No refund and multiple cancellation! Never ever book
My husband had arranged this ballon event for my birthday as a surprise! It was cancelled though due to the bad weather. He asked to get a refund so that he can buy another gift for me, but his request was rejected and he was told that he can reschedule only. He wanted to make a special memory for me on my BD and this company ruined it with taking his money as hostage! Then he reschedule it for 5 times and any time we receive a message on the day that the event is cancelled. One day due to hot weather, another day due to wind, etc. today the weather looks perfect, neither warm nor windy or rainy but still the company cancelled it for the 5th time due to the bad weather.
After 2 month past from my BD, 5 times cancellation and being refused to have a refund, I feel very frustrated and I will never recommend it to anyone else to choose this company. Just find another service provide who respect you time and money and provide you with refund in such cases. Otherwise be ready to face a big disappointment on your special days! We had a big bad memory on my special 40th BD and I will never forget this.
Update: just to inform others to run away from this company. We contacted them before as I explained but in the reply to my message they act like they did not receive anything. We contacted them again after they replied here and they again repeated that no refund will be issued. At the end they said out of their "good will" they charge customers 40% of full price for their operational risk when weather condition leads to multiple flight cancellation from own side!!!! So literally customers shall pay to them for nothing. I will share my experience everywhere so that people know what they can expect. It is easy to pretend that they are caring about customers here, but behind the scene they dont. You will see the reality only when they took your money.
Reply from Ballonvaartmaken.com
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are genuinely sorry that what was intended as a memorable birthday surprise turned into a frustrating process. That is absolutely not the experience we hope to offer.
For clarity to others reading along: hot air ballooning is highly dependent on weather conditions. We only cancel when a flight is deemed unsafe. Even if the weather appears fine at ground level, conditions at altitude or specific wind patterns can pose serious risks. These are carefully assessed by licensed pilots, and safety always comes first.
We understand how upsetting it can be when a special moment keeps being postponed. However, every planned flight involves full operational preparation. This includes weather monitoring, pilot scheduling, crew readiness and logistical coordination. These preparations result in costs, even if the flight ultimately cannot proceed. That is why our policy does not allow full refunds when weather causes cancellations. This is clearly stated during the booking process.
Despite this, we offered you a 60 percent refund as a gesture of goodwill. That offer went beyond what our terms require. We’re sorry that you did not wish to accept it.
Your feedback has been noted, and we truly regret that your experience with us has left you feeling this way. We have responded to your messages respectfully and promptly, both directly and here. Our team remains committed to fairness and transparency for every customer.