Seattle Ballooning — Local services in Burien

What a great company! We got off on the wrong foot when a reservation that I made by phone somehow didn't make it into the digital side of things. That meant that we did not receive the automated notices when our flight was cancelled because of winds, so my wife and I got up at 3 am to get to the rendezvous point where we waited fruitlessly until well past the assigned meeting time. Needless to say we were not happy. When I called the company that afternoon after pysching myself to stand firm in what I expected would be a tense conversation, I got Eliav—the owner and chief pilot, who I had spoken with originally. He thought that I must have been mistaken about the booking, because there was no reservation associated with my phone number. However, when I reminded him of some of the details of our booking conversation, in which we discussed for some time my fear of heights and whether I would enjoy the flight, he remembered it and immediately accepted responsibility for the problem. (I could give more details about all of this, but I'm trying to streamline this part of the review!) He said "I'm sorry, this is all on me. First, let me initiate a refund." I was quiet while I heard keys clicking. Then he said "Now let's figure out a time for a complimentary flight." I was blown away! When I said something to that effect, he replied "It's only what I would expect if it had happened to me." Although we were early on the day of our makeup flight, Eliav and another pilot were already in the designated area, a reassuring and "official-looking" presence. Other people trickled in, and a few minutes before the scheduled time to leave the meeting area for the launch area, four trucks and vans arrived, pulling trailers with the ballons and baskets. In short order we were told which vehicle to hop into, and we were off. When we got to the launch site, it was quickly apparent that the four pilot/ground crew teams were extremely competent and professional. Getting the balloons, baskets, and fans off the trucks and trailers and into position, unfolding the ballons and attaching them to the baskets, inflating the balloons, and heating the air to bring them upright went efficiently and smoothly. Once we were in the basket, Pilot Cameron Wall gave us a little briefing and thanked us for allowing him to pursue his passion of hot air flight. (He has over 900 flights under his belt, and competes in ballooning events all over the world!) When it was time to land, Cameron guided us to a dirt airstrip in the center of a group of homes with hangars in addition to garages. We could see the white van carrying the ground crew on the road below, driving to meet us. As we approached the ground, Cameron asked us to get into the landing position which we had practiced, once before takeoff and once mid-flight. We touched down gently, and the crew grabbed lines and secured us. After we hopped out, and while the crew got busy deflating, folding, and loading all the gear back on the trailer, Cameron gave us a bit of ballooning history while he poured champagne and offered chocolates all around. The flight was beautiful, of course, but you can see lots of photos of that on the Seattle Ballooning Facebook page. The main purpose of this review is to reassure anyone reading that from the time you book until the time you get back in your car you go home, you are in capable, trustworthy hands. (And I never had the slightest anxiety about being 4000 feet up...

I recently surprised my wife with a sunset balloon ride for her birthday, and let me tell you, it was an experience beyond our wildest dreams! Seattle Balloon Company truly knows how to create an unforgettable adventure. From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect.

First and foremost, I cannot commend our pilot, Cameron, enough for his expertise and genuine passion for his craft. He went above and beyond to ensure our safety and comfort throughout the entire journey. His knowledge of the area and the balloons was remarkable, making us feel confident and at ease.

The highlight of our ride was when Cameron skillfully maneuvered the balloon just a few inches above a picturesque lake. It felt as if we were suspended in mid-air, gliding effortlessly above the water's surface. The sight was nothing short of mesmerizing, as the setting sun cast vibrant colors across the sky, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our adventure.

The balloon ride itself was pure magic. The spacious basket provided ample room for us to move around and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. We were awestruck by the stunning vistas of Seattle's iconic landmarks, rolling hills, and lush greenery. The gentle breeze and the serenity of the experience truly made it feel like we were floating on a cloud.

The attention to detail and the level of customer service offered by Seattle Balloon Company were outstanding. From the moment we arrived at the launch site, the staff made us feel welcome and valued. The entire team was friendly, accommodating, and genuinely excited to be a part of our celebration.

I would be remiss not to mention the breathtaking sunset that accompanied our balloon ride. Words cannot do justice to the sheer beauty we witnessed as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of warm hues. It was a moment that will forever be etched in our memories.

If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Seattle, I wholeheartedly recommend Seattle Balloon Company. Their sunset balloon ride, led by the amazing pilot Cameron, provides an out-of-this-world adventure that is bound to leave you in awe.

Thank you, Seattle Balloon Company, for an extraordinary journey that exceeded all our expectations. We can't wait to fly...

Going to start by saying this is my first 1 star review in my life!

I’m pregnant so we called to check if I was ok to ride and was initially told we could book if i got it cleared with my doctor. I did get it cleared with my obgyn, in writing, before booking and after speaking with the employee. The day of the flight was told absolutely no pregnant people are allowed under any circumstances which was contradicting to the website and what we were initially told, and was told by the customer service representative that nobody working there would have ever told me that.. and was told by the owners wife that no obgyn would ever clear someone for a hot air balloon ride.. which both were insulting as I’m not a liar. Was even suggested my boyfriend bring someone else on the flight! This was booked as a gift for my birthday. Granted I’ve never been on a hot air balloon and was unaware how unsafe this must be all I wanted was a refund after all the confusion and taking what i thought were the correct steps to get on a ride. We were only going to be offered a credit we wouldn’t even be able to use until next season.. After 4 hours of stressful conversations, and screenshots of proof of misleading info on the website and approval from my doctor, Griffin reached out respectfully and kindly took care of us and got us a refund. Thank you Griffin! I wouldn’t recommend this company unless you’re comfortable throwing nearly $2,000 at something you may or may not be able to enjoy. Hopefully they change the wording on the website as their insurance doesn’t cover pregnant people! Hope this helps prevent anyone else from a...