Alba Ballooning
Alba Ballooning
4.9
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.9
82 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
NikkiR226
Edinburgh, UK5 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
A great experience,terrific views of the scottish countryside, knowledgable guide, definitely one for the bucket list!
Written October 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth E
Edinburgh, UK10 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Meeting point was easy to locate, driver turns up with balloon basket on trailer so no chance of missing him. Jump in the land rover and its a quick trip to a nearby field depending on wind direction, it was great fun learning and helping out with the inflation very good instructions from Pete our pilot. Then the fun begins when you lift up above the trees and drift along. It was so peaceful up there i would recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure. Landing was a couple of bumps to the ground hut nothing that isnt expected your in a basket afterall. Team work to get the air out of balloon then a glass of champagne. Great bunch of people and a great evening. Thanks again we had an amazing experience.
Written May 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ruth for taking the time and thought in your kind review. It was indeed a lovely flight over Peeblesshire and into Midlothian with a landing at my favourite farmer's farm; he's always so supportive of our ballooning endeavours and we're assured of that friendly reception which finished a perfect evening. Best wishes. Pete.
Written May 20, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chrisG1372UB
Edinburgh, UK2 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Just wanted to register our total satisfaction about our balloon trip last Wednesday morning and thank Peter and Andrew for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm. Eight of us floated over Peebleshire for an hour and everyone had a wonderful time as we flitted in and out of the clouds on our way north-westwards from West Linton. Peter was the perfect good-humoured, multi-tasking host as he answered questions, pointed out places of interest, second-guessed the wind direction and blasted the burners, while Andrew performed forward recon perfectly by keeping us from landing in the field containing the bull!
The sheer size of the balloon was amazing, as was the number of wires, ropes, cables and flaps that all had to be checked and connected up by Peter who clearly knew which bit went where! He organised us very well when setting up and packing up and was every inch the unflappable, hands-on pilot. I think what impressed me most though was the sheer absurdity of what we did, physically speaking. 10 strangers gathered in a field very early in the morning, unpacked a giant piece of cloth, filled it with air, all clambered into a wicker basket attached to one end of it and then FLEW AWAY!!! It’s surely one of the most astounding things a human can ever do.
We had to reschedule a few times due to unsuitable weather but it was totally worth the wait, very enjoyable and highly recommended.
The sheer size of the balloon was amazing, as was the number of wires, ropes, cables and flaps that all had to be checked and connected up by Peter who clearly knew which bit went where! He organised us very well when setting up and packing up and was every inch the unflappable, hands-on pilot. I think what impressed me most though was the sheer absurdity of what we did, physically speaking. 10 strangers gathered in a field very early in the morning, unpacked a giant piece of cloth, filled it with air, all clambered into a wicker basket attached to one end of it and then FLEW AWAY!!! It’s surely one of the most astounding things a human can ever do.
We had to reschedule a few times due to unsuitable weather but it was totally worth the wait, very enjoyable and highly recommended.
Written July 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Chris for that lovely, passionate and eloquent review of our flight. Certainly, when the weather suits, ballooning in Scotland is a wonderfully rewarding experience. All the best. Pete
Written July 26, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Levittert
Glasgow, UK1 contribution
Nov 2013
In September, I scheduled a balloon ride for October 19th weekend for my 3 family members who were visiting me in Scotland. I had read the reviews and thought it would be fun. I explained to the owner, Peter, that they were only visiting and that the weekend of October 19th was the only time we could go . He said no problem, buy these four tickets for about 500£ and we can refund you if there are issues with the weather. Great, I thought. A day before our scheduled flight I called the office to confirm, and a woman answered who said they had stopped balloon rides in October 1, as per usual , and would certainly not be taking anyone else out due to weather etc. I asked about the refund ( and why we weren't informed that the rides stopped October 1, considering we had specifically booked for almost 3 weeks later). She said I should email the office and they would get back to me. I did so, and got an email response saying that they were out of the office until November 6th and would get back to me. By November 16th I had still heard nothing. I emailed the office and the owner responded saying that he had " looked into" my situation and was not able to offer any refund because I did not have it in writing that the only time we were able to go for a ride was that specific weekend, so sorry, but you can come when we re-open in the spring. After multiple email conversations, he still refused to refund my money. He clearly knew that the rides would stop before our scheduled date. He took our money knowing this and fully aware that there was only one weekend my family would be visiting. If alba ballooning is so manipulative and money-hungry that they simply won't return a valid refund, I think you have to ask the question of what else do they skimp on? I wouldn't want to put my life and safety in the hands of people who are that deceptive.
Written March 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Libberty
I am very saddened that you have chosen to write this instead of talking to me to correct your clear misapprehensions. The facts are as follows. You made a telephone enquiry (we get hundreds) without providing a name for me to note and asked about our flights. I referred you to the website which detail the various voucher options (some part refundable, one fully refundable and our ‘special refund terms’ for visitor bookings if you tell us at time of booking), all clearly laid out. The website also made clear that flights ran to 22nd October last year and resumed mid March 2014 unless we got some good winter conditions (unusual). Sometime later, I received a part refundable voucher online booking from you for 4 persons on the scheduled 19th October flight with no way of associating your enquiry with the booking. I sent you the voucher and all details and asked you to contact me if there were any issues. You didn’t alert me to any such issues and certainly didn’t inform me that this was a ‘visitor booking’. You called on 18th October and were told that the weather wasn’t suitable for the flight you booked (wet and windy I believe). Your claim that flights stopped on 1st October is untrue and your claim of deception on my part totally slanderous. You emailed on 25th October whilst I was on annual holiday and I nevertheless responded immediately and then dealt with your refund request on 16th November (only delayed because of the death of my grandmother as you are well aware and acknowledged) offering the part refund amount associated with the voucher type you chose to purchase. ONLY then did you note that you had intended this to be a one off booking but stated: “I am happy to still keep my place if those are the refund terms and I can probably find one other person to go with me”. So I replied: “I suggest we treat two of the 4 places as such 'visitor bookings' for which we would have offered a 90% refund at time of booking should the flight be weather cancelled had we been informed of the case and I will reissue a new two person voucher to you for 'yourself and one companion'. Would that be satisfactory to you?” So I offered you exactly what you asked of me (a nearly full refund on two places and a new 2 person voucher for you), despite you not meeting the conditions for this offer. I am bewildered that you have chosen not to accept this offer, nor engage in any further dialogue if this offer wasn’t to your satisfaction. The second half of your complaint is pure slander and lies (our few email exchanges prove this). If you don’t now remove this review, I will be providing full copies of these email exchanges to TripAdvisor and ask them to remove this ‘terrible’ review as baseless. Whether they consequently ban you too is up to them. I have been generous in accepting your unsubstantiated claims and deeply hurt that such consideration should be abused in this way. That is not what TripAdvisor is for.
Written March 16, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bvjyvbjjg564
Falkirk, UK1 contribution
Aug 2017 • Solo
A exhilerating experience. A marvellous flight but standing in a field of uncut hay (grass we were besieged by millions of midges. Not nice. But best of all - a few days later I recieved a parking fine for £100, for overstay in car park.
It would have been nice if someone had forewarned me. Apparently no one else used the car park.
It would have been nice if someone had forewarned me. Apparently no one else used the car park.
Written September 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sheila. I'm glad that you enjoyed the flight especially as you had to make quite a few bookings before getting suitable weather. I'm sorry that you felt it was spoilt by midges after landing but, unfortunately, as ballooning takes place in the evening when the winds are light, this is prime 'midge time' too on occasion. Nothing we can do about that. I don't understand why you left your car in the pay carpark as, apart from there being prominent signs all around it, I tell all the passengers about the time restriction in the arrival briefing and to move their cars to an adjacent free parking area (as everyone else did) if they wish to save the £8 charge. So I don't know why you didn't hear this or act upon it. I recall that you were concerned when we returned you to that free parking area as your car wasn't there with the others so both my driver and myself walked you across to where you had left your car and saw you safely on your way home. Nevertheless, as a goodwill gesture, if you send me the ticket. I will pay it for you. Kind regards. Pete.
Written September 15, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lornamac1999
Glasgow28 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This was only our second attempt to get up up and away (the weather has to be perfect) and it was an understatement to say it was worth the 4.30am trip from Glasgow to the meeting point at the ski centre outside Edinburgh. The group is able to help set up (then pack up) the balloon which just adds to the whole experience. It's hard to describe the feeling of being in the balloon - completely smooth, floating upwards and around - as you imagine a balloon would feel. It was unforgettable and I would highly recommend it - the scenery and view was beautiful. It more than lived up to my expectations.
Written May 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Lorna for sharing that lovely review. Very pleased that you found the early rise so worthwhile! Best wishes. Pete
Written June 4, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RosanneW_13
Glasgow, United Kingdom3 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
This was an amazing experience. It was an early morning flight but well worth it. Everyone is involved in putting the balloon up and once you are up in the sky, the views were magnificent, so clear! Our onboard host Pete was an excellent tour guide.
I will always remember my 50th Birthday.
Rosanne
I will always remember my 50th Birthday.
Rosanne
Written May 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosanne. So pleased that you enjoyed the experience. Peeblesshire is particularly lush and green at the moment and we did have some lovely views, for sure. Mnay thanks for your kind comments. Pete
Written May 25, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian K
Stirling, United Kingdom8 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
I have always wanted to go on a balloon ride and after my experience on this trip I am truly hooked. What an amazing night. The experience is one that i will never forget.
Written April 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ian for writing that review. Great to hear your glowing comments. Best wishes. Pete.
Written April 25, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandra H
2 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
What a fantastic day out. Would thoroughly recommend Alba Ballooning. With Peter at the controls, we had a perfect lift off, and a perfect landing. A glass of champagne at the end of the day, was a perfect way to end an evening ballooning. Thanks Peter.
Written October 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gus M
ayrshire35 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Brilliant experience, thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, great fun helping out with the preparations, and the packing up at the end of the day. A surreal experience floating above the trees.
Would definitely recommend it.
Would definitely recommend it.
Written October 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
Just wanted to ask about the weather and if you fly it on 6-7 October morning
As well as asking about the price
Sigi
Written September 8, 2017
Hi. I'm afraid that we aren't taking any new business at this time whilst we focus on flying our existing customers. Please see our website for all details. Thank you. Kind regards. Pete.
Written September 15, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.