The basket of a hot-air balloon is traditionally called a gondola.
The gondola carries the pilot, passengers, fuel tanks, instruments, and burner controls. It is suspended below the fabric envelope by load lines and usually has a woven wicker construction supported by a strong frame. Wicker remains popular because it is relatively light, flexible, and capable of absorbing some impact energy during landing.
The word gondola is also used for the passenger compartment of some other lighter-than-air craft. In ballooning, however, it most commonly means the basket or car beneath the envelope. It should not be confused with the envelope itself, which is the large fabric body containing heated air.
Modern commercial balloons may use different basket materials or designs, but the traditional term remains widespread. The basket’s size depends on the balloon’s volume and its certified passenger capacity.