Indoor skydiving at iFLY uses wind tunnels to simulate freefall without jumping from a plane

iFLY is a chain of indoor skydiving facilities where you stand in a vertical wind tunnel and float on a column of air moving at speeds between 120 and 180 miles per hour, depending on your weight and the tunnel's settings. A trained instructor stands beside you throughout the experience, adjusting your body position and the wind speed so you feel weightless. The whole session lasts about an hour from arrival to departure, though only 8 to 10 minutes of that is actual flight time split into two or three separate flights.

The experience mimics the sensation of skydiving — the rush of wind, the feeling of floating, the view looking down — without the plane, the altitude, or the parachute. You wear a flight suit, helmet, goggles, and ear protection. The instructor communicates with you through hand signals and by leaning close to your ear. Most people describe it as thrilling but not terrifying, since you are only a few feet off the ground and the instructor is touching you the entire time.

Key Takeaways

  • iFLY locations are in major cities across the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries, so check their website to find the facility nearest you.
  • First-time flyers typically pay between $70 and $80 per person for a basic package that includes instruction, two flights, and gear rental.
  • You must be at least 4 or 5 years old to fly, depending on the location, and there are weight limits (usually 250 to 300 pounds) because the wind speed is calibrated for your body weight.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early to sign a waiver, watch a safety video, and get fitted for your gear; the whole visit takes about 90 minutes.
  • You do not need any prior experience or special fitness level, though people with certain injuries or medical conditions may be restricted from flying.

What to expect during your first visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and sign a liability waiver. The staff will ask about your weight, height, and any injuries or medical conditions that might affect your ability to fly. They will also ask whether you have flown before, because instructors adjust their teaching based on your experience level.

Next, you will watch a brief safety video (usually 5 to 10 minutes) that shows the correct body position for flight, hand signals the instructor will use, and what to do if you feel uncomfortable. Then staff will fit you with a flight suit, helmet, goggles, and ear protection. The suit is a one-piece jumpsuit that reduces friction and helps the instructor grip you during flight. Helmets and goggles are mandatory for safety.

You will then enter the observation area to watch other flyers and wait for your turn. When called, you and your instructor will enter the wind tunnel chamber. The instructor will position you in the center of the tunnel, facing downward, and gradually increase the wind speed. Your first flight usually lasts 3 to 5 minutes. After you exit the tunnel, you will have a brief rest, then fly again for another 3 to 5 minutes. Some packages include a third flight.

Pricing and package options

iFLY offers several pricing tiers depending on how many flights you want and what extras you add. A basic first-time package typically costs $70 to $80 and includes two flights, instruction, and all gear rental. Some locations offer introductory rates or discounts for groups, military personnel, or first-time flyers.

If you want more flight time, you can purchase additional flights or upgrade to a package with three or four flights. Prices vary by location and season. Video packages are available separately — staff can film your flights and sell you the footage on a USB drive or digital read, usually for $30 to $50. Photo packages work similarly.

Many locations offer membership or punch-card programs for people who fly regularly. A punch card might offer 10 flights for a discounted rate, or a monthly membership might include a set number of flights per month plus discounts on add-ons. Check the iFLY website or call your local facility to see what deals are currently running.

Age, weight, and health restrictions

iFLY requires flyers to be at least 4 or 5 years old, depending on the location. There is no upper age limit, and people in their 70s and 80s regularly fly. However, there are weight restrictions because the wind speed must be calibrated to your body weight. Most locations have a maximum weight of 250 to 300 pounds, though some facilities can accommodate heavier flyers in specially configured tunnels.

Certain medical conditions or injuries may prevent you from flying. These typically include recent surgery, severe back or neck problems, heart conditions, pregnancy, and uncontrolled high blood pressure. The waiver you sign will ask about these conditions. If you have any doubt, call the facility before you book and describe your situation to the staff.

You do not need to be in excellent physical shape to fly. The instructor supports most of your weight, and you are not doing any strenuous exercise. People with limited mobility can often fly with modifications, though you should discuss this with the facility in advance.

What to bring and wear

Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting wrinkled — the flight suit goes over your regular clothes. Avoid loose jewelry, scarves, or anything that might get caught in the wind or distract you. Remove your watch, rings, and necklaces before you enter the tunnel. Glasses and contact lenses are fine; the helmet and goggles will hold them in place.

Bring a valid photo ID and your payment method (credit card or cash, depending on the location). If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. Some facilities require the adult to be present; others allow you to sign online in advance.

Arrive 15 minutes early so you have time to check in, watch the safety video, and get fitted for gear without feeling rushed. If you are bringing spectators who will not be flying, they can watch from the observation area for free or for a small fee, depending on the location.

Tips for a better first flight

Listen carefully to your instructor during the safety briefing and the pre-flight instructions. The correct body position — arched back, chin up, arms at your sides or slightly out — makes a huge difference in how stable you feel. If you tense up or try to fight the wind, you will feel less stable. The goal is to relax and let the wind support you.

During your flight, watch your instructor's hand signals and follow their cues. They will signal you to adjust your position, speed up, or slow down. If you feel uncomfortable or want to stop, give the thumbs-down signal and the instructor will lower the wind speed or exit the tunnel. There is no shame in doing this — instructors expect it and will not judge you.

If you are nervous, tell your instructor before you enter the tunnel. They can spend extra time positioning you and explaining what will happen. Many people who are anxious before their first flight say it was less scary than they expected and want to go again.

How indoor skydiving compares to outdoor skydiving

Indoor skydiving gives you the sensation of freefall without the risks and costs of jumping from a plane. A single tandem skydive (where you are strapped to an instructor) costs $200 to $400 and lasts only 15 to 20 minutes of actual freefall. An iFLY session costs less and gives you more control — you can practice body position and movements that would take multiple outdoor jumps to master.

Indoor skydiving is also a good way to see if you like the sensation before committing to outdoor skydiving. Many skydivers use iFLY to practice between jumps or to improve their skills. If you eventually want to do outdoor skydiving, indoor experience will make your first jump easier and more enjoyable.

The main difference is that outdoor skydiving includes the plane ride, the altitude, and the parachute deployment — experiences that indoor skydiving cannot replicate. But for the pure sensation of floating and moving through the air, indoor and outdoor skydiving feel very similar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in good shape to indoor skydive?

No. The instructor supports most of your weight, and you are not doing strenuous exercise. People of all fitness levels fly regularly. If you have concerns about your health or mobility, call the facility in advance and describe your situation.

What if I am scared of heights?

Indoor skydiving takes place in a room only a few feet off the ground, so you are never high up. Many people who are afraid of heights find indoor skydiving less frightening than they expected. The instructor is always with you and can lower the wind speed or stop at any time.

Can I bring my phone or camera into the wind tunnel?

No. Loose objects will be blown away by the wind and could hit other people or damage equipment. The facility offers video and photo packages if you want footage of your flight. Spectators can take photos and videos from the observation area.

How long does the whole experience take?

Plan for about 90 minutes from arrival to departure. This includes 15 minutes for check-in and safety video, 15 to 20 minutes for gear fitting, 30 to 40 minutes waiting and flying, and 10 to 15 minutes for checkout and photos.

What if I want to fly again after my first visit?

Most locations offer punch cards, memberships, or package deals for repeat flyers. Prices drop significantly if you buy multiple flights at once. Many people who fly once decide to come back regularly.