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?
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.
He’s asking about a hot air balloon ride with a company. He’s not asking about owning a hot air balloon.
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.
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.
