |
275 lb | ||
280 lbs per passenger |
280 lb | ||
130 kg maximum per passenger |
287 lb | ||
300 lbs per person |
300 lb |
A surcharge or a second seat
Heavier passengers can fly but pay more, usually the price of another seat.
| Operator | Place | Their rule | Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
Weight supplement may apply above 18 stone |
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Passengers over 105 kg must tell the company in advance; extra fees may apply |
231 lb | ||
110 kg at the standard fare (surcharge above); 150 kg maximum |
243 lb | ||
Surcharge over 250 lbs; over 300 lbs buys an extra ticket |
250 lb | ||
Surcharge over 250 lbs; over 300 lbs buys an extra ticket |
250 lb | ||
Additional charge may apply over 250 lbs |
250 lb | ||
Over 18 stone (115 kg) needs a weight supplement (two vouchers) on shared flights |
254 lb | ||
119 kg; heavier guests need pilot approval and pay an extra charge |
262 lb | ||
Over 120 kg must tell the company 48 hours ahead and may need a second ticket |
265 lb | ||
Over 120 kg (265 lb) pay a supplement |
265 lb | ||
About 120 kg (265 lb) or more may be charged for two places |
265 lb | ||
$100 charge for 250 to 274 lb; 275 lb and over contact the pilot |
274 lb | ||
No limit; passengers over 300 lbs pay for an additional seat |
300 lb | ||
No limit; passengers over 300 lbs pay for an additional seat |
300 lb | ||
No limit; passengers over 300 lbs pay for an additional seat |
300 lb |
Tell them first
Above a set weight, or always, the operator wants to hear from you before you book.
| Operator | Place | Their rule | Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
Weight limitations apply (no figure given) |
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Passenger count depends on weight; a 4th passenger is arranged by phone |
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A limit applies; figure not published |
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Priced on an average of 200 lb per passenger |
200 lb | ||
No fixed limit; parties averaging 200 lbs or more per person may be declined |
200 lb | ||
Call ahead if the average passenger weight is over 225 lbs |
225 lb | ||
Give your weight if over 250 lbs |
250 lb | ||
Guests over 250 lbs (120 kg) must say so when booking |
250 lb | ||
No passengers over 280 lb; capacity based on a 180 lb average |
280 lb | ||
Guests over 280 lbs must call before booking |
280 lb | ||
114 kg in its FAQ, 285 lb in its terms |
285 lb | ||
Passengers over 350 lb must contact the company before booking |
350 lb |
A limit for the whole basket or party
The rule is a combined weight for a couple, a private group or the basket.
| Operator | Place | Their rule | Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
No individual limit on group flights; each balloon has a total weight limit |
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275 lb per rider; 450 lb combined for a couple |
275 lb | ||
Individual riders 275 lbs or less; couples 450 lbs combined |
275 lb | ||
Ideally no more than 375 lbs combined per couple or 750 lbs per group of 4 |
375 lb | ||
400 lbs combined for the two passengers |
400 lb | ||
Combined passenger weight under about 500 lbs |
500 lb | ||
650 lb combined for all passengers |
650 lb | ||
700 lb combined passenger weight (pilot not included) |
700 lb | ||
750 lbs total |
750 lb | ||
800 lb combined weight maximum per basket |
800 lb | ||
850 lbs total |
850 lb | ||
Typically around 1,000 lbs, varies with balloon size |
1000 lb |
No set limit, but weights are required
Nobody is turned away on weight alone, but every passenger’s weight is collected at booking.
| Operator | Place | Their rule | Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
No set limit; must be able to get in and out of the basket safely |
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No limit; weights collected at booking |
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No weight restriction; weights collected at booking |
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No set figure; passenger weights required when booking |
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No strict limit; accurate weights required |
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No single per-person limit; approximate weight is requested at booking |
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No official limit; over 300 lbs must be able to climb in and out of the basket |
300 lb |
The other 62 operators don't publish a weight rule; ask before you book. Figures in kilograms or stone are converted to pounds. How we compare.