Had the amazing experience of flying this morning and words can not describe the experience. The closest I can get is floating above everything. Peaceful yet exhilarating at the same time. Andy and his team did a great job. We felt comfortable the whole time and very safe. Everyone was very welcoming and clearly experts at their craft. read more

Galena On the Fly - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Galena, Illinois

We celebrated our anniversary with a balloon ride over beautiful Galena. it was so much fun! the crew was fantastic and made the whole experience fun. they were professional and entertaining as well as incredibly hard working. our flight was extended a bit as we couldn't touch down in a planned field. the quick thinking pilot and crew were able to navigate us to a different location and we landed safely. our photos of the trip are beautiful memories of a unique experience. wonderful way to celebrate! read more

Andy was amazing! We had the best flight! glad the weather was perfect so we could move forward with the flight!

Galena on the Fly made my first time in a hot air balloon ride a great experience. Booking was easy, although the owner and I played phone tag a few times. Communication was clear, and the team was entertaining and friendly. I highly recommend this company. read more

Galena On the Fly - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Galena, Illinois

See all

We made reservations 4 months ago for this flight and drove 3 hours to Galena. The weather was absolutely perfect on 9/30/23 so we went to lunch and shopped a little before going to Eagle Ridge for our 5:00 p.m. hot air balloon experience. It wasn't until we got into the lobby that we got several texts from Andy, the owner, that he had cancelled because the "winds were too gusty" today. Even the people at the front desk said it was probably a joke or sent in error and to just wait by the open field for the vans to come get us. We waited 15 minutes and no one arrived. Once again, Andy texted that the "winds were too gusty to fly". He texted even though he was not getting any answers from us. He did not even tell the front desk people that he cancelled. And, in his write up for this experience, Andy states that what you wear on the ground is also perfect for the flight since it is not that much different at 4,000 feet. No mention has been made yet about a refund or any other compensation since we had already made dinner and hotel reservations for the night that could not be changed/cancelled. I am sure that it would have been a wonderful time and we will try again but not with this company and/or Andy. read more

This was a total surprise for my wife . . . and was it a hit! Truly an enjoyable flight with ups and downs to the treetops ... seeing neighborhoods and experiencing a serenity on this sunset flight that we haven't before in sunrise flight in Napa or elsewhere. read more

5 Star Flight, If You're Lucky, 0 Star Customer Service Guaranteed My family and I had a wonderful experience during the flight, and with the crew and the pilot, but unfortunately the pilot and their customer service are the same guy and left a bitter taste that sullied the whole experience. I had already tried to fly with Galena on the Fly in the past, but never got to fly. The interactions with their customer service made the matter worse, so I felt compelled to leave a negative review at the time, reflecting my experience. However, during a visit to Galena, I saw one of their balloons flying, and it made me want to try again. I booked my flight but I had a few questions. At this point, they were unaware of who I was regarding my prior interactions with them or the review I had previously left for them. Still, from the first time I called them, the person who answered the phone was very rude from the start. His attitude was making it very clear that every question I had was annoying for him to have to answer. Then on the day of my flight, I get a call from them telling me that they found out about who I was and the review I left. At that point they yelled at and threatened me to remove my review or they would cancel my flight and make sure I would never be able to fly over Galena. I did take my review down because I really wanted the flight. I called them back to let them know that I had taken down the review so I could have my flight, and I hear the guy on the phone and I am pretty sure it was Andy William the pilot itself, telling his coworker "F***ing coward, he removed it, HAHAHA", clearly meaning for me to hear him. If you ask me, he's the coward who could handle real feedback, and just threatens, insults, yells, and laughs at customers over the phone. Well, joke's on him because I got my flight and here's my original review anyway: "BE VERY CAREFUL. IT WAS THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF OUR LIVES!!!! We reserved a flight for May 22nd. We reserved 2 rooms at Eagle Ridge Resort. We live over 2 hours from them. We called first to be sure they were going to fly in that weather, but they said they didn't trust the forecast and they weren't ready to cancel the flight, even when the weather didn't seem great for flying. We arrived, and at 4 pm our flight was canceled via text message. So, we had to spend our night at the resort, we spent money on going, eating and staying, for nothing. We then reserved another flight for June 5th. It was supposed to be a birthday present, but it was too late for that now. But, we wanted to fly. We did the same thing again, we called first because we were concerned about the weather again, and they laughed at us, because they insisted it was nothing to be concerned about. We went and spent more money, for nothing again. The trip there was useless twice. They canceled once again just as we arrived at the resort. I explained from the beginning that it was a birthday present for my wife who has a severe fibromyalgia and we want to be sure she has a great experience of flying in a hot air balloon over Lake Galena. She has been suffering for years and she has to be suffering for the rest of her life, and they don't care what they do to a person, to a family that prepared a trip and spent money for nothing. They offered us to fly until August 28. Imagine that. They don't let you cancel or move your flight, but they can do it to you whenever they want. We smiled for nothing, we spent money for nothing, we promised to my wife something that never happened because of them. They don't advise you early in order to not do the same again and again for nothing. They wait until you are there because the only thing they care about is their money, not breaking smiles and dreams. Not even about wasting our time and money for nothing. And they have no physical location for their business. Just texting. So convenient for them, of course." If you want that magical experience, just know you're gonna have to put up with people who have no respect or consideration for their customers, and you might not even be lucky enough to fly at all. read more

I recently marked riding in an air balloon off my bucket list. We had a hour ride in one of the biggest air balloons I've ever seen. One group went first and we were in the chase car which was also fun. You exchange person for person to get in and out, very interesting. Then on to the ride which was just awesome.... Watching animal, the different crops growing and different colors. We were lucky and had the owner and pilot, Andy. He was really funny and entertaining. WOW what a day. read more

Had an amazing flight at the National Balloon Classic. If a hot air balloon ride is on your bucket list, GOTF is the company I would suggest for your first of many flights because once won't be enough! Glenn was our pilot and I loved the GoPro photos afterward which is a special momento to remember the experience - not that I will ever forget! Can't wait until the next flight! read more

See all

We booked a flight and it was canceled due to winds which was understandable but then there was no availability for another ride until Tuesday which sucks. I guess I won't be riding with them.. read more

so. much. fun. The sunrise ride was an incredible experience. We flew just above the tree tops as the sun rose, and then lifted to higher elevations. It was neat to see the area from bird's eye view, very beautiful area!! Our pilot, Andy, was very nice and fun... very knowledgeable of the area and all things hot air balloon related. The crew was nice, as well. Our flight ended with chocolate and champagne... I most definitely recommend booking your flight!!! read more

See all

What a great experience! The pilot was wonderful and the view was breathtaking. If you are in Galena make time for this, you won't regret it read more

Galena On the Fly - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Galena, Illinois

See all