Reviews of Balloon Depot - Hot Air Balloon Rides (Travel Agency)

mary egan

I started flying with Balloon Depot in June of 1996. I have taken 37 flights with this company and have always had fun. Yes, there have been a few times over the years that there were cancelations. (Can't be helped when the weather is a determining factor.) I have always found the pilot and crew to be the utmost professionals. Friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to assist in any way needed. This is a GREAT company and I plan to keep flying with them. You should try it too!

Kraig Fraser

My wife and I decided to take our daughter and son in-law on a balloon ride for their birthdays last weekend on 9-11-16, I looked up online and called a couple places and things didn't work out, this was the week before so I knew I was taking a chance, then I called Balloon Depot and talked to Jay, he said he would take us up, we agreed that the weather was iffy for that day, so he said to call him the morning of and see how it is, so I watched the weather that week and seen it was getting nicer, it was a day that was to be cooler but the night before was to be warmer than the nights before. I wanted to surprise the kids so I didn't tell them anything, that's hard to get them up on a Sunday morning and pick them up by 5 am for a 2 hour drive, then I didn't want them to know so I waited too call Jay until 6:30 he was starting to wonder if we were coming but it worked out great for us, they didn't know until we showed up. We had an awesome ride what I really enjoyed was helping go out and set up the balloon before the ride and taking it down after, I am a hand's on person so I liked learning. We all had a lot of fun and enjoyed meeting and talking to the other couples with us, their were 8 of us and Jay in our balloon and their were 3 balloons that went up that morning. When we got back and put the balloons away we had a champagne toast and really good pastry, then a couple of the pilots told us the history of using the balloons then gave us certificates. It was well worth the effort

Shannon Jones

Got to go on a balloon ride with my 18 year old niece who was visiting from Nevada. It was a gorgeous July morning and we were amazed at how courteous and informative everyone at Balloon Depot was. We rose up over the Snohomish Valley and our pilot Captain Jay pointed out all of the points of interest below and beyond us. Once we got our "air legs" and just took in the views and beauty around us we forgot about being high above the ground. After we landed and were whisked back to the balloon depot we were rewarded with champagne (or cider) and pastries and the history of ballooning. Along with some fantastic pictures and once in a lifetime memories! My niece couldn't stop talking about how awesome our experience was her entire visit. I recommend Balloon Depot to anyone who wants to view our wondrous state floating high above the ground and trees. I will be going back up for sure!

Jason Tang

Booked a ride with Jay back in May to celebrate my fiancée's birthday. However, the weather wasn't in a good mood and we had to reschedule it. Jay's communication was superb and he handled our reschedules well. Jay and Bill both went above and beyond to make sure we had a good flight experience. Would definitely fly with Balloon Depot again in the future!!

Viktoriia Ashbaugh

Our balloon ride was absolutely incredible and romantic. We got the best experience! The views were spectacular and peaceful. The sunset was gorgeous.You can feel 100% safe. The crew is extremely knowledgeable and skilled with 29 years of experience. He truly loves to be in the sky. It is his passion. This is such a good gift for any occasion. Just one complaint that time went to quickly! Thanks for a great experience!! I can’t wait to do it again!!!

wes hal

Took my best friend for his bday to knock this one off the bucket list for him. He was stoked and loved it all around, I wasn't too thrilled about going. But the amount of expertise and pride the pilot showed and taking the time to give a very interesting and entertaining history about how hot air balloons came to be made what would have been ab ok trip to being absolutely the most enjoyable experience I've ever had that started at 5am.

Ashley McIntire

My mom and I rode last night 7/28/19 with Jay. Initially we were with another company and were "gifted" to Jay. We could not have been happier with our what we now deem OUR gift! Jay was amazing as a balloon guide and really took the flight to the next level. Dipping into the river, flight elevations to see the Seattle Skyline, Mount Rainier, Canada and beyond. He knew his flight route and allowed the guests to participate in the whole experience- pulling the balloon for the flight, holding it open for air and take down! Thank you for the amazing experience and making my Mom's Christmas in July wonderful. She's talking about her next ride already!

John Lane

We've flown several times with Balloon Depot. Pilot does an exceptional job of making the experience one of those special memories. Priceless views. Following the river. Landing at Bob's Corn was a treat. Scheduling is easy. Jay always answers his phone. Can't wait to fly again!

James Champa

We had an great time flying with Balloon Depot. The length of the flight was perfect, the views were amazing, the crew was fun and extremely knowledgeable, and the overall experience was definitely a 5 star!

Rebekah Champa

My husband surprised me with a sunset balloon ride and it was incredible! We could see Rainer, Baker, & St Helens as well as Seattle in the distance because of how clear it was. Truly breathtaking! Also the pilot was great and told us cool stories! :)

Beatrice Taylor

Woke up at 5:00 this morning to set my fiance on a short Easter egg (scavenger) hunt, with the grand finale being a sunrise hot air balloon ride! We left around 6:00 and I'd called twice already to be sure the weather was ok, but it was a spectacular morning so I wasn't concerned (and the non-pilot weather looked perfect). Upon arriving, I called again and finally got ahold of the pilot, who had cancelled last minute because of possible thunderstorms and erratic air. No call, no text, no voicemail or email, nothing I could check online.... I'm so disappointed. Another hour-long drive to get home. Whenever I spoke to the pilot he suggested I call sometime after 5:00 and he'd give me a weather report or something like that; it definitely sounded like he'd be picking up. A few hours later he called and said that his voicemail is set up so that after 8 or 9 rings an outgoing voicemessage should come on and explain that a flight has been cancelled, but I'd have hung up as soon as I realized I'd gotten his voicemail (which I didn't) anyway. I hope he had fun last night. I hate to be the first to review the company, I'm sure this isn't a typical experience and I'll of course change my review assuming I have a better experience with Balloon Depot in the future (they're the only ones offering rides this time of year).

Kevin Waldron

Terrific experience flying with Jay. Great communication day of the flight and an absolute pro making our flight safe and enjoyable.

Mark Marashchuk

I surprised my then girlfriend (happily engaged) with a flight on their evening balloon ride. The sunny warm weather was absolutely spectacular, where we could easily point out; Mnt Rainier, Mnt Helen's, Baker, Glacier, Victoria Island BC, downtown Seattle and more! The flight was booked but after talking a little to Jay (an amazing guy) he happily arranged 2 spots just for us, where I then proposed to my girlfriend halfway through the flight. I gotta say, if your going to propose, this is the way to do it! Their staff is amazing and well trained for any situations that might occur, and the after flight catering was delightful. Worth every dollar.

Theresa Kim

We took a balloon tour back in Autumn 2010. It was so much fun. The staff were extremely friendly. It was fun to set up and tear down, too. Dinner was great; it was a good buy for a fun evening. The views of the local pumpkin patches were beautiful along with the foliage.