The Tradition of Champagne Balloon Flights

In the pages of history, champagne balloon flights aresomething one chooses to celebrate many of life's
found to have a very different meaning than thejoyous occasions, but they are often celebrating
celebratory flights of today. On the earliest flights,accomplishing the balloon ride they've wanted to take
champagne was brought by aeronauts as a way tofor a lifetime. Birthday wishes are often expressed
calm skeptics and angry landowners, which allowedwith a "happy birthday" hot air balloon and a bottle of
the balloon to take flight. Through the years, achampagne, as are congratulatory wishes after a
traditional balloonist's toast was born tomarriage proposal high in the sky. No matter what
commemorate a safe landing after an enjoyablethe reason, it seem to be the perfect occasion to
flight. Today, champagne flights are commonlyshare a toast with special friends and enjoy a
scheduled for proposals, birthdays, and othertradition that spans centuries.
landmark events.From the French aeronauts to modern day balloon
Although champagne is most often saved until afterpilots, the champagne toast has stood the test of
landing, the flights are commonly referred to astime through the evolution of hot air ballooning.
"champagne flights" signifying that the passengersWhether one is celebrating a special event, or
request bubbly at the conclusion of their journey.enjoying another adventure, a champagne toast
From the earliest manned flight in 18th centuryseems the best way to end a balloon flight. It is no
France, to modern day adventures across the globe,wonder the practice has survived the centuries, and
balloon rides have changed through the years.is being enjoyed more now that perhaps ever
However, certain traditions seem deeply imbedded inbefore. Even without the traditional balloonists' toast,
the roots of hot air ballooning and will probably remainthe popping of champagne at the conclusion of a
there forever. The most well known part of thesuccessful high sky adventure is a traditional worth
tradition of ballooning can be found at the conclusionsavouring. Early morning or late evening, one can
of the flight in the sound of a popping cork. Happyenjoy the flight with a special conclusion in the form
passengers rejoice as they toast to a successfulof a toast. Champagne balloon flights are both a
journey.distinct tradition and a remarkable adventure.
Scheduling a champagne balloon flight might be