In preparation for your upcoming balloon flight, we are required to provide every guest 18+ years of age, with detailed passenger awareness information in advance, which includes a waiver on file within our reservation system at least 24 hours before flight time. We find that passengers are better informed when they know how to dress and prepare for this flight experience and this process will also avoid having to fill out paperwork during the early morning pilot briefing.

In order to send out these legal documents separately, we must have everyone’s individual email address in order to receive and respond to this Passenger Awareness Documentation personally. Individual phone numbers and email addresses will verify passenger identification. Once you find this ADOBE information in your email in-box (also check spam) you will be able to acknowledge the information and instructions with your convenient eSignature. Minor’s name weight and age should be added to their guardian’s form.

We can’t circumvent our policy on this procedure as we are audited by our insurance company. Individual phone numbers and eMail addresses verify passenger identification and will not be used for any other purpose. Your privacy is respected. There have been issues in the past with hand written information, collected on the day of flight being illegible and contact information often being incorrect. Sending and receiving individually identified passenger emails has eliminated this problem and given assurance that the flight safety information was received and fully understood by each passenger.

Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to meeting you the morning of your flight.

Please…
• DO NOT wear high healed or open toe shoes – good ankle support (sturdy shoes) is important as we may need to walk on rough or uneven terrain. We suggest long pants rather than long or short skirts.
• DO NOT step on the balloon fabric at any time – it can easily be damaged on abrasive surfaces.
• DO NOT exit the basket until the pilot specifically instructs you to do so – while on the ground, your weight loss can cause the balloon to rise again unexpectedly.
• DO NOT consume alcohol while on the flight – glass containers are not permitted in the basket.
• KEEP TRACK of loose items during landing – we cannot be responsible for what could fall out during landing.
• Bring a hat and sun glasses because the burners (and the Sun) emits radiant heat.
• Wear layered clothing – it can be cool when we meet but much warmer during the flight.
• Condensation can drip from the burner and contains carbon (soot).
• Bring drinking water to keep hydrated and a snack if you tend have low blood sugar.
• Feel encouraged to participate hands-on with the set up inflation or deflation of the balloon. Its fun and you can always learn something new… But you are never obligated to help.
• Remember a gratuity for your ground support crew. These friendly folks will work hard to make your experience safe and enjoyable. Guests typically contribute $15-20 per passenger and can also be accepted by credit card on the date of flight or in advance, if you prefer. Just let us know – (yes) and we’ll contact you specifically.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT
Notice: By signing this agreement, you are forever releasing and waiving your rights to make a claim for injuries or damages against Sonoma Thunder, Inc. DBA Wine Country Balloons Read this document carefully before signing
1) I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate in Hot Air Balloon flights and associated activities to be conducted by Sonoma Thunder, Inc. DBA Wine Country Balloons
2) I am aware that Hot Air Balloon flight is a potentially hazardous activity. Some of the risks include, but are not limited to, loss of or damage to personal property, arrest for trespassing or other violations of the law, serious bodily injury or fatality due to capsize of basket, or other vehicle, collision with obstacles on the ground or in the air, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, immersion in water, and hypothermia, falling from a balloon while in the air or on the ground, fire or flame and temperature extremes or inclement weather. I am voluntarily participating in these activities with knowledge of the danger involved, and I hereby agree to accept and assume any and all risks of injury or death.
3) As a passenger, I agree to help make the flight safer by pointing out any potential hazards such as power lines or other Balloons in the immediate vicinity. I also agree to follow the pilots instructions throughout the duration of the flight.
4) By signing this agreement, I certify that I have no physical or mental condition that prevents me from participating in any Balloon activities.
5) In consideration for being permitted by Sonoma Thunder, Inc. herein referred to as Wine Country Balloons, to participate in these activities and use of their facilities, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, heirs, distributees, guardians, and legal representatives will not make any claim against, sue, or attach the property of Sonoma Thunder, Inc., its agents, employees, and contractors for any injury or damage resulting from the negligence or other acts, howsoever caused, by any employee, agent. or contractor of Sonoma Thunder, Inc., as a result in my participation in Hot Air Balloon flights and associated activities. I hereby release Sonoma Thunder, Inc., its agents, servants, and employees, from all actions, claims, demands, that I, my assignees, heirs, distributes, guardian, and legal representative now have or may hereafter have for injury or damage resulting from my participation in Hot Air Balloon flights and associated activities. Further , I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Sonoma Thunder, Inc. and its agents, servants, and employees against any claim for injury or damages that I may sustain as a result of my participation in any of the activities of Sonoma Thunder, Inc..