A perfect way to say "I Love You" whether it's the first time or an anniversary...a proposal or a honeymoon...
renewing your vows or a wedding ceremony. We'll work with you to plan the most romantic adventure imaginable in
one of the most romantic and beautiful settings on earth.
Thanks for visiting our site. We'd be happy to answer any questions or provide additional information.
A perfect way to say "I Love You" whether it's the first time or an anniversary...a proposal or a honeymoon...
renewing your vows or a wedding ceremony. We'll work with you to plan the most romantic adventure imaginable in
one of the most romantic and beautiful settings on earth.
Thanks for visiting our site. We'd be happy to answer any questions or provide additional information.
Up & Away Ballooning is the only balloon ride company
in Sonoma County specializing exclusively in romantic and intimate balloon rides for couples. No basket filled
with up to 15 people, just the two of you and your F.A.A. certified pilot enjoying the personalized service you
deserve. This is especially important if this is a special occasion such as a marriage proposal, a wedding, an
anniversary or a birthday celebration complete with cake! Or just for the enjoyment of the oldest form of flight
known to man.
The beginning of your morning
Your morning will start with an early wake up (what time is it??!!) call from your pilot to get you up and going.
We meet at the Sonoma County Airport just outside of Santa Rosa. We will send you directions to get you there when
you set up your flight. From there we will travel to the best launch site available to ensure a scenic and safe
flight. The flight will last approximately one hour and can range from 3 to 10 miles depending on the wind currents.
What should we wear?
The best way to go is with layered, natural fiber clothing. Long pants and sturdy shoes are also the fashion norm
in ballooning; no sandals or shorts yet, save those for later. Our mornings are cool but soon warm up as the day
progresses.
Let's get ready to Fly!!
When we get to the launch field, we (the pilot and crew, but please help us, as that is part of the fun) lay out
the balloon and cold inflate it. This is done by blowing cold air into the envelope (the big colorful bag). When
it is time to go hot (whoa!), hot air from the burners (heat maker) is put into the balloon and it stands up ready
for flight! Time to jump in, get a safety/orientation briefing and lets go flying!
Where are we going today?
This is a frequently asked question, which is usually answered with, "Where Mother Nature sends us".
Actually, prior to meeting, the pilot will have kept a close watch on the weather patterns and will have gotten
a weather briefing from the F.A.A. Flight Service Station. With that knowledge it is determined where to set-up
and in which general direction we will go. The winds at altitude actually travel in "layers" and it is
these "layers" that are used to steer the balloon around the heavens. Pretty cool!
What will we see, hear and experience while flying?
Depending on the altitude, you may see the Pacific Ocean, look into the Napa Valley or on a clear day, the buildings
in San Francisco 60 miles away! At lower altitudes we will fly just above the grapevines and see rabbits, deer
and other wildlife. We may even dip into a lake or pond for a "Splash and Dash". When the pilot is not
adding heat to the balloon, you will hear peace and quiet. You will also feel the unique experience of looking
out all four "windows". No other form of flight offers such oneness with nature.
It's not over . . . click on Champagne Brunch to continue the Romance!
Well, it's been wonderful, but it's not over yet!
After we land and pack up, you'll be taken to quiet and beautiful setting for a very romantic and personalized
champagne brunch. You'll be served on hand painted plates with pictures of the balloon you flew in! Drink champagne
from beautiful glasses. Eat chocolate dipped strawberries (when in season) and other fresh fruit. The list goes
on..We'll tell you the story about the history of ballooning and wish a toast to your special occasion and flight.
A personalized flight certificate is also yours to keep.
Well, it's been wonderful, but it's not over yet!
After we land and pack up, you'll be taken to quiet and beautiful setting for a very romantic and personalized
champagne brunch. You'll be served on hand painted plates with pictures of the balloon you flew in! Drink champagne
from beautiful glasses. Eat chocolate dipped strawberries (when in season) and other fresh fruit. The list goes
on..We'll tell you the story about the history of ballooning and wish a toast to your special occasion and flight.
A personalized flight certificate is also yours to keep.
You'll be in one of the most romantic settings on earth, and it's easy to continue the romance. Whether it's a
weekend or a vacation, call us and we'll assist you in planning the rest of your
Romantic Adventure
After our morning, what else is there to do in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County is a beautiful place to visit and explore. Many options are available to you from a personalized
wine tasting tour with Style n' Comfort Limousines, www.snclimos.com, a quiet walk in the redwoods at Armstrong
Woods, www.russianriver.org or an invigorating walk along the Pacific coastline. We will help you in your quest
for whatever adventures you may wish to purse.
Need a place to stay?
There are many places to stay in Sonoma County here are just a few that we like:
The Vintners Inn 707-575-7350
http://www.vintnersinn.com/
The Madrona Manor 707-433-4231
http://www.madronamanor.com/
Huckleberry Springs Country Inn 707-865-2683
http://www.huckleberrysprings.com/
Fountain Grove Inn 800-222-6101
http://www.fountaingroveinn.com/
The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa 707-938-9000
http://www.sonomamissioninn.com/
A WAY TO CELEBRATE!
Get married or renew your vows.
Wish your special love a
"Happy Anniversary" or
"Happy Birthday".
Call us and we'll help you arrange it all, even if it's going to be a surprise.
What the FAA said about Up & Away Balloons
"Mike, thanks for the incredible flight. Your skill, knowledge, competence and professionalism are all exemplary!!
Your'e truely an asset to the sport and ballooning community! Keep up the excellence!".
Jennifer Adair, Safety Investigator, Oakland Flight Service District Office
A word on Safety
Your F.A.A. certified pilot has many hours of training and flight experience. Safety seminars are attended every
year to be constantly vigil to any new safety concerns relating to balloon operations. If the conditions at pre-flight
launch are not favorable, we will not fly. Your safety and comfort are our main concern. All federal aviation rules
and regulations are observed during our flight operations. The pilot goes through a pre-flight checklist before
each flight to ensure the balloon is ready for flight. Also, the balloon itself goes through an annual inspection
to ensure its airworthiness. By the way, ballooning is the safest form of aviation, but it is the pilot-in-command
who's attitude towards a safe and enjoyable flight that makes the difference. We strive to be one of the best in
the area.
Even the best camera equipment and photographer can't capture the pure beauty of our flights. So, if you like the
scenery in the photos, you'll find you won't be able to describe how incredibly beautiful the real thing is. .
.and remember, this is just a small sample of what you'll see.