Dear Wickers World Balloonists,
Update 5th January 2021.
Back to flying! Since August of last year 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’ve managed to fly about 500 passengers since restarting, so get booked in for spring flights!
However, as you know, we’re currently in another 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 highly irresponsible to go ballooning under the current circumstances, and so all flights have been suspended until the end of lockdown.
Looking ahead, with the vaccine being deployed and the current lockdown hopefully bringing the spread of the virus back under control, we are confident that our flying will recommence just as the weather improves – so perfect timing really! January and February are historically the least reliable months as far as ballooning weather is concerned, but by March and April both the weather and the Covid situation should be much improved, and we can look forward to better times ahead.
We managed to fly right up until the day before the previous lockdown – the 4th of November – and look forward to some more frosty flights in the coming months. Check out this lovely picture we took from the basket showing the autumnal colours and frost on the fields!
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 into the 2021 flying season. Furthermore, a number of passengers have contacted us to ask whether they could delay their flights until 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 worked hard to get our flying schedule together for winter and also for the beginning of the 2021 season. Please schedule your spring balloon flight by visiting the redeem voucher section of this website. For flights in late February, please call our office to discuss the possibilities.
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: 05/01/21
