What iFLY is and how the wind tunnel works
iFLY is a chain of indoor skydiving facilities where you float on a column of fast-moving air instead of jumping from a plane. The experience happens inside a vertical wind tunnel — a tall chamber with a powerful fan at the bottom that pushes air upward at speeds between 120 and 180 miles per hour, depending on your body weight and the tunnel's settings. You wear a jumpsuit, helmet, and goggles, then step into the wind and float.
The sensation mimics freefall during a real skydive, but without the altitude, the plane ride, or the parachute deployment. Most iFLY locations have tunnels designed for both first-timers and experienced flyers. A trained instructor stays with you throughout your flight, holding your body position and making adjustments so you stay stable in the wind.
iFLY operates locations across the United States and in several other countries. Each location is independently owned and operated, so pricing, tunnel specifications, and package options vary by location. You book through the iFLY website or by calling your nearest tunnel directly.
Key Takeaways
- Your first iFLY experience includes a ground briefing, a fitted jumpsuit and helmet, and usually 1 to 2 minutes of actual flight time split into shorter intervals.
- An instructor is in the tunnel with you the entire time, positioning your body and keeping you stable so you can focus on the sensation of freefall.
- Pricing ranges widely by location and package, but a first-timer package typically costs between $50 and $80 for a single flight session.
- You must be at least 3 years old to fly at most locations, though age and weight restrictions vary — check your local tunnel's rules before booking.
- Indoor skydiving does not replace real skydiving training, but many skydivers use iFLY to practice body control and technique between jumps.
What happens during a first-timer session
When you arrive at iFLY, you will check in and watch a safety video that covers body position, hand signals, and what to expect in the wind. The video is usually 10 to 15 minutes and covers the same points your instructor will repeat before you enter the tunnel.
Next, staff will fit you with a jumpsuit, helmet, goggles, and an altimeter (a device that measures your altitude, though it serves mainly as a prop during indoor flight). The jumpsuit is a one-piece garment that reduces drag and helps you stay stable. You will then meet your instructor, who will walk you through the basic body position on the ground — arched back, arms and legs slightly spread, chin up. This position is the foundation for staying stable in the wind.
When you enter the tunnel, the instructor will hold you steady as the fan ramps up to speed. Your first few seconds are usually the most disorienting; the wind is loud and the sensation of weightlessness is sudden. Most people relax within 30 seconds. The instructor will then guide you through straightforward movements — raising your arms, adjusting your legs, or turning slightly — so you experience how your body responds to the wind.
Flight time for a first-timer package is typically 1 to 2 minutes total, but it is split into two or three separate flights with breaks in between so you can catch your breath and reset. After your last flight, you will debrief with your instructor, who may show you a video of your flight if the tunnel has cameras.
Cost and package options by location
iFLY does not set a single national price. Each location sets its own rates based on tunnel operating costs, local competition, and demand. A typical first-timer package — one flight session with instruction — ranges from $50 to $80, though some locations charge as little as $40 or as much as $100.
Most locations offer tiered packages: a single flight, a two-flight package, or a multi-visit membership. A two-flight session usually costs 30 to 50 percent more than a single flight but gives you a second chance to practice and feel more comfortable. Multi-visit memberships or punch cards can reduce the per-flight cost if you plan to return.
Many locations offer discounts for groups, birthday parties, or corporate events. Some also run promotions for first-time flyers — check the website or call ahead to ask about current deals. Prices do not include the jumpsuit rental, which is usually included in the package cost, or any video or photo add-ons, which typically cost $15 to $40 extra.
Age, weight, and physical restrictions
Most iFLY locations allow children as young as 3 years old to fly, though they must be tall enough to fit safely in the jumpsuit and helmet. Very young children usually fly with an instructor holding them the entire time rather than learning to control their own body position.
Weight limits vary by tunnel. Smaller or older tunnels may have a maximum weight of 250 pounds, while newer facilities with more powerful fans can accommodate people up to 300 pounds or slightly more. Check your local tunnel's website or call to confirm the weight range before booking.
Physical restrictions are less common than weight limits, but people with certain back or neck injuries, severe claustrophobia, or heart conditions should check with their doctor and inform iFLY staff before flying. Pregnancy is typically a reason to skip the experience. Staff will ask about injuries or medical conditions during check-in, so be honest about any concerns.
How indoor skydiving differs from real skydiving
Indoor skydiving teaches you body awareness and the basic sensation of freefall, but it is not a substitute for real skydiving training. In a real jump, you exit a plane at 10,000 to 15,000 feet, experience a much longer freefall (usually 45 seconds to a minute), and deploy a parachute for landing. The wind speed in a real freefall is the same as in a tunnel, but the altitude, the noise, and the psychological experience are entirely different.
Many licensed skydivers use iFLY between jumps to practice body control, test new techniques, or stay sharp during bad weather when outdoor jumping is not possible. Some skydiving schools recommend a tunnel session before your first real jump to reduce anxiety and help you understand what freefall feels like. However, a tunnel flight alone does not meet the training requirements for a real skydive — you will still need to complete a full certification course with a skydiving center.
What to bring and how to prepare
Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind changing out of — you will put on the jumpsuit over your regular clothes. Avoid loose jewelry, watches, or anything that could fall out during flight. Most locations ask you to remove glasses and wear the provided goggles instead; if you wear contacts, you can keep them in.
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to allow time for check-in and the safety briefing. Bring a valid photo ID and a payment method. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver. Some locations require you to book online in advance, while others accept walk-ins depending on how busy they are.
Eat a light meal an hour or two before your flight, but do not eat heavily right before. The spinning and floating sensation can upset your stomach if you are too full. Stay hydrated, but use the restroom before you enter the tunnel.
Finding your nearest iFLY location and booking
iFLY has locations in most major U.S. cities and several international locations. You can find the nearest tunnel and check current pricing on the iFLY website by entering your zip code. Each location has its own phone number and booking system, though many allow you to reserve online.
When you contact a location, ask about current first-timer packages, any promotions running that week, and whether you need to book in advance or can walk in. Peak times are usually weekends and evenings, so booking ahead is wise if you want a specific time slot. Some locations have slower periods on weekday mornings or afternoons when you may have more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be scared during my first flight?
Most people feel nervous before entering the tunnel, but the sensation is more surprising than frightening. Your instructor is holding you the entire time, and the wind is controlled and predictable. Within a few seconds, most flyers shift from fear to excitement. If you feel genuinely panicked, you can signal your instructor to lower you to the ground when ready.
Can I bring my phone or camera into the tunnel?
No — phones, cameras, and loose items will fall out of your pockets or hands. Many iFLY locations offer professional video or photo packages so you can capture your flight without bringing your own device. Ask about this when you book.
What if I have never done any kind of skydiving before?
Indoor skydiving requires no prior experience. The instructor will teach you everything you need to know on the ground and in the tunnel. Many people choose iFLY as their first skydiving experience because it is safer and less intimidating than jumping from a plane.
How long does the whole experience take?
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours from arrival to departure. This includes check-in, the safety video, fitting your gear, your actual flight time (usually 1 to 2 minutes), and a brief debrief. The flight itself is short, but the preparation and setup take most of the time.
Can I do this if I am afraid of heights?
Yes — you are not actually at height during an iFLY flight. You are in a room on the ground, floating in a wind tunnel. Many people with a fear of heights find indoor skydiving less triggering than they expected because there is no visual sense of being high up. However, if you have severe claustrophobia or panic in enclosed spaces, the tunnel environment might not be comfortable for you.