10/31/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind: 8 miles/h from W, Sunset: 5:48 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/31/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Wind: 12 miles/h from SSW, Sunrise: 7:25 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/30/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 10 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 5:50 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/30/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 7 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 7:23 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/29/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 8 miles/h from S, Sunset: 5:51 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/29/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from S, Sunrise: 7:22 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/28/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from SW, Sunset: 5:52 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/28/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 7:21 AM
Reason: Unaccepted weather condition

10/27/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Clear, Wind: 5 miles/h from WNW, Sunset: 5:54 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/27/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 9 miles/h from W, Sunrise: 7:20 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/26/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Light Rain, Wind: 7 miles/h from NE, Sunset: 5:55 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/26/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 8 miles/h from NE, Sunrise: 7:18 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/25/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind: 10 miles/h from NNE, Sunset: 5:56 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

72 consecutive weekday flights have been canceled since the first cancellation of our flights on 8/27/07.

10/25/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Wind: 12 miles/h from NE, Sunrise: 7:17 AM
Canceled

10/24/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 17 miles/h from NE, Sunset: 5:58 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/24/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind: 15 miles/h from NNW, Sunrise: 7:16 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/23/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from SW, Sunset: 5:59 PM

10/23/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Wind: 9 miles/h from NNW, Sunrise: 7:15 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/22/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Light Rain, Wind: 6 miles/h from NW, Sunset: 6:01 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/22/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind: 5 miles/h from WNW, Sunrise: 7:14 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/21/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind: 14 miles/h from S, Sunset: 6:02 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/21/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 16 miles/h from S, Sunrise: 7:12 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/20/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from S, Sunset: 6:04 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/20/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 9 miles/h from SW, Sunrise: 7:11 AM
Reason: Due to wind

10/19/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 21 miles/h from SW, Sunset: 6:05 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/19/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 19 miles/h from SSW, Sunrise: 7:10 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/18/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 19 miles/h from SSW, Sunset: 6:07 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

64 consecutive weekday flights have been canceled since the first cancellation of our flights on 8/27/07.

Again, on their web site, they claim only
"50% of flights in the Midwest are rescheduled due to weather."

10/18/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 19 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 7:09 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/17/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 7 miles/h from E, Sunset: 6:08 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/17/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 7 miles/h from E, Sunset: 6:08 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/17/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: N/A, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 7:08 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/16/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Mostly cloudy, Wind: 7 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 6:10 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/16/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fog, Wind: 7 miles/h from S, Sunrise: AM 7:06
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/15/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 5 miles/h from ENE, Sunset: 6:11 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

The flight status recording says they don’t reschedule this year anymore since this is the end of the season. They say they’ll extend the expiration date if you need to. However, if they keep canceling their flights like they've been doing, it doesn't matter how much they extend. This way, they keep your money, and will say “Nobody has ever wasted their tickets.”
In Chicago Sun-Times, I saw an article about a woman who had been trying to fly for two years.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20061113/ai_n16841020

Calling your credit card company for an advice may be an option if you don’t want to wait that long. Keeping your money at the Balloon Company won’t give you any interest.

10/15/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 3 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 7:05 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/14/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 5 miles/h from NE, Sunset: 6:13 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/14/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Light rain, Wind: 3 miles/h from ESE, Sunrise: 7:04 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/13/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: Calm, Sunset: 6:15 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/13/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 7:03 AM

10/12/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from NNE, Sunset: 6:16 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

Better Business Bureau reported us that our complains have been reviewed by one of their Complaint Specialists and the case has now been forwarded to the business for their response.

10/12/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 3 miles/h from NNE, Sunrise: 7:02 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/11/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 9 miles/h from NNW, Sunset: 6:18 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

56 consecutive weekday flights have been canceled since the first cancellation of our flights on 8/27/07.

10/11/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 9 miles/h from NW, Sunrise: 7:01 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/10/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 13 miles/h from WNW, Sunset: 6:19 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/10/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 9 miles/h from WNW (@ 8 AM), Sunrise: 7:00 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/9/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 13 miles/h from WNW, Sunset: 6:21 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

We filed a complaint at Evanston Better Business Bureau.

Complaint summary:
We purchased tickets for Hot Air Balloon rides from A Great American Balloon Company flying out from Windy City Balloon Port. Even on their web site they say "50% of flights in the Midwest are rescheduled due to weather.", they have not flown even once during weekdays since August 2, which has been over 2 months. The tickets are non-refundable, yet they do not provide an opportunity to use them.
They failed to call us back twice when they promised us to do as well.
We have been recording the weather conditions and reasons for canceling flights. Even on calm days they do not fly. They are always prepared with an excuse that cannot be verified.

Desired solution summary:
-Full refund
-A change to their claims of flight frequency on their web site
-A change of terms in their present and future agreements to allow for refunds if they are unable to provide the advertised service

10/9/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from SW, Sunrise: 6:58 Am
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/8/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 17 miles/h from WSW, Sunset: 6:23 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

Even though they promised me that A Great American Balloon Company manager, Ron Lake would call me back today, he never did.

This is the 2nd time they didn't call us back when they had promised to do so.

10/8/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:57 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/7/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 6:24 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/7/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Mostly cloudy, Wind: 3 miles/h from SE, Sunrise: 6:56 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/6/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 7 miles/h from S, Sunset: 6:26 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/6/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:55 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/5/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind: 7 miles/ h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:28 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/5/07 Fri - Mia talked with Austin from A Great American Balloon Company

I called A Great American Balloon Company and asked Austin who answered the phone why the balloon ride was canceled yesterday even though the wind was only 3 miles/h according to the weather record. He then said "It was 10 miles/h over 1500 feet in the air. Did you check the wind speed at 1500 feet up?" Hey, that's a jerk thing to say! He knows that there's no way I can prove the wind speed at 1500 feet in the air.

I asked him for a full refund since then have not once offered a service since I purchased our tickets in August. He took my number, and promised that his manager Ron Lake will call me on Monday.

Oh well, I don't trust Ron Lake, and I was sure he wouldn't call me back on Monday, but I decided to hang up the phone because there was nothing else Austin could do for me.

10/5/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 3 miles/ h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:54 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/4/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 3 miles/h from SE, Sunset: 3:29 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

10/4/07 Thur - Eric called the credit company

Eric called our credit card company for advise.

He explained the situation, and the representative from the dispute department told him that it should not be a problem to reverse the charge. We decided not to make the action today, but this could be a future option if A Great American Balloon Company doesn't voluntarily provide a refund we've been asking for numerous times.

10/4/07 Thur - Eric talked with Ron Lake, the manager of A Great American Ballon Company

Eric asked Ron Lake to explain in details how they decide if the wind condition was acceptable. Ron promised Eric that one of their pilots would call him back for the explanation, but they never did. A Great American Balloon Company has 4 pilots: Antonio, Jack Richard and Don.

To meet FAA regulations, each balloon should have a flight ID number. Eric asked Ron for the number, but he refused to give it to Eric. When I talked with Ron, he mentioned that they flew many times in June, so Eric asked him to give him the dates and kind of flights (sunrise or sunset). Ron refused to give Eric the info telling him that he didn't have it in front of him.

Eric asked him for a full refund since they hadn't offered any service during weekdays since we got the tickets more than a month ago. Ron refused to do so. Eric asked him what was the case when they had given a refund. Ron said that they had given a refund only one time when the lady who booked a flight passed away.

We couldn't make any more reservations for this year, since their business was closing October 31st for the year, and Ron told us that it was booked up since October was a popular month for balloon rides. (What!? Ron told me today's flight might be canceled because only 2 passengers had signed up!)

Hey, you make no sense, Ron Lake!!!

10/4/07 Thur - Eric talked with Austin from A Great American Ballon Company

Eric talked with Austin who started just two weeks ago according to him.

Austin couldn't answer why the balloon ride was canceled this morning even though there was no wind. He told Eric that they got lots of complaints, and everybody complained to him. Eric asked for the manager, but he was out.

10/4/07 Thur - OUR FLIGHT was Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:53 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

It's a beautiful morning with almost no wind! If this is an "Unacceptable weather condition", what's "Acceptable"!?!?

10/3/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunset: 6:31 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/3/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from SW, Sunrise: 6:52 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/2/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 19 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 6:33 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

Eric and I continued info gathering on A Great American Balloon Company and Windy City Balloon Port. I found an article that complained about A Great American Balloon Company in Chicago Sun-Times from last year. In the article, I even found Ron Lake's name.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20061113/ai_n16841020

10/2/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fog, Wind: 6 miles/h from S, Sunrise: 6:51 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

Eric and I started to look up information about A Great American Balloon Company and Windy City Balloon Port. We found several complaints for both of them in Evanston Better Business Bureau data base.

Both companies are owned by the same person, Kent Heitzinger, who also owns an advertising company, Ad Air Lines, Inc. which flies an airplane for aerial banner towing. That explains why we saw the ad of Windy City Balloon Port in the sky this summer. Those companies also have different names as below.

-President: Kent Heitzinger
-Great American Balloon company:
Cloud Nine Balloon Port
We Do Fly
-Windy City Balloon Port:
Sky Rides, Inc.
(Source: Better Business Bureau)

10/1/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from SSW, Sunset: 6:35 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

10/1/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 10 miles/h from SW, Sunrise: 6:49 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/30/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 10 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 6:36 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/30/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 8 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:48 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/29/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 9 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 6:38 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/29/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/ h from ESE, Sunrise: 6:47 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/28/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 7 miles/h from E, Sunset: 6:40 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/28/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Clam, Sunrise: 6:46 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/27/07 Thur - Mia talked with Ron Lake, the manager of A Great American Ballon Company

Our flight was canceled again. This is the 3rd time. I understand that it was too windy today, but if they don't fly even on calm days, we'll never be able to fly. It doesn't matter how much they extend our expiration date.

I complained and asked for a full refund again, but Ron Lake kept refusing to do so. I again brought up that they were doing false advertising by stating that only 50% of the flights were canceled because of the weather condition.
Ron told me that some times nobody booked the flight so they would not count those times as canceled. So if they calculate the percentage of cancelations against reserved flights, it comes out to be "approximately 50%."

He kept stressing that it is "approximately 50%", but they've been canceling 100% of weekday flights for almost 2 months. How does it even get close to 50%!?!?

Also, I noticed when they say "we flew 10 times", it doesn't necessarily mean they flew 10 different occasions. If they fly two balloons at a time, then they call it twice. So, their "We flew 10 times this month" could mean only 5 different occasions but 2 balloons each.

After about a half an hour argument, I decided to make one more reservation. I was quite sure they would cancel it too, but what else can I do!?!?!? My next reservation is October 4th. Ron told me that so far, only two people had signed up for that flight, so even if the weather would be nice, the flight might be canceled unless the number of passengers reach six. Oh, well, a little over a week ago he told me that it was totally booked until October 15th. And now, he's telling me there may not be enough people!? He says the maximum number of passengers is 12. Does it mean suddenly 10 people canceled the flight, and nobody has taken the spot? Last time, he suggested to try next year since October is pretty full, and when I actually do make a reservation, he says there aren't enough people signed up. He doesn't make sense at all!!!! I've been in denial, but my bad feeling that this is a scam could be true........

9/27/07 Thur - OUR FLIGHT was Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 9 miles/h from W, Sunset: 6:42 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/27/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:45 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/26/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from WNW, Sunset: 6:43 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/26/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from NNW, Sunrise: 6:44 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/25/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from W, Sunrise: 6:45 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/25/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 9 miles/h from SSW, Sunrise: 6:43 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/24/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 10 miles/h from S, Sunset: 6:47 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/24/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Mostly cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:42 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/23/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 7 miles/h from E, Sunset: 6:49 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/23/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:41 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/22/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from E, Sunset: 6:50 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/22/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 3 miles/h from N, Sunrise: 6:40 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/21/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 9 miles/h from S, Sunset: 6:52 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/21/07 Fri - Mia talked with Austin from A Great American Balloon Company

I talked with a new part time worker, Austin. I asked him if I could get a refund since they had not offered enough flights. He said that he had to ask his boss, but it seemed like his boss was not around. I mentioned that they hadn't flown on weekdays since 8/2. He seemed to be surprised to hear that. I asked him why flights get canceled even when the weather was exactly the same as some weekends they flew. Austin told me that the wind condition at 200 feet above was different from the land, and they release a balloon to check the actual altitude's condition.

I asked him when the next available weekday flight was. He gave me some days such as 9/27, 10/1, and 10/3. Oh, wait, what!?!?!? Just two days ago when I talked with Ron Lake, he told me that all the flights were booked until 10/15. Why suddenly there are so many openings!?!? The information Ron gave me 2 days ago doesn't sound accurate now. Did he tell me it was booked until almost 1 month ahead so I could not make a reservation!?!?

9/21/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 7 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:39 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/20/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 8 miles/h from ENE, Sunset: 6:54 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/20/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from N, Sunrise: 6:38 AM,
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/19/07 Wed - Mia talked with Ron Lake, the manager of A Great American Ballon Company

I was pretty annoyed that they haven't flown weekdays for such a long time, but called them to reschedule our flights. (3rd time.)

Ron Lake answered the phone, and he suggested me to book a flight next year since this year it's pretty full. We may be moving abroad next year, so we cannot wait until then. He then told me that the next available day was 10/15. It's almost a month away!!! They are closing the business for the year on 10/31. What if they cancel the 10/15 flight too? (It most likely to happen seeing the 100% weekday cancellation rate since 8/3.)

I asked Ron for a full refund again since there was not enough service offered. He refused, telling me that I purchased the tickets knowing that their service was weather dependent. Well, it does say only "50% flights are canceled", not 100%! He told me that I was not looking at the big picture. He claimed that in some months, they flew 10 times. Well well... they offer two flights a day. Sunrise and sunset, which add up to 60 - 62 flights a month. If they only fly 10 times, that still means 80% of the flights are canceled! In a GOOD MONTH!

He then said that not all the flights were booked, so if they calculate the flights that were booked, the cancellation rate would be approximately 50%. It's hard to believe it! Since I started to check the flight info in August, they canceled only one flight because of insufficient number of passengers. Every other time, the reasons for cancellation were either because of the "wind" or "weather" condition. That means they are lying about either the cancellation reasons or the cancellation rate.

I noticed that they were prepared with excuses that we cannot prove wrong for all kinds of complaints. When I asked him why they canceled weekday flights even on days with almost no wind. Ron told me that I was getting "land weather info", and at 1,500 feet above which they check for balloon flights, the wind situation was different. Oh really, for all of those calm days!!!!???? No way! I don't believe you, Ron Lake!!!!

9/19/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from N (8 PM), Sunset: 6:56 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/19/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Mostly cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from SSW, Sunrise: 6:37 AM
Reason, Unacceptable weather condition

9/18/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 17 miles/h from SSE (5 PM), Sunset: 6:58 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/18/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 12 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:35 AM,
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/17/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 14 miles/h from SE, Sunset: 6:59 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/17/07 Mon - Mia talked with Ron Lake

I called and talked with Ron Lake, a manager and co-owner of A Great American Balloon Company.
I asked him for a full refund since they are not providing us the service we paid for. Ron refused to give me a refund, and insisted they would fly. He told me that nobody had ever wasted their tickets they purchased. The balloon season is from June to October. If they keep canceling like they have been, we won't be able to fly then. Ron told me that we could try next year in that case. Next year!?!?!? I bought the tickets for my husband's birthday THIS YEAR!!!! They just keep OUR money for a year like this!?!? Who knows if they'll fly enough next year!? I'm not talking about some specific dates. We're willing to be flexible with our work schedule, and have been checking flight status everyday. If they don't fly at all, how can we fly!?!? Ron Lake mentioned that pilots don't get paid unless they fly. Then, who's keeping our money without doing anything?!? How do those pilots eat with a job like this!? Do they go to work everyday hoping they can fly and get paid, and end up coming home empty handed?!

9/17/07 Mon - OUR FLIGHT was Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 8 miles/h from SE, Sunrise: 6:34 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

Our flight was canceled for the 2nd time. Wind being 8 miles/h, it's understandable not to fly today. However, they haven't flown during weekdays for 1 month and a half! The cancellation frequency is totally different from what they claim in their web site!!!

9/16/07 Sun - Flew: Sunset - but NOT for our tickets

Weather: Fair, Wind: 6 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 7:01 PM

They flew even though the wind was stronger than many weekdays they canceled.

9/16/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:33 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/15/07 Sat - Flew: Sunset - but NOT for our tickets

They told me that they had 2 flights. I wonder how they did it. They later told Eric there was only 1 balloon at Windy City Balloon Port.

9/15/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

9/14/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Partly cloudy, Wind: 17 miles/h from NNW
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/14/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 10 miles from NW, Sunrise: 6:31 AM,
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/13/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 7 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 7:07 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/13/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:30 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

Again, they canceled the flight even though the weather & wind condition was exactly the same as the time they flew on one weekend! I have no idea why the flight was canceled. Is this a scam!? Well, I'll see if our second reservation on 9/17will fly. If it doesn't I should complain. I'm glad I've been recording the weather condition.

9/12/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunset: 7:08 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

Oh well....By now, I've been very skeptical about Great American Balloon company. They claims that they cancel 50% of flights because of the weather, however they haven't flown during weekdays at all since I bought the tickets in August. They say the reason is "Unacceptable weather condition", but today's flight was canceled even though the weather and wind condition was exactly the same as the day they flew on one weekend!

9/12/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 3 miles/h from NW, Sunrise: 6:29 AM,
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/11/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 14 miles/h from WNW, Sunset: 7:10 PM,
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/11/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 3 miles/h from W, Sunrise: 6:28 AM,
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/10/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Light rain, Wind: 14 miles/h from N, Sunset: 7:12 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/10/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 10 miles/h from NNE, Sunrise: 6:27 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/9/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 16 miles/h from NNE, Sunset: 7:14 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/9/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind 11 miles/h from NNW, Sunrise: 6:26 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/8/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunset Flight

9/8/07 Sat - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 8 miles/h From N, Sunrise: 6:25 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather & wind condition

9/7/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Wind: 11 miles/h from WSW, Sunset: 7:17 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather & wind condition

9/7/07 Fri - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 24 miles/h from S, Sunrise: 6:24 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/6/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Wind: 20 miles/h from SSE, Sunset: 7:19 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather & wind condition

9/6/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h from SSE, Sunrise: 6:23 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/5/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Oops! I deleted the weather info by mistake!
Cancellation reason: Unacceptable weather & wind condition

9/5/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:22 AM
Unacceptable weather condition

9/4/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunset: 7:22 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/4/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Foggy, Wind: 5 miles/h from S, Sunrise: 6:21 AM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/3/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from WSW, Sunset: 7:24 PM
Reason: Unacceptable weather condition

9/3/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:20 AM
Reason: Insufficient number

This is the first time they canceled not because of the weather, but because they didn't have enough people signed up. I should have made a reservation then.

9/2/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 7 miles/h from S, Sunset: 7:26 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

9/2/07 Sun - Flew: Sunrise - but NOT for our tickets

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:19 AM

Our weekday tickets cannot be used.

9/1/07 Sat - Flew: Sunset - but NOT for our tickets

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from E, Sunset: 7:27 PM

Our weekday tickets cannot be used.

9/1/07 Sat - Flew: Sunrise - but NOT for our tickets

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from N, Sunrise: 6:18 AM

Our weekday tickets cannot be used.

8/31/07 Fri - Flew: Sunset - but NOT for our tickets

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h from E, Sunset: 7:29 PM

Again, our weekday tickets cannot be used.

8/31/07 Fri - Flew: Sunrise - but NOT for our tickets

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:17 AM

They finally flew! .... However it's Friday so our weekday tickets cannot be used.

8/30/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 8 miles/h From NE, Sunset: 7:31 PM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

8/30/07 Thur - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 7 miles/h from N, Sunrise: 6:16 AM
Reason: Unacceptable wind condition

From today, I decided to include cancellation reasons too.
This will help us understand what the acceptable balloon condition is.

8/29/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Cloudy, Wind: 16 miles/h from N, Sunset: 7:32 PM

8/29/07 Wed - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind:Calm, Sunrise: 6:15 AM

8/28/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h, Sunset: 7:34 PM

8/28/07 Tue - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Partly Cloudy, Wind: 6 miles/h, Sunrise: 6:14 AM

I decided to check the flight info and weather everyday so I can make a reservation when I find they'll fly. I took another day off from work on 9/17, but hopefully we can fly before that.

8/27/07 Mon - OUR FLIGHT was Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h, Sunset: 7:36 PM

Oh... Very disappointed. But nothing can be done if the weather is not suitable for a balloon ride.

I had to tell Eric what my secret plan was.
He was disappointed, but was also understanding that it was not something I could control.

Instead of a balloon ride, we picked up a bottle of wine and cheese and went to Botanic Garden for a picnic dinner. It was a beautiful evening, and we enjoyed listening to the cheesy bell tower concert they were having there, and joking about it.

8/27/07 Mon - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 5 miles/h, Sunrise: 6:12 AM

Oh, they canceled the sunrise flight. Hopefully the weather picks up for sunset flight.

8/26/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunset Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: 3 miles/h, Sunset: 7:37 PM

Please!!!! Fly tomorrow evening!!!!!

8/26/07 Sun - Canceled: Sunrise Flight

Weather: Fair, Wind: Calm, Sunrise: 6:11 AM

I called the flight info number. Our flight is tomorrow.
Just checking..... Hopefully it flies tomorrow

8/17/07 - Mia buys 2 Hot Air Balloon tickets for $350

I wanted to get something very special for Eric's birthday because we went through a lot this year.
I knew he wanted an iPod, but I wanted to give him a memorable experience rather than a product this time.

After examining different hot air balloon company web sites, I called A Great American Balloon company to book a flight.

There was a little odd moment when I called their customer service. When I told the man who answered the phone that I wanted to make a reservation for two, he automatically assumed that I already had a ticket number. When I told him that I hadn't purchased tickets yet and would like to do so over the phone, he slightly sounded unexpected, but very nicely took my order.

$350 was withdrawn from my bank account under the name of "CLOUD 9 BALLOON PORT FOX".

It is rather large amount, but I was happy to do so for Eric's birthday gift he'd never forget.