By Shannon Edinger
Area residents see more in the sky than just the sunrise in the morning. Hot air balloons are a common sight, especially on clear, calm mornings.
There are a few hot air balloon businesses in the area, but American Balloons is the only one with a storefront location. Jessica Warren and her husband, Tom Warren, have owned the business for 12 years, but just recently opened the location because it gives customers a place to meet. American Balloons is located at 4906 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., just north of Hale Road.
“Typically we will meet the passengers at 6:15 in the morning and be off the ground by 7:15,” Jessica Warren said. “The flights last about an hour, then we land and passengers can head back to our office location for brunch and champagne mimosa.”
American Balloons hosts a dozen weddings a year. Custom wedding flights start at $500. Other popular flight occasions include birthdays, anniversaries and sweetheart flights. Sweetheart flights cost $475. All other flights cost $189 for adults over 12 and $125 for children 4-12. Children 3 and under ride free.
“The longest flight I ever took was two and a half hours with a couple,” Tom Warren said. “We were at the point where fuel was low and it was time to land.” He has landed on many different properties. Most people welcome the landings, especially the kids. “No one realizes how massive these balloons are until they see them up close,” Tom Warren said. The balloons reach eight stories high.
Tom Warren said that his company is unique because most others do not allow children to fly. The Warrens request that kids come in before the flight to experience the sights and sounds of the balloons and ensure that they feel comfortable enough to fly. The Warrens have three children who have all flown before their first birthdays.
“I wouldn’t allow kids to fly if I thought it was dangerous,” Tom Warren said. “I wouldn’t put my own children at risk if I thought it wasn’t safe.”
The baskets are made from wicker and can carry four to five passengers, including the pilot. “It’s the most durable material for a basket,” Tom Warren said. The baskets are inspected once a year to ensure safety.
There have been no incidents of injury since the Warrens opened the business 12 years ago. “I remember I had a man go into diabetic shock during a flight, so I had to land on 54 to get him on the ground and get him the help he needed,” Tom Warren said. “You have to take the same emergency precautions you would on any other form of air travel.”
Wind is an important factor in determining the overall flight experience. The Warrens have cancelled scheduled flights due to high winds and inclement weather. “Early mornings in the summer are the best times to fly,” Jessica Warren said. “The winds are calmest in the morning.” Tom Warren says the clear mornings allow passengers to see for 30 miles. Balloons reach altitudes of 3,000 feet in Central Pasco but the view from above is the same whether it is 1,000 feet or 3,000 feet.
American Balloons was featured on the local news for granting the dying wish of a woman in hospice care to take flight in a hot air balloon. The Warrens are happy to give people the ability to float away from the stress of everyday life.
American Balloons can be reached at (813) 243-9507.
