Ballooning advice
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: 2nm due S EGLK
Ballooning advice
Hi all,
Firstly, apologies if this is the wrong forum...
I would like to arrange a birthday surprise for my fianceé, and was considering a balloon flight.
A little research suggest that Hartley Wintney in Hampshire would be an ideal place to fly from (I live in Fleet and fly from Blackbushe). However, I'm slightly shocked by the price - upward of £110 per person for a c.1hr flight, and that's not even for sole use of the balloon!
So, my question is this: are any of you aware of a better/cheaper way of organising said flight?
Many thanks,
TPK
Firstly, apologies if this is the wrong forum...
I would like to arrange a birthday surprise for my fianceé, and was considering a balloon flight.
A little research suggest that Hartley Wintney in Hampshire would be an ideal place to fly from (I live in Fleet and fly from Blackbushe). However, I'm slightly shocked by the price - upward of £110 per person for a c.1hr flight, and that's not even for sole use of the balloon!
So, my question is this: are any of you aware of a better/cheaper way of organising said flight?
Many thanks,
TPK
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: In a good pub (I wish!)
A mere £110 pp?! It can and does often cost more, and with eight or more places per balloon then they'll want to fill it to make a profit. They'll be operating to an AOC with all attendant costs, it's not like renting a C152 from your local club!!!!
There are many ballooning outfits you can search for, plus does the British Ballooning Club (sorry forgotten their actual name) have a website link to operators?
There are many ballooning outfits you can search for, plus does the British Ballooning Club (sorry forgotten their actual name) have a website link to operators?
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: UK
I've booked a few balloon flights for my wife over the past couple of years. The price seems about right if you book direct.
Try Horizon, they're in your area and I have always had good service from them :- http://www.horizonballooning.co.uk/
Bests
MB
Try Horizon, they're in your area and I have always had good service from them :- http://www.horizonballooning.co.uk/
Bests
MB
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 0
From: UK
http://www.touchguildford.com/dir/dirsrch.cfm/1035
Reach for the Sky have a good reputation I believe.
Reach for the Sky have a good reputation I believe.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: UK
Ballooning is expensive because of many reasons.
The envelope part of the balloon cost Thousands and only last about 400 hours, then you've got the basket, burners, fuel(vehicle and balloon), retrieve crew wages, vehicles, trailer etc. So the money is justified. Don't forget the Champagne!! Plus the fact that you need good weather conditions and the crews are normally working early mornings or late evenings in the summer for the cooler temperature for the balloons.
Try The European Balloon Company based at Great Missenden in Bucks 01494890301 a very good balloon company I used to work with.
The envelope part of the balloon cost Thousands and only last about 400 hours, then you've got the basket, burners, fuel(vehicle and balloon), retrieve crew wages, vehicles, trailer etc. So the money is justified. Don't forget the Champagne!! Plus the fact that you need good weather conditions and the crews are normally working early mornings or late evenings in the summer for the cooler temperature for the balloons.
Try The European Balloon Company based at Great Missenden in Bucks 01494890301 a very good balloon company I used to work with.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Surrey
http://www.hotair.co.uk
The above is the URL for British School of Ballooning.
Family run business and largest in the country I believe
Highly recommend them
Regards
Lon
The above is the URL for British School of Ballooning.
Family run business and largest in the country I believe
Highly recommend them
Regards
Lon
