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! :eek:

So, my question is this: are any of you aware of a better/cheaper way of organising said flight?

Many thanks,

TPK:ok:

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?

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

http://www.touchguildford.com/dir/dirsrch.cfm/1035

Reach for the Sky have a good reputation I believe.

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.

Bath
 

We flew from Bath with Bailey Balloons and Family run business

Very good

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

Thanks for all the advice guys! I'll let you know how I get on.

Rgds,

TPK:ok: