Hot air ballooning is a weather-dependent adventure, and ideal conditions are required for a safe flight: wind speeds under 8 knots without gusts and visibility of at least 5 miles. We don’t fly in rain, fog, snow or if there is a threat of rain or thunderstorms in the area. We also can’t fly in very hot temperatures (88 degrees+) depending on passenger weight. If the weather doesn’t cooperate or the winds don’t calm down in time for the flight, we will have to cancel the flight as safety is our top priority. Due to the dependency on weather, it is common to reschedule, possibly many times. In the event of adverse weather on the day of your flight, we will reschedule your flight at no cost to a day to a date that is mutually agreeable for up to one year from the purchase date, with the desire to get you up as soon as we can.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your flight less than 5 days before your scheduled ride, a $100 cancellation fee will be assessed. Full refunds will be provided for rides that cannot be rescheduled due to special situations or if arranged with Legacy Ballooning LLC in advance of booking. No refunds and/or rain checks will be issued for no shows or missing the meeting time on the day of the ride. Your flight will be canceled if your party shows signs of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or your party is physically unable to participate in your scheduled ride despite agreeing to the terms and conditions.

Weather & Chance of Rescheduling: Hot air ballooning is a weather-dependent adventure, and ideal conditions are required for a safe flight: wind speeds under 8 knots without gusts and visibility of at least 5 miles. We don’t fly in rain, fog, snow or if there is a threat of rain or thunderstorms in the area. We also can’t fly in very hot temperatures (88 degrees+) depending on passenger weight. If the weather doesn’t cooperate or the winds don’t calm down in time for the flight, we will have to cancel the flight as safety is our top priority. Due to the dependency on weather, it is common to reschedule, possibly many times. In the event of adverse weather on the day of your flight, we will reschedule your flight at no cost to a day to a date that is mutually agreeable for up to one year from the purchase date, with the desire to get you up as soon as we can.

Since a balloon travels with the wind, the pilot knows the general direction of the flight before takeoff, but it is not possible to determine an exact landing site prior to launch. We land in open areas that are large enough to accommodate the balloon like backyards, fields, parks, larger neighborhood streets, schools, and churches.

Balloons fly the same speed as the wind blows. We fly in winds under 8 miles per hour. The faster the winds, the more difficult and bigger space we need for the landing!

The air temperature during the flight is about the same as on the ground. Wear casual clothing and comfortable, closed toe shoes. Jeans or shorts and a t-shirt and sneakers are perfectly acceptable. Add a jacket or sweatshirt during cooler times of the year.·       

Dresses, open toe shoes, or high heels are not recommended, as you’ll need to climb over the side of the basket to enter and there is a chance you may need to walk in higher grass or uneven ground. Waterproof footwear is recommended for morning flights.

We can usually accommodate larger groups using multiple balloons. Please call us at 248-385-2742 or send us an email at legacyballoonteam@gmail.com to inquire!

Pilots can control how fast they go up and down by controlling the amount of heat in the balloon. There is not a steering wheel, so pilots can only influence going left or right if the wind is going that way at a different altitude. Balloons drift in the same direction and at the same speed as the wind. 

While our company is based in Birmingham, we launch from the Milford, South Lyon, New Hudson, and Brighton, Michigan area. We need to fly where it’s less populated and where there are more open areas to land. It’s more scenic too!

It's common for us to fly with our friends, so don't be surprised if you get to have several other other balloons joining you in the sky!

Recreational flights typically fly from just above the treetops to a few thousand feet above the ground. 

Legacy Ballooning is Michigan's only female-owned and operated hot air balloon company, specializing in private rides for two.

Your pilot is Dawn, a second-generation balloonist and has been in the sport her entire life. She’s been a FAA-licensed balloon pilot for 28 years. She doesn’t just fly passengers, she competes at regional and national balloon competitions, continuously sharpening her skills against the best pilots in the country.

The balloon you see on the website is the balloon you'll ride in — the newest equipment among Oakland County balloon companies.

We’re also the only balloon company in Michigan flying with a 360-degree camera, giving you one-of-a-kind photos from your flight that you simply can't get anywhere else in the state.

Legacy Ballooning has received more media coverage than any other hot air balloon company in Michigan, with features in PBS Kids, Popular Science, The Detroit News, and multiple local publications in Birmingham, Troy, and West Bloomfield in recent years.

Come see for yourself!

It's the difference between a personalized experience and sharing the basket with strangers – think private jet vs. Spirit Airlines, but with breathtaking views!

Many people find the experience different from other height-related activities because the ascent is gentle, you aren’t enclosed like in an airplane, there isn’t any noise other than the sound of the burner, and the basket feels stable because you’re going with the wind. Initially, it might feel a bit unsettling, but once you're in the air, the fear often transforms into amazement.

While trends can be monitored a day or two in advance, the final decision is made closer to the flight time. Aviation forecasts, updated every six hours, are reviewed, and we rely on the most recent forecasts before making a decision. For evening flights, we’l call you sometime between 2-3pm, and for morning flights, notifications are sent around 9 pm the night before.

Younger children can get bored and restless during the flight, the loud burner can be frightening to them, and many children may not be able to see over the side of the basket. Additionally, there are no restrooms on board. For their safety and enjoyment, we find it best to wait until they are older.

Tips aren’t expected but are appreciated and shared with our hardworking crew.