Virgin Balloon Flights - Colchester
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3.0
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Keira Davies
英國倫敦8 則投稿
2022年6月 • 夫妻情侶
Bought voucher in December 2020, but very limited suitable flights available, and flights booked then cancelled by Virgin multiple times.
The flight booking system is a joke - almost fully booked with covid backlog, really difficult to find a convenient flight for 2 people. If you take annual leave days, chances are you’ll waste them as the flight will be cancelled at short notice!
Then to confirm the flight is going ahead, customers have to call a specific phone number hours before the flight to listen to an automated message saying whether the flight is going ahead or not. (Pretty sure it doesn’t even specify flight location or AM/PM).
For £100+pp, you would expect a better system, maybe even a text/ email to let you know if the flight is going ahead or not?!
We called at midday for our PM flight, to hear a message saying this flight was cancelled, but later discovered this message was still referring to the MORNING flight (due to have departed 6h prior?!) and not our AFTERNOON flight.
Then we received an email THE NEXT DAY, saying our flight was going ahead?!
Customer service said we were entirely to blame, denied any responsibility for morning flight info still being given at midday/ message not specifying AM/PM flight, nor for their email coming in 24h late. They would not let us rebook, and eventually we were merely offered us a tiny discount on buying new tickets.
Overall, £250 completely wasted, as well as several hours’ of emails and phone calls and a HUGE amount of disappointment.
DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY.
The flight booking system is a joke - almost fully booked with covid backlog, really difficult to find a convenient flight for 2 people. If you take annual leave days, chances are you’ll waste them as the flight will be cancelled at short notice!
Then to confirm the flight is going ahead, customers have to call a specific phone number hours before the flight to listen to an automated message saying whether the flight is going ahead or not. (Pretty sure it doesn’t even specify flight location or AM/PM).
For £100+pp, you would expect a better system, maybe even a text/ email to let you know if the flight is going ahead or not?!
We called at midday for our PM flight, to hear a message saying this flight was cancelled, but later discovered this message was still referring to the MORNING flight (due to have departed 6h prior?!) and not our AFTERNOON flight.
Then we received an email THE NEXT DAY, saying our flight was going ahead?!
Customer service said we were entirely to blame, denied any responsibility for morning flight info still being given at midday/ message not specifying AM/PM flight, nor for their email coming in 24h late. They would not let us rebook, and eventually we were merely offered us a tiny discount on buying new tickets.
Overall, £250 completely wasted, as well as several hours’ of emails and phone calls and a HUGE amount of disappointment.
DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY.
發表日期：2022年9月11日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Kelly J
1 則投稿
2022年8月
Total scam. They take your money and never give you the flight you have paid for - it is cancelled and then they never have flights to re-book you on and ask you for more money. I am in the process of reporting them to Trading Standards and the Ombudsman. If you look at the other reviews this is also happening to others. DO NOT BUY FROM THEM!! SCAM!! I will be contacting everyone else in the thread that have been ripped off to do a joint Trading Standards report and possibly sue - it costs £70 to take this to small claims court and we have all be ripped off hundreds of pounds, collectively probably thousands.
發表日期：2022年8月17日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Hi there,
Thank you for getting in touch. We're so sorry to hear you haven't been able to get in the air with us yet!
We understand how frustrating cancellations can be. Unfortunately, due to the nature of balloon flights they are very weather dependant. We will only ever cancel a flight if it is unsafe to fly you or something out of our control. Because we fly at high altitudes we do have to take into account the weather at 3000+ ft. However, we do promise our flights are worth the wait! We do state very clearly in our terms and conditions that hot air ballooning is fully at risk of cancellation due to it's weather dependant nature.
Having looked into your circumstances from our systems, you have had one cancellation in April 2022, and since then have not been onto our systems to check for any further details to book. We are confused as to why you may think there is no availability as we have ample dates and We take bookings 6-8 weeks in advance everyday.
We would be more than happy to help you rebook onto another flight or equally you can get in touch with our customer service team via phone at 01952 212750 or by the live chat on our website to see if we can do anything for you.
I am genuinely sorry that your experience with us has not met your expectations. As you would expect from a virgin company, customer service and user experience are one of our absolute top priorities, so I apologise if you feel we have fallen short.
Kind Regards,
Virgin Balloon Flights
發表日期：2022年8月19日
這則回應是管理階層代表的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。
Anna G
1 則投稿
2021年1月
Do not book a Virgin Balloon Flight experience. Virgin Balloon Flight experience have refused us a refund despite waiting years and years to go on a ride.
After buying a balloon experience - we tried on multiple occasions to book a flight. However, on each occasion due to bad weather, the flight was cancelled. This kept happening and it seemed that even when the weather was not bad they still cancelled.
Fed up of trying to arrange a date with so many people - only for it to be cancelled AGAIN and AGAIN we contacted Virgin and requested a refund. Only to be told that we were not entitled to a full refund only 50% or the other option was to re-book. We were shocked to find we were only entitled to a 50% refund when the cancellation of flight was through no fault of our own, it was cancelled by Virgin so why were they keeping our money? Therefore, we decided to try to rebook again, however, covid struck.
Fast forward a few years of no balloon flights due to Covid 19- and now trying to claim the 50% back initially agreed - we have been told that as there has been no activity on the account we are not entitled to any money back at all. Disgusting service and I am appalled that a company so big can take so much money for a service that they failed to provide.
Do not book a flight with virgin balloon rides - they will keep cancelling, your money will be taken and you will not have a balloon flight experience they promise.
After buying a balloon experience - we tried on multiple occasions to book a flight. However, on each occasion due to bad weather, the flight was cancelled. This kept happening and it seemed that even when the weather was not bad they still cancelled.
Fed up of trying to arrange a date with so many people - only for it to be cancelled AGAIN and AGAIN we contacted Virgin and requested a refund. Only to be told that we were not entitled to a full refund only 50% or the other option was to re-book. We were shocked to find we were only entitled to a 50% refund when the cancellation of flight was through no fault of our own, it was cancelled by Virgin so why were they keeping our money? Therefore, we decided to try to rebook again, however, covid struck.
Fast forward a few years of no balloon flights due to Covid 19- and now trying to claim the 50% back initially agreed - we have been told that as there has been no activity on the account we are not entitled to any money back at all. Disgusting service and I am appalled that a company so big can take so much money for a service that they failed to provide.
Do not book a flight with virgin balloon rides - they will keep cancelling, your money will be taken and you will not have a balloon flight experience they promise.
發表日期：2021年12月20日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Davey B
4 則投稿
2021年5月
I write this review purely as a public warning for this experience.
For those of you short of time, I attempted 3 bookings over 3 years and all 'flights' got cancelled, even on apparently calm days (very weather sensitive). You need to book weeks in advance and, from my experience, have a good chance of disappointment on the day.. You will be asked to pay over £160 per couple to extend if you forget to book after the ticket expiry, and if you refuse, you have no recourse to get your money back!
DO NOT book this experience if you are hoping for a surprise gift for a loved one, the odds are too small to leave to chance
You have 3 months in a year (during winter) where you cannot book
You have to book weeks in advance, with little guarantee of success
I spent £315 UPFRONT, with no chance of a refund, and am committed to attempt to book weeks in advance for a booking.. If that fails you have an extension to your ticket validity.. Just keep remembering to book
After the winter months are over DON'T FORGET TO BOOK!.. I did.. i then had to pay £80, before they would extend/upgrade my ticket to a 7 day one
Even then, I get failed flights on the day.. again, my ticket expired.. THEY THEN WANTED A FURTHER £160 to extend my ticket!!!
In essence you get worn down.. with the constant attempts to book.. and they POCKET YOUR MONEY, with no chance of a refund until you just plain give up!!
I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE TRADING STANDARDS ASSOCIATION, as this is unethical behaviour for a trusted company. You have a 1 year ticket, weeks before a booking can be taken, you pay £300+ upfront, with a chance that you will get nothing for it..
An elaborate way for Virgin to earn interest on your money while you struggle to get the flight you paid for. A thoroughly disappointing service, their customer service people have to have a thick skin, and must be a very depressing place to work.
For those of you short of time, I attempted 3 bookings over 3 years and all 'flights' got cancelled, even on apparently calm days (very weather sensitive). You need to book weeks in advance and, from my experience, have a good chance of disappointment on the day.. You will be asked to pay over £160 per couple to extend if you forget to book after the ticket expiry, and if you refuse, you have no recourse to get your money back!
DO NOT book this experience if you are hoping for a surprise gift for a loved one, the odds are too small to leave to chance
You have 3 months in a year (during winter) where you cannot book
You have to book weeks in advance, with little guarantee of success
I spent £315 UPFRONT, with no chance of a refund, and am committed to attempt to book weeks in advance for a booking.. If that fails you have an extension to your ticket validity.. Just keep remembering to book
After the winter months are over DON'T FORGET TO BOOK!.. I did.. i then had to pay £80, before they would extend/upgrade my ticket to a 7 day one
Even then, I get failed flights on the day.. again, my ticket expired.. THEY THEN WANTED A FURTHER £160 to extend my ticket!!!
In essence you get worn down.. with the constant attempts to book.. and they POCKET YOUR MONEY, with no chance of a refund until you just plain give up!!
I HAVE MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE TRADING STANDARDS ASSOCIATION, as this is unethical behaviour for a trusted company. You have a 1 year ticket, weeks before a booking can be taken, you pay £300+ upfront, with a chance that you will get nothing for it..
An elaborate way for Virgin to earn interest on your money while you struggle to get the flight you paid for. A thoroughly disappointing service, their customer service people have to have a thick skin, and must be a very depressing place to work.
發表日期：2021年5月3日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Adam T
1 則投稿
2020年4月 • 好友旅行
How can it be improved? Maybe have a date when you can go up.
I bought tickets 2 and a half years ago for my wife's birthday, and every time it gets cancelled.
DON'T BOTHER BUYING TICKETS.
They will take your money, say no refund, and offer no service. The customer service team offer nothing but apologies. "I'm sorry we took your £300 and won't give it back" isn't good enough.
It's basically a well thought out SCAM. If this had happened anywhere else, is be calling the police or my credit card company.
Keep your money. Don't have a balloon flight. It's better than spending your money and not having one.
I bought tickets 2 and a half years ago for my wife's birthday, and every time it gets cancelled.
DON'T BOTHER BUYING TICKETS.
They will take your money, say no refund, and offer no service. The customer service team offer nothing but apologies. "I'm sorry we took your £300 and won't give it back" isn't good enough.
It's basically a well thought out SCAM. If this had happened anywhere else, is be calling the police or my credit card company.
Keep your money. Don't have a balloon flight. It's better than spending your money and not having one.
發表日期：2021年3月8日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Jo Eley
8 則投稿
2019年7月 • 夫妻情侶
Absolutely amazing from start to finish! Watching it all get set up was incredible so interesting!! Had a lovely pilot & Co pilot who were full of information!! A very smooth take off and landing! Just felt like we were floating around! So much fun!! Would recommend to anyone!
發表日期：2019年7月16日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Hi Joeleyxo,
Thank you for leaving your feedback.
We are pleased you enjoyed your balloon ride experience with us!
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
發表日期：2019年8月27日
這則回應是管理階層代表的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。
EatingAndWalking
英國海威科姆6 則投稿
2018年10月 • 好友旅行
After the weather caused our first two attempts to be cancelled, the third attempt was absolutely perfect.
Everything, including helping to get the balloon up, and pack it away again, went smoothly. Our pilot (Tim) explained everything, pointed out local landmarks and got us back down again with barely a bump.
Everything, including helping to get the balloon up, and pack it away again, went smoothly. Our pilot (Tim) explained everything, pointed out local landmarks and got us back down again with barely a bump.
發表日期：2018年10月23日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Hi EatingAndWalking (Good name!)
Thanks for your feedback.
Great to hear you had an amazing time on your hot air balloon ride with us.
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
發表日期：2018年10月24日
這則回應是管理階層代表的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。
karenmeakins
英國科爾切斯特3 則投稿
2018年9月 • 家庭式
Amazing trip, so calm and peaceful in the air, had my granddaughter with me who was terribly nervous but even she thoroughly enjoyed it, smooth landing too, thanks to Tim our pilot, definitely recommend
發表日期：2018年9月14日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
shauns831
英國伊普斯威奇20 則投稿
2018年7月 • 夫妻情侶
this was a fantastic time just looking at the world below si calming and relaxing would highly recommend forgive the pun.
went with my partner and had a fantastic time and experience the pilot was great.
dont think about it do it.
went with my partner and had a fantastic time and experience the pilot was great.
dont think about it do it.
發表日期：2018年7月23日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
chris27116
英國Harwich14 則投稿
2017年8月 • 家庭式
Fantastic morning flight , beautiful thing to do , very easy to book online and arrange date - absolutely brilliant .
發表日期：2017年8月6日
這則評論是 Tripadvisor 會員的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。 Tripadvisor 會檢查評論。
Hi Chris
Great to hear you had such a fabulous time on your flight. :-)
Thanks for taking the time to leave us your lovely feedback, which we will certainly pass on to our pilot and his crew down in Essex.
Maybe we'll see you in the south east skies again one day.
Kind Regards
Virgin Balloon Flights
發表日期：2017年8月8日
這則回應是管理階層代表的主觀意見，而非 Tripadvisor LLC。
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