Guest Feedback & Photos

A hot air balloon ride with us leaves a different lasting impression on everyone. Here's the place where others speak out about their individual ballooning experience! In this section, we share some of the thoughts, views and photographs of our balloon flight passengers, crew members, spectators and other important individuals we've met along the way, from right here in Albuquerque, all the way across the country. We're thankful to be able to take a step back and get a fresh perspective on what we do from time to time.

If you have enjoyed your hot air balloon ride, we warmly welcome your feedback! Reviews can be left on our Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Facebook profiles. Please contact me with any concerns or suggestions on how we can improve our operation. Thank you, and have a wonderful day!

Jon Radowski
Owner & Chief Pilot
Apex Balloons

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Apex Balloons Hot Air Balloon Rides

 

All reviews newer than 2011 have been collected on third-party review websites. Check out our newest reviews above!

10/7/2011

Hi Jon,

Thanks again for the awesome experience of the balloon flight last Sunday. It was perfect, just like Mass Ascension the morning before. Terri and I are so lucky that we had this fantastic weekend.

Thanks again!
Dale K.
Knoxville, TN

10/2/2011

Hi Jon,

Irina and I enjoyed our experience so much yesterday. You are all a class act. I will mention your name to friends who want the great experience!!!

Jim and Irina Ferguson
Albuquerque, NM

 

10/9/2010

Jon,

Thanks so much for the balloon ride on Saturday, it was a great experience. We really enjoyed the flight, and Barry made it special by both his humor and his excellent pilot skills. Touching down in the Rio Grande was an experience not to forget!

Thanks Again,
Rich D.
Elkhart, IN

10/6/2010

Hi Jon,

Thanks for taking mom and her sisters up. They are still raving about it and the great and friendly job your guys did. With that in mind, my lovely wife and 5 of her girl friends will be out for next year's Fiesta and would like to ride with you.

Jeff K.
Stuart, FL

 

10/2/2010

Hi Jon!

I was on one of your flights at the Albuquerque Fiesta this year... One of the best parts of 2010 for my daughter (Micaela) and me! The flight was awesome, and you were a great pilot. I've told so many of my friends about your company. I hope some of them get to experience a trip with you soon.

Thanks so much for a great time!
All the best in 2011,
Lisa Alberghini

 

 

10/2/2010

Thank you so much! Still brag about the ride you gave me on Sat. Oct. 2nd at the Balloon Fiesta. See attached photos; one of all of us and one of our intrepid pilot. Again thank you so much for the ride!

Brian Lyttle
San Antonio, TX


 

 

10/2/2010

Hi Jon,

Just wanted to send you a little note to share with Andy and Kevin. We had our first hot air balloon ride with you all on Saturday 10/2/10, and that was the complete highlight of our vacation! Andy and Kevin were informative, safe and just plain fun - my husband is hooked and ready to buy his own balloon!

Thanks again for making our vacation in Albuquerque so memorable and breathtaking!

Kerry Hess
Streamwood, IL

 

 

1/17/2010

Jon here! I just made a truly awesome flight above the Grand Canyon in one of our hot air balloons with good friend and fellow balloon pilot Jeff Snyder (of Above Reality Balloon Rides in Vermont), and I thought I'd share some pictures of the flight. Photos don't do it proper justice, and I can't really think of any suitable words that can begin to describe the experience. Enjoy the photos!

                  

12/24/2009

Hi Jon,

I wanted to tell you thank you so much for the amazing balloon ride! It was absolutely incredible. I thought I would be so scared to go up so high but it was actually nothing like what I expected. It was so beautiful and calm and felt awesome to be able to look down on everything. I really loved it, thanks for an unforgettable experience!

Christina Helms
Pottstown, Pennsylvania

    

(Jon note: Santa joined us on this hot air balloon flight, triumphantly cheered on by many children below our flight path! He didn't stick around to help us pack up the balloon, though, muttering something about having to be back at the North Pole by 8:00PM.)

12/7/2009

Hi Jon!

We want to thank you again for such a perfect balloon flight last Monday. It was the highlight of our year! Joe was a little hesitant about the temperature at first, but we're both really glad we came out to enjoy a winter flight with you. The snow-covered ground turned everything into a winter wonderland. The view was absolutely incredible!

Thanks so much again for an amazing experience, and one that we'll never forget. We'll be sending friends and family your way. We can't wait to come back and fly again in the summer. In the meantime, many safe landings to you, and happy holidays!

Susan & Joseph
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

  

11/14/2009

Our team participated in the 2009 Festival International del Globo in Léon, Guanajuato, Mexico, and were featured on Televiso Monterrey's morning show (syndicated nationwide throughout Mexico). We had a new weekend record - three marriage proposals in the air!

Right click and "save as" to download the video.

10/25/2009

I purchased a hot air balloon ride for my wife’s birthday after finding Above & Beyond Ballooning through an internet search. This was both of ours first balloon ride and neither of us knew what to expect going into the flight. Everything was fantastic; from the point of the balloon being set up to the time the ride was over and we were enjoying the champagne toast; this was one of the greatest things we have done together. Our wonderful experience was mostly a result of a great job performed by our pilot (Jon) and his ground crew (Patrick). Jon gave us our money’s worth in the sky by taking us to high altitudes so we had a view of more than just the Chester County area, all the way to riding low to grab leaves off the trees. Jon and Patrick’s passion for hot air balloons enhanced our experience and made it that much easier to have a great time. We definitely plan on doing this again some day, and will not hesitate to call Above & Beyond Ballooning again.

Thank you again,
Jordan & Laura Zehr
West Chester, Pennsylvania

             

10/10/2009

Hi Jon,

Thanks again for the fun flight on Saturday the 10th. I've attached a couple of photos from that morning. It was an enjoyable experience.

Larry Bryant
Albuquerque, New Mexico

       

10/9/2009

Hello Jon,

Thank you for such an unforgettable 1st ride!

Christine S.
Albuquerque, New Mexico

 

10/8/2009

Hi Everyone!

Here is the photo of our awesome balloon crew! It was such an amazing experience floating above the ground and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to do it with! Thanks for keeping us safe Jon & Chad... Had lots of fun. Keep in touch... You now have another friend in New York!

Janeen M.
Albuquerque, New Mexico

10/6/2009

Hi Jon,

My wife Mary and I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful "first" balloon ride we had with you on Tuesday in Albuquerque. We had a GREAT time and will remember it for years to come.

Don & Mary Gagnon
Albuquerque, New Mexico

10/3/2009

Thanks for an awesome flight. I will never forget this experience. I'm so glad we were in the second group. Chad provided a lot of information & insight about ballooning while he was tracking the first group. Thank you to both of you for making this such a memorable experience.

Ann Marie K.
Albuquerque, New Mexico

10/3/2009

Jon,

Thank you for a thrilling experience during this year's Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. The ride was beautiful as well as fun. Our takeoff was smooth and our touchdown soft. Looking forward to another trip soon.

Best,
Bobbi Breslow
Albuquerque, New Mexico

9/20/2009

Hi Jon,

Now that we are back to reality, wanted to take a moment to tell you how much we enjoyed our balloon ride. What an awesome experience!

Todd said he would put us in experienced hands and he did. We all appreciated your being so patient, knowledgeable, and your explanation of everything that was happening. We are still talking about our landing in a tree - best part of the entire flight!! What an adventure, and one to remember for the rest of our lives. All of us are in agreement we would do it again in a heartbeat.

Sincere thanks from all for giving us such an enjoyable flight.

Fondly,
Carol, Debbie, Dolores, & Patty
Glens Falls, New York

9/19/2009

Jon,

What a beautiful day for the Black Sheep Squadron on Sept. 19. We enjoyed our balloon flight to altitude incredibly, and your instruction on when and how to jump out was clear and friendly, and we had a fabulous jump... Except perhaps my malfunction and reserve parachute ride, but that was an incredible learning experience... Overall, a great, great day, and Heather, Jay and Cheryl were thrilled with your splash and dash at a local pond and leaf cruising the trees. Thanks again!!!

Nancy O'Brien & Scott Matthews
Glens Falls, New York

Hello Jon,

Thanks for really great time, you made my first balloon ride better than I could have ever imagined. The splash and dash were a ball, hope I get the chance to fly again with you, you're the best.

Cheryl


         

8/12/2009

Bonjour Jon,

Thank you for the ride on the balloon flight (12 août 2009 at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu).

Sylvie & André
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

        

6/24/09

Well, I have always wanted to go on a hot air balloon. Going on this ride was amazing. You will never believe the sights. It was so beautiful! It's a great way to spend an afternoon and great to do with family. The memory is most definitely unforgettable. Jon was very helpful in helping us to know how to take off and land. I would most definitely recommend Above & Beyond Ballooning as a place to go to if you are interested in an adventure like this. Thanks Again Jon, we had an amazing time!

Beckee & Rob
Pottstown, Pennsylvania

    

6/19/09

Wow! What a ride! Up to 4000 feet and then back down to treetop level. All in wonderful silence, interrupted by the momentary bursts of heat from the burners. This gives an amazing perspective on the world. Thanks for the great ride and one heck of a nice landing.

Rob D.
West Chester, Pennsylvania

        

6/12/09

Hi Jon,

Thanks for making my birthday so unforgettable! I never would have been able to see a sunset so beautiful just standing on the ground! My boyfriend and I had a truly memorable experience and cannot wait to come back to see a sunrise.

Thanks again for an awesome time!!

Tana & Paul

    

    

5/20/09

Jon,

Gordon and I cannot Thank You enough for a fantastic experience! I must admit I was a bit scared HOWEVER your expertise as well as your many years of flying put me at ease! The stories you shared with us about your youngest years and yearning to fly balloons left us both with lasting stories to share to others. We look forward to flying again with you in the Fall and having another unbelievable memory!

Cindy and Gordon Crawford

      

4/25/09

Good Morning Jon! I have some pictures that I am going to send your way in the near future from our flight on Saturday. I had so much fun. Thanks again for a wonderful time! I look forward to my next balloon ride! My boyfriend and I are already planning one hopefully soon. Have a great week. Happy flying! :)

Kimberly S.

4/18/09

Hey! Just wanted to say thank you again for a wonderful time! We've been talking about it like crazy! You guys were the best! Couldn't have asked for a better day and flight and pilot and chase crew! You guys were a blast! Totally fit right in with us crazy people! I'm sending you some pictures of our day... I'm sure we'll be back doing it again!

Fly safe...
Kris

10/18/08

This was a real memorable experience! Trina and I would like to thank you all. It was an amazing day to be up in the air with the mist over the river, and the amazing colors of the foliage below.

All my best,
Vicky
Shawnee, Pennsylvania

          

10/10/08

Hello Jon!

We just wanted to say thanks for the great hot air balloon ride and adventurous landing on Friday in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We had a wonderful time and are looking to do it again! It's refreshing to meet someone who has found something that they love to do (and does it well) and who has passion for their career. Happy and safe travels to you!

Your friends,
Nikki and Letty
The 2 Arizona teachers :)

 

9/1/08

Jon,

Carl & I had a great time Sunday! Thank you for a truly wonderful ballooning (first) experience. We've spoken to another couple who would love to go up. Terrific young couple you'd enjoy! Will give them all the information - website, e-mail, etc.

Many Thanks, take care,
Sonia & Carl G.
Villanova, Pennsylvania

   
Photos by Dennis Brenan

8/29/08

Thanks for the photos - we have a few good ones too. It was an awesome experience that our whole family enjoyed. I have told friends about our trip and have forwarded them your information. I have strongly encouraged them to come out and take a flight with you!

Thanks,
Shannon D.
Annandale, New Jersey

    

6/8/08

Hi Jon,

I just wanted to thank you and your crew for a wonderful trip and a memory of a lifetime! From takeoff to landing to the champagne toast, everything went smoothly and provided the perfect setting for my marriage proposal. Your professionalism, courteousness, and friendliness made the two of us feel very comfortable and safe throughout the flight. We couldn't have asked for a better pilot for our first ballooning experience! Thank you again for the amazing experience and I hope to take another trip in the future.

Best regards,
David H.
Edison, New Jersey

      

4/1/06

Hi Jon,

Me and Diana would like to thank you for the great ride we had on March 31, 2006. Diana was somewhat surprised by the engagement, but overall everything went great. It was our first time doing a balloon ride and the experience was awesome... Thank you for doing it on such short notice. We will definitely recommend you to our friends and family. Thanks again for making our day so special!

Thanks,
Brian & Diana
Warwick, Pennsylvania

9/13/05

Dear Jon and Christine,

We had an amazing time with you guys - a great trip!! Here are the photos I took - just let me know which ones you'd like me to send you separately with larger resolution...

Thanks again!
Ravit & Ishay

9/12/05

Jon:

Just wanted to thank you again for making the night of my entire family. We are new in the area (about 1 year now) and we just love to watch the balloons in this area. You could not even imagine the surprise when my daughters saw your hot air balloon touch down in our neighbor's yard. Only to make it more special by you offering to give them a ride.

I know my daughters said thank you, but again... You didn't have to take the time from your night and you did!!! They couldn't wait to go inside and call all of our relatives to tell the story of their balloon ride.

Thank you again...
Julie Probst
Ringoes, New Jersey

8/17/05

Jon,

What a perfectly delightful flight last Monday evening! Your piloting expertise and ongoing explanations of the art & science of hot air ballooning made for an unforgettable experience. I plan to tell any of my friends & acquaintances seeking a special gift for others or themselves to seriously consider ABOVE & BEYOND BALLOONING!

Al & Pat Mackay
Westfield, New Jersey

8/15/05

Jon is a true professional balloonist. At no point, from start to finish, did I have any concerns about the safety of the trip or his equipment. The ride was incredibly smooth from take-off to landing and the sites were gorgeous. As we flew, Jon explained some of the sites we were seeing. Along with beautiful foliage, we also saw a good deal of wildlife from deer along the banks of the reservoir, to a family of white horses galloping along the hillside. The ride we took was truly breathtaking and worth every penny. Thanks a lot, Jon!

Strato Doumanis

(Jon note: On this flight, we flew deep down into Ken Lockwood Gorge in Lebanon Township, NJ, touching the basket bottom to the surface of the river for a "splash & dash." Where we were, the gorge was narrower than the balloon, with trees touching us on both sides as we floated in the shallow stream. Sort of like East Coast Bush Flying!)

8/5/05

Hi Jon,

Just checking in after the Quick Chek Balloon Fest. Thanks for such a great ride Sunday evening and for letting me call the station during the flight. The station owners heard the segment and thought it was good radio. Thanks for helping with that. The flight was great, and I was impressed by what you do.

Gene Mangieri


Photos by Alan B. Hartmann of Skylands Photography

7/28/05

Dear Jon,

Thank you for such a wonderful ballooning experience this past Tuesday (July 26th). Shikha, Sonam, Nikhil, and I had a great time! Hope you have fun at the festival this weekend.

Take care,
Mona

7/23/05

Hi Jon,

Rudy and I had a highlight of our lives experience with you and Christine on Wednesday. Thank you for making it possible. Our grandchildren are still talking about it.

Sincerely,
Bev Chamberlain

5/21/05

This was my first flight and it was awesome! It was both exciting and peaceful at the same time. I didn't realize that the flight would be so tranquil. And Jon was a great pilot -- genuinely enthusiastic and informative. You could tell he does this because he loves it; its not just a job for him, it's a passion. As a photographer the opportunities to shoot were countless, it was really beautiful. Overall: a unique experience that I'm glad I had (and boasted to my friends), and would love to do again!

Lori T.
New York, New York

5/10/2005

Hi Jon,

This is Shar... My husband Rob and I took a flight on my Birthday, May 10. I was looking at photos and was hoping you posted some of that day.. Your site is awesome... Nice pictures and format... Easy to use also... Well... I'll keep checking, daily - in hopes you post them.

I so enjoyed our flight. Thank you for being professional and informative... Made for a more enjoyable trip... After my leg stopped shakin' of course! The rest was smooth sailing... Keep in touch please...

Sharlene & Rob
Lower Mt. Bethel, New Jersey

4/19/2005

The website was so informative and Jon was very professional and extremely informative. Although I am a little squeamish on heights, I have to say that Jon was comforting and flew me up to picturesque places. I got it all on camera and I will be going again with some friends. It was a nice place and way to start my day and my vacation. Jon took me on short notice. I was delighted by the view and I have to say there was no moving sensation whatsoever. I was very delighted by Barry as well. Very funny - Very cool. Jon was wonderful in keeping me in perspective and gentle in nature, truly a godsend for my high-strung personality. I feel complete!

Kim Trachtenberg
East Brunswick, New Jersey

4/18/2005

Fabulous way to surprise my husband for our 25th Wedding Anniversary! We Loved it. Jon was a great host and pilot.

Tammy & Joe Maynard
Chesapeake, Virginia

4/17/2005

We had an awesome time! Jon made it a great experience and we recommend it highly! Thanks, Jon!!

Seth & Elysa
Fort Lee, New Jersey

2/27/2005

Hi Jon,

I wanted to thank you again for a truly awesome flight above the snow-covered landscapes of Pennsylvania. From beginning to end I was amazed with the professionalism and ease with which you and your crew operated. Your love of ballooning really shines through, and I am still so impressed (maybe a little jealous!) that you have been able to turn your lifelong passion for ballooning into a career. Now that I've experienced the magic firsthand, it's easy to see how addicting it is. I can't wait to fly again, and I'll certainly give you a call when that time comes.

Happy Landings!
Claire Evans
Elkton, Maryland

2/20/2005

I wanted to propose to my girlfriend in a hot air balloon and luckily found Jon's website. After I spoke with him, I was counting on things to go great, and I wasn't disappointed. The views were incredible. Jon even managed to sneak a dozen roses onto the balloon to give to my girlfriend. After the flight, which was miles ahead of what I expected, we were treated to a champagne toast along with some cheese and crackers. I recommend the experience of a hot air balloon ride, but especially with Jon. He is friendly, knowledgeable and will go the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience.

Greg Hoffman
New Brunswick, New Jersey

 

10/20/04

Hi Jon:

I hope this note finds you well. I'm sure it must be beautiful to fly at this time of year. Floating over the foliage must be spectacular. I'm writing in hopes that you have some photos from my flight in Sept. If so, I would be grateful if you could send them to me. I'd love to have a remembrance of my trip!

Thanks again,
Karen North

10/14/04

Jon,

Enjoyed the ride and your proficiency! Here are some photos from the flight.

Thanks,
Mike Brooks
Wrightstown, New Jersey

10/7/04

Hi Jon -

My children and I were on your balloon at the Spiedie Fest in Binghamton, N.Y. this past August. It was a great ride! I am attaching a few of the photos but definitely not all.

And we will definitely look you up the next time we need a balloon ride. Perhaps it will be next year in Albuquerque, I am going to make it there one of these years.

Sincerely,
Diane Littlefield

9/26/04

Jon:

Thought you might like the attached photograph of yourself - 'a picture of concentration', that I took of you as you were filling "Patriot" last night at the Lancaster Balloon festival.

Safe flying,
Peter Caddick
Lancaster, Pennsylvania

7/12/2004

Hi Jon,

Thanks for an amazing experience!

Best,
Jim Willhite
New York, New York

 

9/24/03

Dear Jon & crew:

Earlier tonight you landed a balloon on our neighbors lawn on the corner of Fox Run & Hockenbury Drive in Glen Gardner. WOW! As if it wasn't great enough to see the Large, Beautiful balloon up close, you offered tethered rides to interested neighbors. WOW! I can't get the smile off my face or the joy from my heart.

Though the ride was brief, the excitement caught me and it was such a pleasure to meet all of you. I wished I had something to offer, but arrived empty handed not knowing what an adventure we were on when we left our house in search of the beautiful balloon. You gave us a glimpse into a world we have not experienced. Thank you for sharing not only your balloon, but your hospitality and warmth. It really was a pleasure to meet you and talk with you about what must be a love of yours.

Thanks again for bringing the neighbors together and for giving us a memory to treasure. May God protect you and give you happy flights!

John & Judy L.
Glen Gardner, New Jersey

8/21/03

Jon,

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you and your pilot for a birthday memory worthy of remembering (Aug 19th).

Loretta and I thought Tom was perfect as our pilot. From the very beginning, we felt confident in his abilities and enjoyed his sense of humor and appreciated his identifying points-of-interests throughout the trip.

Not to sound long winded, it was an experience we both enjoyed and look forward to repeating it in the future.

Again thanks,
Paul B.

7/27/03

Dear Jon,

Thank you for allowing us to ride in your Balloon on Saturday. We had so much fun. You made our first trip excellent!! We hope to ride with you next year at the Balloon Festival. Thanks so very much.

Sincerely,
Mary Jane and Fred Robinson
South Jersey

7/7/2003

Jon,

Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful surprise on Thursday! I totally caught Belinda off guard. We had quite the story to tell this weekend and the pictures came out really cool too. I will recommend your company to everyone I know. I attached a picture for you.

Thanks a million,
Joe Hoffman