iflyworld.co.uk

Money Grabbing Sharks with No Mercy for children

We have been regular goers to Ifly since the September 2020. But lately we would only have our 2 boys have flying experiences. During the pandemic when the IFly in Milton Keynes allowed to operate under stricter rules, very few clients in the groups. Some occasions only 2 or 3 and the flights were maybe 10 or 15 sec longer , the staff were super accommodating e.t.c We felt welcome especially as one of our boys is on the spectrum and his joy and happiness during the experience was priceless for us (given the distance and the cost) We booked this year the birthday treats for the boys flying sessions On the 4/02/2022 we had the first one and the second one was due on the 1/03/2022.During the one on the 04/02/2022 the onboarding was more relaxed, our boys knew the safety briefing by heart now and we had to wait around for entire 45 min before the flight sessions. Nothing, specific was done apart from the fact that we requested different fully covered helmets. However, what we did notice that the flights were reduced by 15 or20 sec for almost all 12 participants (much bigger group then usual group) we sat on the side and we could see the timer. As usual we had extra flights and additional lifts to the top …so additional $$$ but again it was a treat and the boys were so happy. We end up paying for extras almost as much as per the flights themselves.At the checkout we were prompted and pushed to get the next session for my other son with additional VR experience. We booked and paid for the session on the 4/02 for the 01/03.Unfortunately, on the day while driving from London after the boys finished school we got stuck in traffic .Called to advise that we are running late for 6.00 pm session and we a desperately wanted to make sure that the boys have the experience on the day as it was the actual birthday on the actual day and we already been driving for almost 2 hours. We had nothing else planned or booked as it was a school night .plus we never ever been late , having an autistic child it keeps us very disciplined with our planning and schedule.The staff did not show any interest in the details ( that the boys are frequent flyers and have experience )and the importance of the flights taking place today. No amount of pleading in Begging has helped - we did arrive 10 min before our schedule time and there was an instructor standing waiting around while I was trying to ask for any other alternatives. My boys were visibly upset ,crying as we had to drive back home for another 2 hours ( not the best way to celebrate a birthday)Our Son on the spectrum was panickingthat his scheduled activity was not going to take place and starting to isming.Seeing all of this ,made me feel full of despair, humiliation and sadness.Especially as the manager on duty Chanel was so abrupt, displaying indifference and annoyance at our family. We were she found it quite funny the fact that she has the power to just send us away.No attempt to help our family in any way , no signs of empathy or display of basic human kindness. A Business that’s not long ago struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic a place where we kept coming back while there were not too many customers to show support.We could not even get our money backI left Ifly very emotional as I felt I failed my little ones on a special occasion. There are some wonderful Instructors at the Centre but management is only focused on profits and making money.Nothing wrong with earning a living but there should be room for kindness and empathy for places that promote inclusion

Date of experience: Mar 01, 2022