COVID-19 Info
Dear Wickers World Balloonists,
Update 23rd February 2021.
Since August 2020 we’ve had a DfT (Department for Transport) Exemption which allows us to operate our passenger balloons as normal (with passengers wearing the obligatory face masks, using copious hand sanitiser, and with all of our balloon equipment disinfected between flights). We managed to fly around 500 passengers before restrictions changed again in November.
However, as you know, we’re currently in a period of lockdown, and whilst our DfT Exemption remains in place and we are legally permitted to fly (because it’s our work), passengers would not be permitted to attend because it would mean they were making an unnecessary journey! Besides the legality of the situation, it would clearly be irresponsible to go ballooning under the current circumstances, and so all flights have been suspended until the 29th March.
Looking ahead, we are hopeful that we can resume flights for the small number of passengers who hold our ‘Exclusive For 2’ vouchers from the 29th March as this involves just 2 passengers and a pilot. However, this is obviously subject to a relaxation of the restrictions as planned.
For the majority of our passengers who hold vouchers to fly in the larger balloons (Early Bird, Weekday, Premium or Premium Plus), we hope to resume flights from the 12th April, inline with other outdoor leisure activities and non-essential shops. However this again requires a relaxation of the restrictions as planned.
Please be aware that the above dates are subject to change and are by no means guaranteed. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and we are preparing for further disruptions to the schedule outlined by the Government.
Historically, February and March are unreliable months as far as ballooning weather is concerned, but by April we are hopeful that both the weather and Covid situation will be improving and we can begin flying again.
What will happen to my vouchers and expiry date if I wish to delay my flight?
We are keen to ensure you are not missing out as a result of the Covid impact. Therefore, if your vouchers have recently expired, or are about to, we will extend your flight vouchers to the end of 2021. Furthermore, a number of passengers have contacted us to ask whether they could delay their flights because they are still shielding themselves (or family) or simply feel anxious about being with others at this time, and of course we will be pleased to accommodate these requests.
Can I book my flight date?
Yes! We have worked hard to get our flying schedule together for Spring and the start of Summer. Please schedule your Spring or Summer balloon flight by visiting the redeem voucher section of this website.
What if I’m buying a new voucher?
We have increased the validity of all of our vouchers from 12 months to 18 months, just to give passengers added flexibility and more time in which to book.
As we get through this unprecedented crisis together, we thank you for supporting our small family business and we hope that you and your loved ones are keeping safe and well. We look forward to meeting you all in a field someday soon to embark on an exciting adventure into the sky.
Kind regards,
The Wickers World Team
Page Last Updated: 23/02/21
