How long can a balloon stay aloft?
Depending on many variables such as weight, outside temperature, humidity, altitude, and air density, the time aloft can vary drastically. However, given normal loading and the cooler temperatures of early morning flights, a hot air balloon carries enough fuel for approximately one and a half hours, giving a one half hour margin for safety. How far do we travel? A typical balloon flight is between one and five miles. Keep in mind that a gentle wind blows between one to three miles per hour.