Each of the companies that we have talked to for Hot air balloon rides have said you pay for it in advance, then if there is bad weather, you don’t get your money back. You just have to reschedule for another day. We have a friend who had to make many many many trips an hour and a half each way and each time on the way there, they would get a call to say sorry it’s too windy or some other item. It took a long time before they actually got there actual ride.
So what I’m wondering is, is there any company out there that actually just gives a refund if you can’t take the ride because of inclement weather.? This is in the United States.
There may be, though I would be surprised if anyone does. You are at the mercy of the weather, winds too high? Nope. Looks perfect but there is a nasty windshear at 1000m? Nope.
You still have to have your crew ready even when you call it off. They need to be paid. There are exceptions with crew where you might barter training against pay if someone wants to become a pilot. Still there is work to be done even if you don’t fly. I haven’t been involved for awhile, when I was, any no fly day cut into profit even if there was a reschedule. I doubt that has changed.
I still hold my Lighter Than Air license, I never had a Commericial Pilots License ( you need that for paying passengers) but haven’t flown in a bit.
That’s interesting, glad you brought extra context. Wouldn’t a better option be to factor the losses from bad weather into the price instead?
It would probably make the price prohibitive.
You can make some educated guesses like Michigan in August, mornings are probably a safer bet than afternoons when you have a greater chance of thunderstorms. It’s still trying to predict the weather though.
No one would pay in that scenario…what if the average is 5 reschedules? You going to pay for 6 foights upfront and only get 1? No…
If you aren’t ready to lose the money no matter what, perhaps it’s not the best way to spend your money. Hot air baloons are like boats, they’re for people who need a way to lose money when they have too much.
That still doesn’t make any fairer. OP expects a service for their money. If there happens to be bad weather, it’s not right for the company “sorry, too windy, come again another time with more money”.
Also don’t gatekeep balloon rides, it’s not like you’re renting a private jet.
Not more money…just come back when weather permits flying a hot air balloon…
He doesn’t have to pay for another flight? Thought it was like water parks where your money just goes into the ether if it rains.
The comment of not getting money back but being allowed to reschedule to me implies they can reschedule and no additional money needs to be paid. If you cancel, you lose your money.
I could be wrong, but typically when a company tells me I can reschedule, I don’t need to pay again. Nothing is cancelled, just postponed.
Oh wow, I missed that sentence. Makes sense now, nevermind!
Actually that is the problem to me.
If I make an appointment for something (hot air balloon ride) then on the appointed day they call and say sorry to high of wind. I understand there is danger. So I can see them rescheduling. But if it happens again. Then to me give me the option of a refund.
Don’t make me drive an hour and a half one way, then after I’m half way there, cancel. And expect me to be happy if that happens several times.
BTW I’m not upset with you. Annoyed with companies that think this sort of a business model is ok.
But from other commentors it seems to not just be that way in my state but everywhere. My mom has never had a hot air balloon ride and she doesn’t have many years left. Guess she may never get one.
Oh absolutely, still in agreement with you. I just thought they were outright stealing your money. Time is still valuable. I don’t think a balloon ride might be a guarantee though, just the nature of it. Hope you guys find a way!
He’s asking about a hot air balloon ride with a company. He’s not asking about owning a hot air balloon.
I know, my response remains unchanged.
According to Google a hot air balloon costs $150-250. I’m not sure where you live, but in the US that seems completely reasonable to do for a unique experience.
We don’t known the policy of the balloons in your area. I suggest finding a balloon you get along with and ask it of its return policy.
In my area that’s what they do. I was hoping other areas did something different
Have you asked each company in details? It’s typically the kind of small business who understands everyone unique case rather than a large corporation full of procedures and lawyers.
I assume they would rather reschedule to not loose the money, but a way to cancel may exists
Here it is the other way round: you get a phone call and they offer you date+time for your ride when they know that the weather will be good.
Usually in situations like this you might be able to schedule it super far in advance, and then maybe a week later call and cancel to get a refund due to “unrelated reasons”