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.
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.
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
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.