Virgin Balloon Flights - Wadhurst
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3.0
12 条点评
极佳
6
非常好
0
一般
1
较差
0
很糟糕
5
Stewart C
英国查塔姆1,074 条分享
2023年6月
We used the Virgin Balloon flight experience taking off from Wadhurst on a Monday evening in June. The flight had been originally scheduled to take off from Harrietsham in Kent, however on the day it was explained the prevailing winds from the south west would take the balloon over the river Medway and so was rescheduled to Wadhurst in Sussex. In terms of cancellations, this was our second attempt at the flight, the previous one being cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions.
We had a 7PM meeting time at the launch site which is a field along a country lane. The entrance was signposted and so not too difficult to find and potential passengers can park their cars here. Note that there are no welfare facilities in the field so you will need to make your own arrangements!
The balloon arrives on a trailer and is unpacked and inflated here. Passengers are encouraged to help the ground crew with the pre-flight preparation of the balloon and we found this to be quite interesting and part of the overall expedience. Passengers are fully briefed on the safety aspects of the ride given both verbally and visually by way of a laminated sheet. The briefing included the landing position in the basket which you will need to know later.
Passengers enter the basket via integral footsteps along the side so an element of climbing is required. The basket holds up to 16 passengers in four separate sections plus the pilot. All passengers will stand for the duration of the journey although will be seated for the landing.
Once airborne, our pilot Damon Bridger was able to point out items of interest along the route and by means of a camera suspended from the balloon, take some aerial pictures and videos of the basket and occupants.
The flight itself is very serene and drifting with the wind it is almost silent apart from the periodic bursts of flames from the burners and the sounds coming up from the ground below. Occasionally you will catch sight of the balloon’s shadow on the landscape. Looking down on the farmland and buildings that you slowly pass over, it gives a whole new perspective of the topography of the area.
The landing was a bit bumpy but not too dramatic and after climbing out of the basket we helped the ground team pack the balloon away once more before enjoying a complimentary glass of either Bucks Fizz, orange juice or Prosecco. Duration of the flight itself was just under an hour with approximately 45 minutes preparing the balloon for flight and an hour packing it all away afterwards.
Photos and videos of your experience are available to purchase after the flight for £20 and are contained on a USB memory stick. The experience concludes with a mini bus trip back to the launch site to collect your vehicles and head for home.
Overall, we found the experience very enjoyable. All of the ground crew and the pilot were friendly and helpful and prepared to answer any queries that you may have relating to the balloon and the flight. This was our first experience at a balloon flight and we would certainly do another and recommend it to others.
We had a 7PM meeting time at the launch site which is a field along a country lane. The entrance was signposted and so not too difficult to find and potential passengers can park their cars here. Note that there are no welfare facilities in the field so you will need to make your own arrangements!
The balloon arrives on a trailer and is unpacked and inflated here. Passengers are encouraged to help the ground crew with the pre-flight preparation of the balloon and we found this to be quite interesting and part of the overall expedience. Passengers are fully briefed on the safety aspects of the ride given both verbally and visually by way of a laminated sheet. The briefing included the landing position in the basket which you will need to know later.
Passengers enter the basket via integral footsteps along the side so an element of climbing is required. The basket holds up to 16 passengers in four separate sections plus the pilot. All passengers will stand for the duration of the journey although will be seated for the landing.
Once airborne, our pilot Damon Bridger was able to point out items of interest along the route and by means of a camera suspended from the balloon, take some aerial pictures and videos of the basket and occupants.
The flight itself is very serene and drifting with the wind it is almost silent apart from the periodic bursts of flames from the burners and the sounds coming up from the ground below. Occasionally you will catch sight of the balloon’s shadow on the landscape. Looking down on the farmland and buildings that you slowly pass over, it gives a whole new perspective of the topography of the area.
The landing was a bit bumpy but not too dramatic and after climbing out of the basket we helped the ground team pack the balloon away once more before enjoying a complimentary glass of either Bucks Fizz, orange juice or Prosecco. Duration of the flight itself was just under an hour with approximately 45 minutes preparing the balloon for flight and an hour packing it all away afterwards.
Photos and videos of your experience are available to purchase after the flight for £20 and are contained on a USB memory stick. The experience concludes with a mini bus trip back to the launch site to collect your vehicles and head for home.
Overall, we found the experience very enjoyable. All of the ground crew and the pilot were friendly and helpful and prepared to answer any queries that you may have relating to the balloon and the flight. This was our first experience at a balloon flight and we would certainly do another and recommend it to others.
撰写日期：2023年6月29日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Seamus T
3 条分享
2022年8月 • 商务型
I'd love to write a review relating to an actual balloon ride. We booked for a party of 16 30th June, cancelled (concerns with wind) 🤔 Couldn't understand it, the weather seemed perfect.
Rebooked for yesterday, CANCELLED because of uncertain wind conditions 😂🤣😅😂🤣😅 what a joke. It was perfect weather yesterday.
Absolute joke! WE'VE LOST nearly £1000 in paying for a coach and a minibus in advance.
Still Richard Branson can buy another Caribbean island.
Moral of the story " Rich people get rich by expoiting ordinary people"
Will never EVER touch anything VIRGIN are involved in again.
Rebooked for yesterday, CANCELLED because of uncertain wind conditions 😂🤣😅😂🤣😅 what a joke. It was perfect weather yesterday.
Absolute joke! WE'VE LOST nearly £1000 in paying for a coach and a minibus in advance.
Still Richard Branson can buy another Caribbean island.
Moral of the story " Rich people get rich by expoiting ordinary people"
Will never EVER touch anything VIRGIN are involved in again.
撰写日期：2022年8月9日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Bill_Hyatt-Steel
英国West Sussex24 条分享
2022年7月 • 夫妻情侣
OK firstly don't book this you won't get to go.
I've decided to review this after every time I rebook it and they enivitibly let me down again.
So I've rebooked this twice since the last time they let us down bring my totally booking to.... im not sure, I think over 11 but i can find evidence for 7 over 3 ish years its getting ridiculous now. Today they canceled on weather ground as usual. Its the middle of heat wave not a cloud in sight and no wind what so ever. The weather is perfect so I think this definitely a con. BTW last review I left they replied and left me number to ring the time before I did ring it they were no help tried to get me to accept a refund I assume they don't want me warning off potential customers they can rip off. Also they have our number they could ring us , infact they could ring me every time they let us down instead of making me ring up recored message. All very suspicious. Please let me know if you have ever actually got on a ballon with these guys ( virgin.)
I've decided to review this after every time I rebook it and they enivitibly let me down again.
So I've rebooked this twice since the last time they let us down bring my totally booking to.... im not sure, I think over 11 but i can find evidence for 7 over 3 ish years its getting ridiculous now. Today they canceled on weather ground as usual. Its the middle of heat wave not a cloud in sight and no wind what so ever. The weather is perfect so I think this definitely a con. BTW last review I left they replied and left me number to ring the time before I did ring it they were no help tried to get me to accept a refund I assume they don't want me warning off potential customers they can rip off. Also they have our number they could ring us , infact they could ring me every time they let us down instead of making me ring up recored message. All very suspicious. Please let me know if you have ever actually got on a ballon with these guys ( virgin.)
撰写日期：2022年7月23日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
vejjieno1
英国艾塞克斯1 条分享
2021年6月
From start to finish on the morning of our flight the crew could not have been more helpful or professional.
Would and have recommended this adventure to family and friends.
Booking the flight was easy too.
Would and have recommended this adventure to family and friends.
Booking the flight was easy too.
撰写日期：2022年5月5日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Hi there,
Thanks for letting us know you had a great flight! We will be sure to pass on the great work to the pilot and crew!
Kind Regards,
Virgin Balloon Flights
撰写日期：2022年5月16日
此回复为企业代表所写的主观评论，并不代表 TripAdvisor LLC 的观点。
Sue B
13 条分享
2021年8月 • 好友
Wonderful experience and well worth the wait, 2+ years. It's also a comfort to go with a team who will not fly unless absolutely safe conditions (as we had several cancelled flights). Such a tranquil flight and stunningly beautiful scenery. Thank you to Damon and his team for a great time, would highly recommend although be prepared for cancellations due to unsuitable weather conditions.
撰写日期：2021年8月23日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Hi V8071CKsueb,
Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely feedback! We are very pleased to hear you had a great great hot air ballooning experience with us and the crew. We will be sure to tell Damon to keep up the good work.
Kind regards,
Virgin Balloon Flights Team
撰写日期：2021年8月25日
此回复为企业代表所写的主观评论，并不代表 TripAdvisor LLC 的观点。
Mark6Kids
2 条分享
2019年8月 • 夫妻情侣
Balloon Flights are simply amazing; peacful and tranquil. The perspective from the balloon is simply stunning. Great crowd of people - . The ground team and pilot (Dameon Bridger), were excellent, nothing too much... fun banter.... worked very hard for our enjoyment.
撰写日期：2019年9月7日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Hi Mark6Kids,
Thank you for letting us know you had a wonderful balloon ride with us!
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
撰写日期：2019年9月9日
此回复为企业代表所写的主观评论，并不代表 TripAdvisor LLC 的观点。
Blueisthecolour
1 条分享
2019年9月 • 家庭
Do not waste your time, I have spent 2 years booking flights only for them to cancel at the last minute (11pm before a 6am flight) due to "wind shear".
Our last flight was cancelled with steady easterly winds of 5mph over most of the County (high level). We will never get better ballooning conditions than that.
We have now given up hope after so many cancellations and know that this is a complete con. The pilot (Mr B) clearly cannot be bothered to get up in the morning and will not hesitate to let you down even when you have had family members travel across the UK.
Please please do not book this, you will be wasting your time and it will cause you and your friends/family alot of stress.
Our last flight was cancelled with steady easterly winds of 5mph over most of the County (high level). We will never get better ballooning conditions than that.
We have now given up hope after so many cancellations and know that this is a complete con. The pilot (Mr B) clearly cannot be bothered to get up in the morning and will not hesitate to let you down even when you have had family members travel across the UK.
Please please do not book this, you will be wasting your time and it will cause you and your friends/family alot of stress.
撰写日期：2019年9月1日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Hi BluemanSW1
We are sorry to hear you feel this way about the ballooning experience.
While we can fully appreciate your disappointment with having a flight cancelled on what you would feel to be a suitable flying day, we can assure you that flights do go ahead but only when it is safe to do so.
For every active flight voucher, flights need to be scheduled which comes at a significant cost for planning, mandatory balloon maintenance, inspection, specialised aviation forecasts up to 5000ft etc., all to ensure that when it’s safe and legal to fly we have everything ready to go.
When a flight is cancelled, many of these costs are still incurred and the pilot receives no payment. Some companies pass these costs on in the form of booking fees however we will continue to extend vouchers due to cancellations free of charge, making it always in ours and the pilot’s interest to fly you within the fewest attempts possible, there is simply no benefit to cancelling as to do so is at our own detriment.
If you require assistance with re booking your flight, please get in touch with us on customerservice@virginballoonflights.co.uk, by phone or via the Live Chat Facility on our website.
We do hope that you continue to re book your flight as it is an amazing experience to do and will be well worth the wait.
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
撰写日期：2019年9月9日
此回复为企业代表所写的主观评论，并不代表 TripAdvisor LLC 的观点。
Ben W
1 条分享
2019年9月 • 家庭
We booked a family balloon flight for a 70th birthday present. That was two years ago. Despite having booked over a dozen times the flight is constantly cancelled a few hours before. They blame weather conditions but if you book a flight on a Sunday they clearly just cannot be bothered. Waking up to clear skies and barely any wind is very frustrating when the pilot has blamed “wind shear” as a reason not to go. As a professional pilot I am aware this is simply rubbish.
撰写日期：2019年9月1日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Hi BenW4216,
We are sorry to hear you have experienced weather cancellations. As I’m sure you can appreciate, our pilots need to take many factors into account when deciding if it is safe to fly or not.
I can assure you that flights do go ahead, it is in the interests of everyone involved for flights to go ahead when they can.
For every active voucher, flights need to be scheduled which comes at a significant cost for planning, mandatory balloon maintenance, inspection, specialised aviation forecasts up to 5000ft etc., all to ensure that when it’s safe and legal to fly we have everything ready to go.
When a flight is cancelled, many of these costs are still incurred and the pilot receives no payment. Some companies pass these costs on in the form of booking fees however we will continue to extend vouchers due to cancellations free of charge, making it always in ours and our pilot’s interest to fly you within the fewest attempts possible, there is simply no benefit to cancelling as to do so is at our own detriment.
If you require assistance with re booking your flight, please get in touch with us on customerservice@virginballoonflights.co.uk, by phone or via the Live Chat Facility on our website.
We do hope that you continue to re book your flight as it is an amazing experience to do and will be well worth the wait.
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
撰写日期：2019年9月9日
此回复为企业代表所写的主观评论，并不代表 TripAdvisor LLC 的观点。
stevensdavid463
英国皇家滕布里奇韦尔斯1 条分享
2019年7月 • 夫妻情侣
This was a present for my partners 40th birthday. It was amazing! From booking the flight to actually taking the flight, it was hassle free and a pleasure. Our flight crew were so friendly, professional and at times very funny! We couldn’t of asked for a more enjoyable experience and thoroughly recommend it. Here’s to the next time!
撰写日期：2019年7月23日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Hi stevensdavid463,
Thank you for your feedback.
We are happy to hear that you both had a fantastic time on your balloon ride!
We look forward to flying you again some day.
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
撰写日期：2019年7月23日
此回复为企业代表所写的主观评论，并不代表 TripAdvisor LLC 的观点。
Wandering Wonderings
英国海斯廷斯3,247 条分享
2019年6月 • 独自旅游
Had 4 cancellations before finally flying. I understand the need to short notice cancel, but it does get frustrating from the buyer's perspective.
My flight was booked in wadhurst, however we got transferred to hollingbury due to the winds. Again, I understand, but the amount you pay...I didn't want to go from hollingbury. I'd like the option to cancel if the take off site changes. I couldn't cancel as I'd lose the money. The flight itself was smooth, but the view from the balloon was really dull. Leeds castle, fields and a housing estate. I wanted to see towns I knew in East Sussex, not field after field in Kent.
The pilot was friendly, the take off and landing smooth. Be prepared to get stuck in packing and unpacking the balloon. The flight can't happen unless you all help. Be aware of the timings too. You have to book in for 6.30, but we never took off until 7.15. After the flight lands an hour later, you them spend about an hour in the landing site packing up the balloon and having a glass of champagne. Then taken back to the landing site. I was back at my car at 10.05. I didn't mind the timings, but just making you aware as it was a longer experience than several people on the flight were expecting. They were getting quite jittery at the end about getting back to babysitters.
I realise I sound like a grumpy mare, but when you pay lots of money for a special treat, then you want it to be the treat you paid for.
My flight was booked in wadhurst, however we got transferred to hollingbury due to the winds. Again, I understand, but the amount you pay...I didn't want to go from hollingbury. I'd like the option to cancel if the take off site changes. I couldn't cancel as I'd lose the money. The flight itself was smooth, but the view from the balloon was really dull. Leeds castle, fields and a housing estate. I wanted to see towns I knew in East Sussex, not field after field in Kent.
The pilot was friendly, the take off and landing smooth. Be prepared to get stuck in packing and unpacking the balloon. The flight can't happen unless you all help. Be aware of the timings too. You have to book in for 6.30, but we never took off until 7.15. After the flight lands an hour later, you them spend about an hour in the landing site packing up the balloon and having a glass of champagne. Then taken back to the landing site. I was back at my car at 10.05. I didn't mind the timings, but just making you aware as it was a longer experience than several people on the flight were expecting. They were getting quite jittery at the end about getting back to babysitters.
I realise I sound like a grumpy mare, but when you pay lots of money for a special treat, then you want it to be the treat you paid for.
撰写日期：2019年6月27日
此点评为 Tripadvisor 会员所写的主观评论，并不代表 Tripadvisor LLC 的观点。 Tripadvisor 对点评进行检查。
Hi MrsBsTravels,
Thank you for your feedback.
We appreciate that weather cancellations are frustrating. Our pilots need to check the latest forecasts before making the decision if it is safe to fly or not. We try to give as much notice as possible (the evening before for a morning flight and earlier in the afternoon for an evening flight) while also ensuring no decision is made too early and a flight is cancelled unnecessarily.
Our pilots use back-up launch sites to give the flight an even better chance of going ahead, where they may have had to cancel. We understand many passengers book a launch site to have the chance to fly over areas they know however as balloons are wind driven, we wouldn't be able to guarantee this in any case.
The very nature of ballooning and the weather dependency means that every flight is unique and we do our best to offer our customers a fantastic experience taking this into account.
We are glad that you enjoyed your balloon ride and thank you again for taking the time to leave this review.
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
撰写日期：2019年7月22日
此回复为企业代表所写的主观评论，并不代表 TripAdvisor LLC 的观点。
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