Dear Wickers World Balloonists,
Update 14th September 2020.
Below is a short FAQs page to answer some of the most common questions about our COVID-19 response. Our office is still ‘open’ with calls diverted to home based staff. We can process orders over the phone and arrange posting of vouchers, but flight date reservations for existing voucher holders should be made through this website.
As we face 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.
We will update this page as often as aviation news is available, so please check back regularly.
Kind regards,
The Wickers World Team
Will COVID-19 affect my flight?
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Department for Transport (DfT) have slowly eased the restrictions which prevented balloon flights from taking place during the lockdown phase of the Coronavirus pandemic. From the 4th of July, we were permitted to resume pilot training programs, such that students could fly with instructors or examiners, and we could also service customers who hold our ‘Exclusive For Two‘ vouchers (not to be confused with just 2 regular vouchers) by flying them in the small balloon with just one or two crew.
Regular scheduled flights in the larger balloons, which carry up to 16 passengers, have also now resumed from certain locations but with a limited schedule for the remainder of the season. Please be aware that our flying schedule is subject to a good deal of uncertainty due to the ongoing Covid situation. Pilots could be required to isolate if exposed to an infected person, local lockdowns could affect particular regions, or wider changes in DfT policy might stop our operations. If you are hoping to fly from any of our locations in Norfolk and Suffolk, these look least likely to proceed in the coming weeks.
Please read this very important information page that we created following our initial test flights, and in particular take note of the safety precautions that we have introduced.
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 through no fault of your own. Therefore we will extend your flight vouchers accordingly, if necessary into the 2021 flying season. Furthermore, many passengers have contacted us to ask whether they could delay their flights until next year because they are still shielding themselves (or family) or simply feel anxious about being in large groups, and of course we will be happy to accommodate these requests which seem very sensible.
Can I re-book my cancelled flight yet?
Yes! We have worked hard to get our flying schedule together for the last months of summer, and even to the end of October, so that you can re-book for later in the year. At this busy time, please avoid telephoning our office if possible, and instead reschedule your balloon flight by visiting the redeem voucher section of our website.
Before re-booking your flight date, please be sure to read our page about the infection risks on balloon flights during Covid-19 by clicking here.
What if I’m buying a new voucher?
If you are purchasing new vouchers do not fear. We have increased the validity of all of our vouchers from 12 months to 18 months. This will give you enough time to get booked in and flown, be it in 2020 or 2021.
Page Last Updated: 14/09/20
