Fly Albuquerque

A family-run balloon company in Albuquerque

Fly Albuquerque runs its own hot air balloon flights in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The about page describes it as "a locally-owned and operated family run business specializing in scenic tours of the Rio Grande River Valley," and says that "from humble beginnings" it "has turned into a leading provider of hot air balloon tours in Albuquerque." Its address is 6231 Riverside Plaza, Albuquerque, NM 87120, and its phone number is (505) 239-3733. Everything on the site is about flights in and around Albuquerque; it does not sell flights anywhere else.

The homepage invites you to "join us for a once in a lifetime tour along the Rio Grande River Valley" and to "enjoy the rich scenery and native wildlife of the Rio Grande Bosque." Its central promise is personal attention: "You won't find a more personalized flight in the world!" The about page adds: "For many people, this may be the only chance to experience hot air ballooning so why not make it more personal?" It also says the company's "fleet of balloons" is growing, without giving a number.

What it sells

The site's menu lists Group Rides, Private Rides, and Rides over the Rio Grande River Valley. The homepage does not describe how they differ, how many passengers share a group basket, or what a private ride includes. It does not print prices either. Instead there is a banner, "Check out our new pricing," followed by "Same Great Experience" and a Book Now button, and no figures on the homepage itself.

Gift flights are the other product. The homepage says "all gift flights are valid for two years after date of purchase," and pitches them as "the gift of a lifetime."

The menu also carries a page for the Balloon Festival 2026, pre-flight pages on COVID-19 safety, preparing for your flight and where to meet, and a reservations page. Those give an idea of the practical information the company publishes, although their contents are not reproduced on the homepage.

Why Albuquerque, in the company's words

The homepage spends a section answering a question it says it hears often: why Albuquerque is "the balloon capital of the world." Its answer is the weather. It says stable ("stabile," on the page) wind patterns and temperatures are the key to a good flight and that Albuquerque has both. It describes the "Albuquerque Box" as "another term for the ideal conditions here": at lower elevations in the Rio Grande Valley the winds are southerly, at higher elevations northerly, so pilots can launch from Balloon Fiesta Park, drift down the valley, catch the other current and drift back north to land near where they started. The page adds that "Albuquerque's cool morning temperatures also make it easier to fly a balloon."

This is the company's own explanation of local conditions, and the site does not say that every flight follows this pattern or launches from Balloon Fiesta Park. It says the conditions have made Albuquerque "unmistakable for being the best place to fly hot air balloons."

Pilots, crew and what past passengers say

On safety, the about page says "our commercial pilots are insured and safety rated through the FAA WINGS Program," and that the company provides "highly trained ground and chase crew who ensure a safe experience from start to finish." It calls passenger safety its "number one priority." The homepage has a paragraph that describes ballooning in general as "a safe and secure activity"; that is the company's claim, not ours.

The about page's "Talk of the Town" section quotes past passengers, chosen by the company. Two first-time flyers name their pilot, Brittany, one calling her "so friendly" and "truly a professional," and one says "we flew right over the Bosque and even touched the Rio Grande!" Another reviewer says he booked by phone with Patrick, who "told me that he could get me on a balloon that same week," and that the pilot on the day was "his wife Brittany," described as "a native New Mexican." The same reviewer writes: "At the end of our tour we celebrated with champagne and a meat and cheese platter." Another review says "Patrick and team are just awesome" and that Patrick "was very responsive." They give a sense of a small team, but they are testimonials, and the site does not list a post-flight celebration among its inclusions.

The about page also says the company is "a proud partner with many local businesses," without naming them.

Booking and terms

Booking is online through the Book Now buttons, or by phone. The homepage states two terms plainly: "If the flight is cancelled due to weather, you get a full refund!" and "Secure your spot for only 10% deposit." It adds that the company is "a family owned business" that works to give "the best and safest experience possible." The site's Instagram handle, @fly_albuquerque, is listed for passengers who want their photos featured.

What the site leaves open, and who it suits

The site does not state flight duration, launch time or meeting point on its homepage or about page; those are covered, if at all, on the pre-flight pages. The site shows no prices on its homepage. The weather refund is clear, but the site does not say what happens to the deposit if you cancel for other reasons, or how far ahead you need to book. It does not state age, weight or mobility requirements, and it does not explain the difference between group and private rides.

Its strengths are the ones a small operator can offer: pilots named by past passengers, a clear weather refund, a low deposit and a generous gift window. Fly Albuquerque suits visitors to Albuquerque who want a flight over the Rio Grande and the Bosque with a personal feel, and people buying a flight as a present for someone who may not travel for a while. Anyone who needs the price, duration and meeting point before committing should look at the booking and pre-flight pages or call first.