-
October 2023 by Julie Mounce
We booked our flight online and chose a Sunday morning sunrise flight. The Saturday night before, we received confirmation via text that the weather looked good for our trip. Watching the balloon fill and rise was very cool. My Husband has a bad leg and they were very patient and helpful getting him in and out of the basket. The views were gorgeous, conversation fun, and we even saw a live zebra at a local farm as they transported us back to our cars. A wonderful experience!
-
October 2023 by Sherry S.
We made reservations 4 months ago for this flight and drove 3 hours to Galena. The weather was absolutely perfect on 9/30/23 so we went to lunch and shopped a little before going to Eagle Ridge for our 5:00 p.m. hot air balloon experience. It wasn't until we got into the lobby that we got several texts from Andy, the owner, that he had cancelled because the "winds were too gusty" today. Even the people at the front desk said it was probably a joke or sent in error and to just wait by the open field for the vans to come get us. We waited 15 minutes and no one arrived. Once again, Andy texted that the "winds were too gusty to fly". He texted even though he was not getting any answers from us. He did not even tell the front desk people that he cancelled. And, in his write up for this experience, Andy states that what you wear on the ground is also perfect for the flight since it is not that much different at 4,000 feet. No mention has been made yet about a refund or any other compensation since we had already made dinner and hotel reservations for the night that could not be changed/cancelled. I am sure that it would have been a wonderful time and we will try again but not with this company and/or Andy.
-
September 2023 by Kari Crisman
I recently had the most exhilarating experience of my life on a hot air balloon ride in Galena, IL, and I can't give it anything less than 5 stars! From the moment we ascended into the sky, I was spellbound by the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and the mighty Mississippi River.The balloon's gentle ascent made me feel like I was floating on a cloud, and the vibrant colors of the sunrise painted the landscape in hues of gold and pink, creating a mesmerizing panorama. The serenity of the experience was punctuated by the occasional burst of the burner, sending us soaring even higher with a rush of warmth.Our skilled pilot narrated the journey with passion, sharing fascinating stories about the area's history and wildlife. The sensation of drifting above the treetops and getting a bird's-eye view of Galena was truly surreal.As we descended, I couldn't help but marvel at the flawless landing, a testament to the pilot's expertise. The post-flight celebration with champagne was the perfect finale to this unforgettable adventure.If you're seeking an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience, a hot air balloon ride in Galena, IL is an absolute must! It's a symphony of sights, sounds, and emotions that will leave you on cloud nine.
-
September 2023 by Amanda Budreau
Andy and his team are so amazing! Highly recommend!!
-
September 2023 by Nancy Tipps
09/07/2023 We were celebrating our anniversary and it was our first balloon ride. Andy our pilot was so awesome. The crew wasamazing. We had the best time.
-
August 2023 by Leonila C.
5 Star Flight, If You're Lucky, 0 Star Customer Service GuaranteedMy family and I had a wonderful experience during the flight, and with the crew and the pilot, but unfortunately the pilot and their customer service are the same guy and left a bitter taste that sullied the whole experience. I had already tried to fly with Galena on the Fly in the past, but never got to fly. The interactions with their customer service made the matter worse, so I felt compelled to leave a negative review at the time, reflecting my experience. However, during a visit to Galena, I saw one of their balloons flying, and it made me want to try again. I booked my flight but I had a few questions. At this point, they were unaware of who I was regarding my prior interactions with them or the review I had previously left for them. Still, from the first time I called them, the person who answered the phone was very rude from the start. His attitude was making it very clear that every question I had was annoying for him to have to answer. Then on the day of my flight, I get a call from them telling me that they found out about who I was and the review I left. At that point they yelled at and threatened me to remove my review or they would cancel my flight and make sure I would never be able to fly over Galena. I did take my review down because I really wanted the flight. I called them back to let them know that I had taken down the review so I could have my flight, and I hear the guy on the phone and I am pretty sure it was Andy William the pilot itself, telling his coworker "F***ing coward, he removed it, HAHAHA", clearly meaning for me to hear him. If you ask me, he's the coward who could handle real feedback, and just threatens, insults, yells, and laughs at customers over the phone. Well, joke's on him because I got my flight and here's my original review anyway: "BE VERY CAREFUL. IT WAS THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF OUR LIVES!!!!We reserved a flight for May 22nd. We reserved 2 rooms at Eagle Ridge Resort. We live over 2 hours from them. We called first to be sure they were going to fly in that weather, but they said they didn't trust the forecast and they weren't ready to cancel the flight, even when the weather didn't seem great for flying. We arrived, and at 4 pm our flight was canceled via text message. So, we had to spend our night at the resort, we spent money on going, eating and staying, for nothing. We then reserved another flight for June 5th. It was supposed to be a birthday present, but it was too late for that now. But, we wanted to fly. We did the same thing again, we called first because we were concerned about the weather again, and they laughed at us, because they insisted it was nothing to be concerned about. We went and spent more money, for nothing again. The trip there was useless twice. They canceled once again just as we arrived at the resort. I explained from the beginning that it was a birthday present for my wife who has a severe fibromyalgia and we want to be sure she has a great experience of flying in a hot air balloon over Lake Galena. She has been suffering for years and she has to be suffering for the rest of her life, and they don't care what they do to a person, to a family that prepared a trip and spent money for nothing. They offered us to fly until August 28. Imagine that. They don't let you cancel or move your flight, but they can do it to you whenever they want. We smiled for nothing, we spent money for nothing, we promised to my wife something that never happened because of them. They don't advise you early in order to not do the same again and again for nothing. They wait until you are there because the only thing they care about is their money, not breaking smiles and dreams. Not even about wasting our time and money for nothing. And they have no physical location for their business. Just texting. So convenient for them, of course."If you want that magical experience, just know you're gonna have to put up with people who have no respect
-
August 2023 by Susan Lentz
Excellent!!! Andy Williams was informative as well as funny! They made the entire experience easy and enjoyable
-
August 2023 by Jeff Hickey
Pilot was super knowledgeable and entertaining.
-
July 2023 by Gary Kilburg
Andrew did a great job. Add this to your bucket list soona
-
July 2023 by yanik gupta
Really amazing. Although balloons were only 7-8. But it was overcrowded.
-
July 2023 by amri jimenez
Excellent
-
July 2023 by Nicole Jackson
Excellent information and pricing for balloon rides. It’s easy to find anything you need and the contact form works. Everything you can ask for in a website.
-
July 2023 by rita hickey
Surprised my husband with a hot air balloon ride. It was amazing! Andy, the pilot, was so informative and fun. Ground crew, everyone, so nice! Definitely will be back again 5 stars!!
-
June 2023 by Abby O'Deen
Amazing experience. Great pilot. Beautiful views!
-
January 2023 by Diane Blasevich
Galena always is a good place to visit you seem to sleep better and relax at your own speed
