After seeing these posts, I decided to do some research. I went to that legitimate skydiving place’s web site Cross Keys. After a few searches I found 3 different web sites that help me find their location.
Philadelphiaskydiving.com
Freefalladventures.com
Skydivecrosskeys.com
Here are some common statements I copied from their sites about Tandem Skydives.
“Price does not include $30.00 Gear Rental Fee.”
“Add $30.00 for Gear Rental”
“Online purchases are refundable for a period of 30 days from the date of purchase for a fee of $30.00.”
“Gift certificates purchased online are refundable for 30 days for a fee of $30.00. After 30 days they are not refundable but are transferable.”
I decided to call Cross Keys and see if this is normal practice to charge a “gear rental fee” for Tandems and to see if many people buy their $30 refund agreement just in case they may want their money back. They said “everyone buys the gear rental for Tandems and most people do not buy the $30 refund agreement”. I guess this makes sense, for first time skydivers would not own their own equipment.
I was thinking of trying this place out after I graduate. I have heard their instructors and coaches are really good. Is this a scam or is this standard practice for most skydiving? Or are there different standards for different skydiving places?
Jim
