How high do hot air balloons fly?

Flights in hot air balloons have been recorded at over 50,000 feet. However, the sport of ballooning is most enjoyable when flying 1,200 to 3,000 feet. Or just above the treetops. When balloons fly over populated areas, they maintain an altitude of at least 1,000 feet. read more

The all-time record for hot air balloons is about 20,000 meters – or roughly 65,000 feet – set in 1988 by Per Lindstrand of the United Kingdom. The record for helium balloons is even more impressive. Helium balloons rise because helium is lighter than the surrounding air. read more

On November 26, 2005, Vijaypat Singhania set the world altitude record for highest hot air balloon flight, reaching 21,290 m (69,850 ft). He launched from downtown Bombay, India and landed 240 km (150 mi) south in Panchale. read more