For one unlucky consumer, a thoughtful 30th birthday gift has become a source of ongoing frustration and disappointment. In late 2022, ML from Bath received two Virgin hot air balloon ride vouchers, valued at £336, from their mother. The excitement of embarking on a scenic aerial adventure with their partner quickly turned to dismay as the pair encountered repeated obstacles in redeeming the vouchers.
Booking Woes and Weather Woes
According to ML, securing a booking for the hot air balloon experience has been an arduous task, with limited spaces available. On the rare occasions when the couple managed to secure a spot, their hopes were dashed as inclement weather forced cancellations. Virgin Balloon Flights, the company behind the vouchers, maintains that it is not beholden to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 due to the weather-dependent nature of the activity.
ML’s attempts to exchange the vouchers for an alternative experience were met with resistance from Virgin, who stated that such an option is only available after a staggering seven or more trip cancellations. The frustrated consumer highlighted the inherent difficulty in reaching this threshold, given the scarcity of available flights and the looming expiration date of the vouchers in January.
A Burdensome Birthday Gift
What should have been a joyous and memorable 30th birthday present has instead become a source of stress and disappointment for ML and their partner. The couple, who lack a personal vehicle, face additional hurdles in reaching Virgin’s alternate launch sites via public transportation in time for the early morning liftoffs.
“This gift has been a nightmare and a burden that cost my mum £336. At this stage we just want the money back and not to have to worry about using these awful vouchers,” lamented ML.
Virgin’s Response and Extended Expiration
In response to ML’s complaints, a spokesperson for Virgin Balloon Flights reiterated the company’s policy of non-refundable vouchers, with exceptions made only after seven cancelled trips. They contested ML’s assertion of limited availability in the Bath area, stating that up to three pilots operate from the location during peak summer months.
Faced with the imminent expiration of the vouchers and a desire to avoid further disappointment, ML reluctantly accepted a 12-month extension offered by Virgin. The couple now clings to the hope that favorable weather conditions will finally allow them to take to the skies and salvage some enjoyment from the ill-fated birthday gift.
The Perils of Experience Gift Vouchers
ML’s plight underscores the potential pitfalls of experience gift vouchers, particularly those tied to weather-dependent activities. While the allure of unique and memorable experiences may make such vouchers an attractive gift option, the reality of limited availability, unpredictable weather, and strict refund policies can leave recipients feeling deflated.
As the popularity of experience-based gifts continues to soar, consumers must remain mindful of the terms and conditions associated with these vouchers. Retailers, on the other hand, benefit from the fact that a significant portion of vouchers go unredeemed, as recipients grapple with the challenges of booking and attending the promised experiences.
A Glimmer of Hope
For ML and their partner, the saga of the Virgin hot air balloon ride vouchers continues. With fingers crossed and eyes turned skyward, they hold onto the faint hope that the coming year will bring fair weather and the chance to finally enjoy the aerial views they have long anticipated. Only time will tell if this 30th birthday gift will ultimately rise to the occasion or remain forever grounded by circumstance.
