What to Expect During a Hot Air Balloon Landing

Dec 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Hot air balloon landings are carefully planned, highly coordinated moments; their execution depends on factors like the pilot’s skill and current wind conditions.
• Before a hot air balloon landing, commercial pilots give passengers clear instructions, such as holding designated handles and bracing properly, to promote comfort and safety.
• Pilots control a hot air balloon’s descent by limiting burner use, allowing hot air to vent out, and strategically using wind layers. To land, pilots judge terrain and conditions to choose expansive, safe landing zones.
• After landing, the hot air balloon’s envelope will be deflated and packed up along with other equipment before being transported back to the launch site with the passenger. 

Exploring the Landing Process

Even though the views from above are often the most noteworthy part of a hot air ballooning experience, the landing can also be incredibly memorable, as it can deliver one last burst of exhilaration and wonder. 

Plus, a hot air balloon landing is an excellent opportunity for the pilot’s expertise to shine. Pilots must use their tools and training to judge wind speed and direction, select an appropriate landing site, and manage the balloon’s descent in real time, using the natural environment to their advantage. 

The helpful guide below further explains how hot air balloons land and which factors can affect smoothness, helping make the experience feel safer, more exciting, and even more rewarding.

Preparing Passengers for Landing

For commercial flights, landing preparation begins well before a hot air balloon is close to the ground. As the scheduled flight time nears its end, hot air balloon pilots are expected to closely monitor wind layers, officially select a landing location, and offer their passengers tips for a comfortable touchdown.

Some examples of pre-landing instructions that may be given to passengers include:

• Brace position – Passengers are directed to bend their knees slightly, brace their shoulders or backs against the basket, and hold onto the handles inside the hot air balloon basket.
• Only grab designated points – Avoid bracing with any part of the basket other than the specified handles to help maintain stability and prevent accidental interference with equipment.
• Keep loose items secure – Securely stash your phone, camera, and wallet to avoid distractions and reduce the risk of dropping them overboard.
• Remain inside the basket until told otherwise – Even after landing, wind and temperature fluctuations in the hot air balloon’s envelope can cause the basket to shift or drag slightly; staying inside keeps everyone safe.

Another reason people are asked to remain in the basket until the envelope is deflated is to ensure proper weight distribution. If the basket suddenly loses ballast while there is still hot air in the envelope, the lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle may incidentally take off again.

Pilot & Ground Crew Communication

Throughout their descent, commercial hot air balloon pilots maintain constant radio contact with the ground crew. The two parties collaborate to ensure the team is positioned correctly to assist when the balloon comes in. Their responsibilities can include things like:

• Alerting the pilot of ground conditions, including wind speeds, wind direction, and access to the landing site
• Stabilizing the basket after landing
• Setting up and packing the balloon and accompanying equipment

Strong communication between the pilot and ground crew can minimize surprises and give the passengers the peace of mind they need to relax, knowing an experienced team is working together to manage every step fluidly.

How Do Hot Air Balloons Land?

Compared to other types of aircraft, hot air balloons are uniquely controlled and, therefore, uniquely landed. Pilots successfully steer hot air balloons and control descent by adjusting the temperature to move through various wind layers, which is arguably one of the most fascinating aspects of LTA flight.

How Pilots Control the Descent

One of the main ways pilots control a hot air balloon’s descent is by reducing heat. Similar to how the burner causes the balloon to rise by heating its air, the pilot can descend by allowing the air to cool. To do this, the pilot can use a pullable cord to gradually open the parachute valve at the top of the balloon, releasing hot air and allowing the balloon to sink gently. 

Another way commercial hot air balloon pilots control their descent is by riding wind layers. Since hot air balloons naturally move with the wind, pilots must use vertical movement to catch air layers traveling in different directions and position the balloon toward safe landing sites.

Factors That Influence Landing Strategy

Only pilots with a commercial license certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are able to operate commercial passenger hot air balloon flights, meaning the people controlling the ride are trained and ready to pivot to promote safety. 

Some features  that may encourage a pilot to change how they land a hot air balloon are:

• Wind speed – Gentle winds often lead to slow, soft landings, while slightly stronger winds may require more preparation and control from the pilot to ensure precision.
• Wind direction – Since you can’t fight the wind, only work within its directional restraints, the landing site must align with the natural direction of travel.
• Terrain – Open fields and flat clearings are ideal for smooth touchdowns. Still, the most crucial element is that the landing area must be free of power lines, irrigation equipment, livestock areas, and unstable ground.
• Balloon size and passenger weight – The envelope, basket, and passenger load all influence the space required for a hot air balloon landing and the aircraft’s descent rate.

Pilots must also consider emergency alternatives in case the primary site becomes unsafe due to shifting winds.

Common Landing Scenarios

Ever since hot air balloons were invented in the 18th century, no two landings have been identical, as each is influenced by weather conditions, wind speed, and balloon behavior, which can vary from flight to flight. Even balloons launched from the same site and at the same time often land at different locations. Still, landings generally fall into the following three categories.

The Stand-Up Landing

This type of landing feels somewhat like stepping off a slow-moving elevator. Some steps involved in this type of hot air balloon landing include:

1. The basket touches down softly
2. Passengers remain standing, holding the handles
3. The balloon comes to rest without much movement

These types of landings are common when winds near the ground are calm.

Light Tilt or Pivot Landing

In slightly breezier conditions, the basket may tilt gently upon touchdown, pivoting or swinging slightly as it aligns with the wind—this is entirely normal and expected. As the pilot executes a controlled descent, the passengers should simply remain in the brace position until the basket settles.

Drag or “Layover” Landing

In moderate winds, the balloon may touch down and slide a short distance before coming to a stop. This skidding motion is safe, planned for, and handled carefully by a commercial pilot. The basket usually tilts to the side during the slide, and passengers remain braced until it comes to a halt.

Can Hot Air Balloons Land Anywhere?

No, there are some places hot air balloons cannot land. Nevertheless, this type of aircraft is flexible, allowing pilots to choose among many potential landing sites. The table below shows which areas are ideal for landing and which may pose safety hazards.

Optimal Landing Locations	Inadequate Landing Areas
Open fields or cleared-out parks	Agricultural areas
Dirt roads and rural areas	Places with nearby power lines
Designated landing zones at hot air balloon festivals	Dense forests

 

Even though hot air balloons don’t have pinpoint steering, pilots can use wind layers through strategic descent control to land in safe, open areas with minimal impact on surrounding properties and the environment.

Safety Measures and Crew Assistance

While the pilot manages the descent, the ground crew plays an equally important role in hot air balloon safety. They keep track of the balloon from the moment it takes off, following its path and preparing for landing.

Some examples of responsibilities a ground crew may have include:

• Guiding the balloon to a safe landing area – The ground crew can help ensure the space is clear and accessible.
• Catching or stabilizing the basket – Crew members may grasp ropes or the basket frame to guide it and prevent it from tipping.
• Securing the balloon after touchdown – Once safely landed, they deflate the envelope and help the pilot keep everything controlled.
• Assisting passengers – The crew can also ensure passengers exit safely and comfortably.

Safety Equipment

Some examples of tools that pilots regularly use to safely fly and land hot air balloons are:

• Aircraft radios – Necessary to ensure communication stays open between the pilot and crew members.
• Gloves and protective gear – Effective for handling the envelope and burner equipment.

Having access to the tools above can ensure that hot air ballooning is not dangerous and that every landing, whether gentle or dynamic, is executed with precision, control, and passenger comfort in mind.

After the Balloon Touches Down

Once the balloon has landed and the pilot gives the passengers the green light to exit, the individuals can step out and enjoy the final phase of the adventure, which includes the following steps.

1. Balloon Deflation

During this first step, the fabric portion of the balloon is laid out on the ground and carefully deflated. Then, crew members strategically “milk” it to get all the air out and pack it away safely.

2. Pack-Up and Equipment Checks

Typically, at this time, the pilot conducts routine checks to ensure everything is in excellent condition for the next flight. Then, the basket, burner, ropes, and envelope are loaded back onto the transport vehicle. 

3. Transport Back to Launch Site

In many cases, the hot air balloon operator will taxi passengers back to the original meeting point in a comfortable chase vehicle.

4. Celebration Traditions

Many balloon companies, including Rainbow Ryders, offer celebratory features, such as:

• The traditional balloonists’ toast
• Storytelling
• Photo opportunities

The fun traditions above add a sense of closure and celebration to the experience.

Enjoy a Smooth Landing with Rainbow Ryders

Just as someone remembers the last line of a great movie or the final play of an exciting sports game, passengers are bound to remember the end of their hot air ballooning experience: the landing.

There is a lot that goes into a hot air balloon landing, from preparing passengers to controlling descent. Nevertheless, with Rainbow Ryders’ expert pilots and experienced ground crews in control, you can be sure that every hot air balloon landing is executed with passenger safety and comfort as top priorities.

Whether you’re preparing for your first flight or planning a return adventure, our team is committed to delivering safe, seamless, unforgettable hot air balloon flights through careful planning and thorough communication. After a smooth landing and a celebratory toast, if desired, you can head off with memories that last a lifetime.

Use our website to book a flight in Albuquerque, Phoenix, Colorado Springs, or Park City. If you have any questions or concerns before taking your memorable trip, we encourage you to contact our team for top-of-the-line assistance.