The overall experience was great, not frightening at all, and that's coming from someone with a fear of heights. The entire Tour Guide team was professional and seemed to know exactly what they were doing and speaking on when it came to the balloon ride.
Our ride group was a couple of people short due some individuals not showing up which left for an even more comfortable ride and ample space for those attending.
Visuals were impeccable and it was a healthy mix of moments where we as a ballon group were some of the highest in the sky and amongst the balloons at a lower elevation.
Our guide, I believe named Shane, was very informative and full of personal experiences he was willing to share about his years as a balloon tour guide all across the world.
He made sure to make us all feel comfortable and really knew how to cater to the group's needs and preferences. He also made sure to make us feel safe and secure during a less than agreeable landing due to. a bit of inclement weather.
The cherry on top was the final moment shared with the group and Shane once safely landed and being taught about the history of hot air balloons while sharing a celebratory mimosa.
Even on the ride back to the meet location, my girlfriend and I were able to continue our conversations with Shane and the other Guide Employee up until being dropped off.
It was a nearly perfect experience... until the final bit. Once about to be dropped off, Shane mentioned something about settling up with each party and having us go on our way. I thought nothing of this as I had already been charged and paid for my experience through Viator. I also had conversations with other patrons about how they booked their ride and found that there were several resources including other 3rd party vendors, as well as directly through the company all at different prices. (I was a bit discouraged to hear that I may have paid a premium compared to a lot of patrons, especially when Shane himself mentioned that they charged about $170-180 per person). However, I figured i'm good and I'm fully paid up for myself and my girlfriend as there was no other communication about additional charges. When being dropped off, I was surprised to be told by Shane that there was an additional $35 charge I needed to pay due weight restrictions. He mentioned that it was included in the email. I later reviewed my email and found no such mentioned of an additional charge due to a weight limit.
I was very limited on cash and had $40 that I intended on tipping as a thank you. When expressing my confusion, I sensed there was nothing that could be done in that moment so I told Shane that all I had was the $40 that i intended to tip the team with, so I would need to use that to pay this unexpected charge and unfortunately the rest would be tip. To which which he responded a bit rudely "I guess i'll give them the $5". Out of guilt I decided to take out my last $20 and give it to one of the other employees and express my apologies it wasn't more as I didn't expect this additional charge.
I was just hoping to confirm or deny if this Weight guideline charge was valid, as I previously stated, I did not see any communication to expect it. Also, if valid, why would we still be charged of there were 4 party members that did not show up for the scheduled trip?