We were so delighted when this flight went ahead as we had tried about 5 times before but each time was cancelled. It was WELL WORTH the wait! Good clear communication, a very experienced and good hu... See more
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Review summary
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Reviews shaping this summary
Team were really good. We got involved with getting balloon ready and packing away afterwards which was really good. Flight itself was fabulous and pilot pointed out different areas. Photos and vide... See more
Company replied
Tom, our pilot, was courteous and professional, gave clear instructions and invited and answered all and any questions. His two support crew were equally friendly and helpful. Instructions to get to t... See more
Company replied
An experience well worth the wait. I felt safe and reassured by our pilot Robert, taking off from Mattishall. Smooth take off and even smoother landing. Very knowledgeable of the area. Relaxing and p... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Virgin Balloon Flights is the largest commercial hot air balloon rides company in the UK and has been taking passengers up, up and away on the airborne experience of a lifetime since 1994.
Contact info
Jesson House, TF3 3BD, Telford, Shropshire, United Kingdom
- 01952 212750
- customerservice@virginballoonflights.co.uk
- www.virginballoonflights.co.uk
4.6
Excellent
6K reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 96% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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Fabulous experience
Fabulous experience, knowledgeable and lovely crew would do it again tomorrow
7 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Tomorrow?! Now that's what we call catching the ballooning bug! We'll make sure the crew see your lovely comments, and we'd be very happy to have you back in the basket for round two.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Worth the wait.
Really enjoyed it, getting stuck in to set up and break down was great fun. Up in the air was very peaceful. Loved every minute of it. What a great experience. Would highly recommend. This was our fourth attempt due to previous cancellations, but worth the wait.
7 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
From getting stuck in on the ground to doing absolutely nothing but floating peacefully above it... that's ballooning in a nutshell! We're glad attempt number four was the one and that you loved every minute.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Great crew and with a calm clear day…
Great crew and with a calm clear day the views were amazing
7 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Sometimes the skies really do spoil us! We're glad you caught one of those beautiful calm days, and we'll make sure your kind words reach the crew.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Virginia Balloon Flights was a great…
Virginia Balloon Flights was a great experience, it's an incredible way to see the countryside, made even better by the fun professional pilot and staff. Totally recommend 👌
7 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
“Totally recommend” will do very nicely for us! There really is nothing quite like seeing the countryside from a balloon, especially with a crew who know how to bring some fun along for the ride.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
The crew were amazing involved us all…
The crew were amazing involved us all in everything from getting balloon ready to helping packing it up, the flight was so incredible our pilot told us about what we can could see and answered questions with a smile, when we landed which was smooth he gave us all a drink and certificate and asked each and everyone of us how we got the flight, I can honestly say it was the best experience I have had, thanks to all the crew would do it again and recommend anyone who's thinking of doing this experience do it your love it x
6 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi Joann!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear that you had such an incredible experience with us! It's fantastic that the crew made you feel so involved, and we're so pleased your pilot helped make the flight even more memorable with his local knowledge about the sights ;)
Hearing that this was the best experience you've ever had really means the world to us and we'll be sure to pass your kind comments on to the pilot and crew.
Thank you for flying with us and for leaving this awesome review!
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Amazing experience!
Amazing experience! I was a little nervous before taking off, but the whole experience exceeded my expectations. Floating quietly above the countryside was incredibly relaxing, and the scenery was beautiful. The pilot - Peter, and the crew, were knowledgeable and welcoming, making the day even more enjoyable! I would definitely do it again and recommend it to friends and family ☺️ (one thing to keep in mind is that you either have to be extremely lucky with the weather, or go through few cancellations before you get up there, but it’s definitely worth the wait! 🤩)
21 June 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hey Klaudia!
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We're delighted to hear we managed to turn those pre-flight nerves into a big smile (and hopefully a bit of balloon fever too!)
Peter and the crew will be thrilled to hear your kind words and we'll be sure to pass them on.
As for the weather... let's just say Mother Nature is our very picky Operations Manager! 😄 She likes to keep us on our toes, but as you've discovered, when she finally gives us the green light, it's well worth the wait.
Thanks again for flying with us, and we'll have a basket ready for you whenever you're ready for round two!
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Excellent!
Great flight at Dunsfold. Very slick operation entertaining and great how they got the passengers involved. Smooth flight well driven by Chris. Thank you
17 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Thank you for your slick review! We're glad you had a great flight with Chris - he really is a smooth operator!
Thank you for flying with us :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
The weather was perfect
The weather was perfect. Blue sky not a cloud in sight , and absolutely no wind !
It was truly magical , we floated upwards effortlessly and drifted majestically through the Sussex / Kent countryside .
The landing was also perfect ! Thank you Damon Bridge.
4 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Claire, this sounds so poetic and was lovely to read! We're glad you fully enjoyed the whole experience and that the landing was spot on!
Damon will be over the moon with your review and we'll be sure to pass on your magical comments ;)
Thank you again for flying with us!
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Fantastic experience from start to…
Fantastic experience from start to finish. We loved bed it and our pilot and crew were great. Definitely recommend
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
We're so pleased to hear this Katherine! Glad you enjoyed your flight with us and hope you'll be joining us again in the not too distant future!
Thank you for taking the time to leave this review, and for recommending us :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Loved every minute of it ,apart from…
Loved every minute of it ,apart from getting up at 4am 👍😀
4 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi Les,
Awwww we know, those early starts are no fun at all! So worth it though once you get up there and we're glad you had a fantastic time with us! :)
Maybe a sunset flight next time?
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
It was great from beginning to end
It was great from beginning to end. Highly recommend.
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're glad you had a fantastic time with us and thank you for the recommendation!
Can we tempt you to another? :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Lack of ballon flights during winter period
We could only go from one location therefore we were not able to go on a balloon flight for at least another six months due to non-availability & other factors, We communicated with Natalie from Customer Services who was able to assist us by extending our vouchers to enable us to book another trip next year. Excellent service!
5 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi there,
Ahhhh Natalie will be chuffed to bits when she sees this review! It will make her day!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review and we hope to get you up in the skies in the not too distant future :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
crew friendly and professional
The crew team were friendly and efficient and made us feel completely at ease. The balloon flight was lovely and the pilots talked to us about the meteorological conditions favourable for ballooning etc. The landing was a bit bouncy but we had been shown and practised safe landing position etc so all was fine. A calm, beautiful and very memorable experience.
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi Sally,
Thank you for your lovely review!
We bet the bouncy landing was a load of fun but glad you landed safe and sound! It's lovely to read that you had a great flight experience with us. You're welcome back anytime! :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
It was great
It was great! Finally got a chance to take a ride after 5 years due to cancellations.
Have a Happy time!
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi there,
Thank you so much for sticking with us for 5 years - just goes to show that perseverance really pays off!
Thank you for flying with us, you're welcome back anytime :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Good organization and communication
Good organization and communication. I recommend it to everyone.
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Thanks Kris! Much appreciated! Glad you've been happy with everything so far - it's what we like to hear! :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Nice one Tom! Thank you for the lovely review, our Customer Services Team will be over the moon with your feedback! :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Formal Complaint – Unfulfilled Hot Air Balloon Voucher and Request for Resolution
Dear Virgin,
Unfortunately, we have reached the point where we can no longer continue trying to use our weekday hot air balloon vouchers without a meaningful solution from Virgin.
We have been trying to book and take this experience for approximately three years. During this time, we have made more than eight attempts, carefully booking in advance, monitoring the weather and ensuring that everything appears suitable for the flight.
Despite this, every attempt has ultimately ended in cancellation. On the day of the scheduled flight, we are required to call after 2pm, only to receive an automated message informing us that the flight has been cancelled. There is no meaningful explanation and, more importantly, no alternative solution that enables us to actually use the experience we paid for.
We have already contacted Virgin about this issue and were essentially told that we would simply have to keep trying. After three years and more than eight unsuccessful attempts, we do not consider this to be a reasonable solution.
We have also asked whether we can cancel the vouchers and receive a refund, particularly given the considerable amount of time that has passed and the fact that we have repeatedly been unable to receive the service we paid for. Unfortunately, we were told that this was not possible.
This leaves us in an unacceptable position: we have paid a significant amount for an experience that, despite numerous genuine attempts over several years, we have been unable to use, while Virgin’s proposed solution is simply for us to continue trying indefinitely.
This is my final attempt to resolve the matter directly and amicably with Virgin. We would therefore ask that you review our situation properly and provide a practical resolution, whether that is a refund, an extension or replacement that gives us a realistic opportunity to use the experience, or another appropriate solution.
We have been extremely patient throughout this process, but after three years, we do not believe that being told to “keep trying” is an adequate response.
If we cannot reach a satisfactory resolution, we will have no choice but to escalate the matter through the appropriate channels.
I look forward to receiving a substantive response and a practical solution rather than being advised simply to attempt another booking.
24 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Dear Mr & Mrs Wills,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review, and we're very sorry to read how disappointing your experience has been.
Firstly, we'd like to sincerely apologise for the number of weather-related cancellations you've experienced. We completely understand how frustrating it is to make arrangements for a flight, only to find that the weather conditions are not suitable. Safety will always be our absolute priority, and while cancellations are never the outcome we want, they are sometimes unavoidable.
We appreciate that, after several cancellations over a number of years, you are understandably looking for a resolution. We would really like the opportunity to review your individual circumstances fully before any decisions are made.
If you could please email us with your voucher numbers and security codes at customerservice@virginballoonflights.co.uk and we will be more than happy to investigate this for you and consider what options may be available to you.
We certainly don't want you to feel that your concerns are being dismissed, and we would appreciate the opportunity to resolve this directly with you.
We look forward to hearing from you and hope we can work together to find a suitable resolution.
Best wishes,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Just all round excellent
Just all round excellent. Friendly skilled pilot, great group of people, beautiful evening. So glad I did it.
4 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Neil,
Thank you for the brilliant review!
We'd love to say we arranged the beautiful evening especially for you... but we have to give Mother Nature credit for that one! 😄
We're so pleased you had such a fantastic time with us and that our pilot and the rest of the group helped make it an experience to remember.
Thanks again for flying with us, and we're delighted you decided to take the leap... now the only question is, when are you coming back?
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team🎈
Totally professional from start to…
Totally professional from start to finish, pilot was amazing, very informative, just had a great time.
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Kim - that's exactly what we like to read! Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience with us!
You know where we are if you would like to fly with us again! :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
What an amazing experience
What an amazing experience! The pilot was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area, pointing out landmarks as we drifted along. The flight was so peaceful, weather was perfect and so beautiful to see the early morning sun. Take off and landing were very smooth better than I was expecting lol.
It was great to be hands on, getting involved making the balloon ready to inflate then help fold it up and pack it away at the end .. makes you feel totally immersed and part of the team! The whole team were friendly and made you feel at ease and safe at all times.
After the flight we had a glass of bucks fizz and were given our certificates before being transported back to our cars.
The early morning start was so worth it .. Thank you for making my dream a reality!
3 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Jennie - we're so pleased we could help tick a dream off your bucket list – that's exactly what we love to hear!
It sounds like you got the full VIP treatment too... from becoming an honorary member of the ground crew to enjoying a well-earned glass of fizz afterwards! We should probably start handing out employee badges to everyone who helps pack the balloon away ;)
Thank you again for choosing to fly with us, and we hope we'll see you back in a basket with us again one day!
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team🎈
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