04/19/09

THIS RIDE CREATES MEMORIES THAT LAST!!

by imjustbeachy

We took a ride with Tom and his staff years ago and it still sticks out in my mind as one of the most memorable moments of my life! He is not only an excellent pilot but he is also a lot of fun! It was one of the best days ever. If you are looking for a "Life Experience!" you just found it! Happy Ballooning

• Pros: EXCELLENT PILOT!

03/30/08

Wonderful adventure

by Sean10

I proposed to my girlfriend at 7000 feet! A wonderful and romantic experience. Tom is very professional but also a lot of fun. He puts safety first (which I think is important in a pilot!), so you have to be flexible in your planning to allow for a day with safe winds, but it was well worth it. The ground crew was professional and very friendly as well. Amazing views in the air, blowing up the balloon and the landing were very cool too. Bring a warm jacket if you fly in March! I recommend Tom and Above and Beyond Ballooning whole heartedly- my girlfriend (well, now fiance!) was overwhelmed and we both will remember this proposal as something special for a lifetime!

• Pros: romantic, exciting, what can I say - you are a mile up in the air!
• Cons: Be flexible with your scheduling - weather needs to be right for a safe flight

06/19/07

BEST Hot Air Balloon Experience - I got ENGAGED 1 mile high!!!!!

by detfree23

What an awesome experience. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something different and unique. When planning, be flexible as weather conditions can change the flying date. Be communicative. Be patient!!! I waited 4 tries before the weather cooperated and we were able to fly. It was SO worth it! On top of that, you can expect Above and Beyond to work FOR YOU to get you up in the air! My girlfriend was taken by surprise 5,000 feet in the air = 1 mile up when I ask her to marry me!. Check www.youtube down the road (something like "Above and Beyond Hot Air Balloon Proposal". I'll post the proposal and some really cool video shots! Don't worry about being scared or nervous either. The Pilot is well trained with 18 years of experience and his ground crew is exceptional. Enjoy the moment! You simply have to give this a try!

• Pros: How many people can say they floated 5,000 feet above the ground?
• Cons: Be Patient. What a concept in a time of "I want it NOW!"

05/25/07

Above & Beyond Hot Air Ballon Rides

by dhupp

I highly recommend this experience to anyone who has ever thought about doing something like this. It is well worth it! My wife and I took a trip yesterday and we enjoyed ever minute of it. Tom and his crew are extremely friendly and make the trip that much more enjoyable. The view from above is spectacular and refreshing.

• Pros: Thumbs way up
• Cons: None

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Offers private champagne balloon flights for special occasions; flight instruction available.

10/23/06

Celebration experience

by gniarno

Definitely a must for that special occasion. Keep in mind that Mother Nature is also invited so be flexible with your dates and launching sites. Also remember that the wind carries you and a landing site may be a little unorthodox, BUT have faith, Tom Tomasettis knows what he's doing. He's very personable and entertaining, and 'above and beyond' competent.

If you haven't ever seen a launch, invite your friends. It's spectacular! The balloon is massive inside and out. Watching the balloon fill is as exciting as watching it float through the air. You will have strangers follow you to the landing as it glides above neighborhoods. It is mesmerizing.

My family luckily had a picture perfect day and an unforgettable experience.

THANKS TOM AND BARBARA!!

• Pros: Peaceful and exciting all in one
• Cons: weather dependent

03/14/05

Fun - Fun - Fun

by endlesmo

This is the most fun for your money. It is a WONDERFUL surprise for someone. It can be a little trickier to spring the surprise on a spur of the moment, due to weather conditions and air port clearance. The BEST FUN in Raleigh!!!! Exhilarating!!!!!!!!!!!

• Pros: FUN, EXCITING
• Cons: Weather, Uncertainity of Fligh