At first glance, a hot air balloon doesn’t look to be very wheelchair-accessible. That’s because you usually have to be able to walk and climb into the gondola (basket) to board it. And although most mainstream balloon flights are not doable for wheelchair-users — or even slow walkers — a few companies have gone the extra mile to adapt their rigs. So if you’ve always wanted give hot air ballooning a try, but can’t navigate the traditional setup, then check out these wheelchair-accessible balloon flights.

Bluff City Balloons

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Located near Memphis, Bluff City Balloons has an accessible gondola with a door that swings open and locks shut. Wheelchair-users are transferred to an adaptive seat and secured with a four-point harness for the flight. And once the rig is airborne, the chair can be raised so wheelchair-users also have a great view. Bluff City Balloons has flights that depart from the Collierville area, and they also offer tethered flights for special events and small gatherings.

Reach for the Stars

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Founded by balloon enthusiast Pat Murphy, Reach for the stars is now in the capable hands of Kim and Dave Lynch. Their rig has a gondola with a fold-down door, so wheelchair-users just roll aboard and stay in their own wheelchair for the flight. There’s also a wheelchair-height window in the gondola for a full view of everything. Flights depart from Perris Valley in Southern California. And Reach for the Stars is also a regular at the Temecula Balloon Festival, where they offer wheelchair-accessible tethered flights.

Auspicious Balloon Flights

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Last but not least, check out Martin Phillpot’s Auspicious Balloon Flights if you happen to find yourself near Tulsa. His Ultramagic Balloon is equipped with an accessible gondola seat that’s equipped with a restraint harness. Wheelchair-users can easily transfer to the seat for the flight, and they have a full view of all action once they’re in the air. Martin and his crew offer wheelchair-accessible balloon flights in Northeast Oklahoma, and they are also equipped to do tethered flights for groups. And if you can’t swing your own tethered event, then check out Martin’s schedule — you never know when he might be doing a tethered event near you.