What a fun start for my ten year old's Birthday! Tom and the entire crew are knowledgeable, safety experts and lots of FUN to ride with. Their balloon is one of the largest out there and seeing the sun rise from 2800 feet can;t be beat! We left very satisfied and certainly with memories that will last a lifetime...a great 'Experience' gift and 100% recommend!
Seven of us were treated to a wonderful experience this morning by the operator,Tom and his wife Jessica. One hour trip in ideal conditions. Then afterwards we enjoyed breakfast at the Hampton Inn. Champagne toast by Tom . Crew set up was timely and efficient. These folks are very professional in their craft!
I purchased vouchers two years ago for a flight and brunch. After a handful of reschedules due to weather (understandably) we were able to finally fly. While I get the reschedules, the frustrating part was that each time we were cancelled, it was between 4-9 weeks of completely booked schedules unless we could go on a Tuesday morning. After the 5th cancellation, we decided to stop taking days off work, and just schedule for Friday, Saturday or Sunday mornings. We were sent an email the night before that said meet at 5:30, and DO NOT BE LATE! We arrived at 5:25, and sat in the hotel lobby until just before 6:00 waiting for someone else. I think it's extremely rude to ask your guests to be on time, and then you yourself not be ready by that time. The van ride to our take-off site was quiet - the volunteers in the back were asleep and one was snoring. Jessica, one of the owners was watching a YouTube video while her husband (driver/pilot) was telling us stories about the weather. We unloaded and watched the setup, which was pretty cool. The balloon itself is much, much larger than I originally would have thought. After 15 minutes or so of assembly, we were ready to go! We all loaded up, there were 8 of us plus the pilot, which is not what their website says (4-5 +crew), we started to take off. The flight was peaceful, although hot. Standing directly under the propane is loud (obviously) and hot, hot, hot! When originally booked, I wanted to go where the weather was cooler because I knew this was the case. However, at this point, we were just happy to go. The air-time was about an hour, and our landing was pretty cool.When we got back on the ground, we stood in an open field in the 95 degree weather with a 90% humidity for about 20 minutes while the crew loaded everything up. Eventually, the pilot, drove the van around and offered to let us get out of the sun. While I get that this is Florida, and the summer, I feel like the customer service was lacking. They should be used to this. An elderly couple looked like they were ready to pass out. They drove us back to the hotel where we met that morning for a champagne toast and brunch... aka the hotel's continental breakfast. We heard the story of how hot air ballooning came about, and then a plug about hot the crew does not get paid and works for tips (so please open your wallet and tip them.)We left feeling very neutral. It wasn't a great experience, but it wasn't horrible, either. I would love to do it again, with a different company, in the cooler months, with different scenery. For us, there is only so long you can stare out at cow pastures. The guest experience could certainly use some improvement though. A smile, a thank you, things like that go a long way in a service industry.
I wanted to do somthing special for our wedding anniversary of 20 years. We had always seen these amazing balloons fly over our home in Wesley Chapel and marveled at their beauty. I contacted Jessica and she was delighted to help in scheduling and giving me all the information needed to book our flight. We met the "crew" at the Hampton Inn and started to the fields for take off. Tom was our pilot and his sense of humor and enthusiasm about ballooning was entertaining and educational. Beyond that the beauty as expected was absolutely breath taking. I fear hieghts, but amazing enough the gentle ride and view was so amazing that I never felt unsafe or afraid. The team work and support all the ballooning companies have for the sport and each other was witnessed. It is very obvious that they are all looking out for one another. We saw first hand when another balloon company needed some help. American Balloons stepped in without hesitation to lend a hand. Thank you so much American Balloons for a memorable anniversary gift and an amazing expereience. We will be back again!
We had been planning to take advantage of this experience for close to two years. There always seemed to be a weather problem or bad timing. Finally, we got the exciting computer screen notice in the evening that our voyage was "a go!" for the next morning.Certainly worth the wait. It was very interesting watching the crew getting the balloon and basket set up and the balloon inflated. Finally, we were on our way. We took off from a vacant field near Zephyrhills and drifted beautifully toward Tampa. It was nice to have company, too - three other balloons, one in front of us and two behind. I kept taking pictures - about 90 in all. And, after we were back on the ground, we were treated to a very nice champagne brunch.
This was my first hot air balloon ride and I can definitely say it will NOT be my last. The professional staff at American Balloons was friendly, informative, and made sure everyone felt safe while experiencing this awesome adventure. Watching the sun come up while looking out from high above everything is an experience unlike anything I have ever done and I can't wait to do it again. I highly recommend ballooning and if you are in the west central Florida area, a trip to Wesley Chapel is definitely worth the drive.
My son wanted to propose in a balloon but is afraid of heights, so we took a pre engagement flight. I personally have flown a lot over the years, and can appreciate what a great pilot Tom is! My son wanted to propose and then have Tom land the balloon on her family farm in Dade City. I really didn't think this was a realistic request. But Tom, along with his wife Jessica who mapped out the take off and landing locations-not an easy feat with thunder storms all week long, landed the balloon perfectly in her back yard like the pro that he is! Matt was there with his drone to film this magical engagement! The American Balloon team made my son Jason look very good in front of his future wife and new family. We then had a champagne toast to the new couple. Thank you Tom, Jessica, and Matt for making this the most amazing day. Highly Recommend!!!
Very displeased with customer service.I spent $750. for gift certificates this time last year. One daughter & son in law worked a flight into their schedule in October. However, my other daughter, who unfortunately has had serious health problems this past year has not been able to use the three certificates given to her, her husband & son. When she called in November to schedule a flight she was told they stopped flying in October. She asked if they would kindly extend the certificates. Jessica said she would call my daughter back. She has NOT CALLED AND IS NOT RESPONDING to her calls nor to mine. The gift certificates are only good March thru October weather permitting? What kind of business practice is this?I have been in business for 40 years. Our certificates never expire! Kindly contact Patricia Charnecki 352-796-5573. River Oaks Landing ASAP THANK YOU
This was a fantastic ride!They made it easy for first riders that were scared to go up in the balloon they were extremely carful on us and were great the entire time! In the moment I was actually proposed too on our way to our destination! It was one of the greatest Balloon rides I have ever taken. I recommend them over any other balloon companies.
I found the balloon ride to be a very peaceful experience and I am planning on making it an annual event! My flight was cancelled twice due to the weather being unsafe for flight. Totally understandable. Our pilot (Tommy) was very informative and we had a great flight! i totally appreciate the professionalism along with humor which makes for a great mix. i will definitely refer American Balloons to anyone who mentions wanting to take a hot air balloon ride! Thank for a wonderful experience!