Phoenix Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

The wind tunnel turns nerves into smiles. At iFLY Phoenix in Scottsdale, you float on a powerful column of air without jumping from a plane. I like the calm, one-to-one instruction and the fact that complete beginners, children, and older adults can take part. The main drawback is simple: two flights last only 60 seconds each, so the $123.18 price can feel high if you expect a long session in the tunnel.

The visit takes about 75 minutes from check-in to certificate, though the venue’s general guidance says to allow about 90 minutes. I also like that you can choose from departure times throughout the day, making this easy to fit around a Scottsdale itinerary. Just arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, since the time on your reservation is your arrival time, not necessarily the moment you enter the chamber.

Key points before you book

• Two one-minute flights: You fly twice, one person at a time, with an instructor inside the chamber.
• 800-horsepower airflow: The tunnel creates a smooth cushion of air reaching about 130 to 175 mph.
• Good for first-timers: Training, flight gear, and hands-on instruction are included.
• Family-friendly age range: Children as young as 3 can fly, with a parent or guardian waiver for anyone under 18.
• Certificate included: You receive a personalized certificate of flight achievement at the end.
• Extra height may cost more: Some packages require an additional charge for a higher flight, so ask about upgrades before entering.

What happens at iFLY Phoenix in Scottsdale

You meet at iFLY Indoor Skydiving Phoenix, at 9206 East Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale. The activity begins and ends there, with no hotel pickup, transportation, meals, or drinks included.

The first part is practical rather than thrilling. You check in, sign the required waiver, and receive your flight suit and safety equipment. Wear comfortable clothes beneath the suit, preferably pants and a shirt without a collar. Well-fitting lace-up shoes or running shoes are the best choice.

You should remove loose jewelry, watches, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and hair accessories. Empty your pockets before entering the flight area. Lockers are available, but leaving valuable items at home is the easier plan. If you wear glasses, larger goggles can fit over them.

Your instructor then gives a short training session. You learn the basic body position, hand signals, and ways to keep your body stable in the air. This part matters more than it might sound. The airflow is strong, and a small change in your arms, legs, or head position can affect how you move.

The training helps you avoid wasting your first flight simply trying to understand what your body should do. All first-time flyers must attend it, even if you are fit, athletic, or already comfortable with heights.

The first flight: learning to trust the air

Each session can include a group of up to 12 people, although another part of the tour description gives a smaller figure of up to six. Either way, you do not fly in a crowd. Each person enters the chamber separately and flies one-on-one with the instructor.

That arrangement is one of the strongest parts of the activity. You are not left to figure things out alone. The instructor helps position your body and stays with you throughout the flight. Instructors such as Waz, Eric, and Kirk Artman have received especially warm praise for their patience, energy, and ability to help nervous beginners relax.

The chamber uses a wall-to-wall column of air. Fans pull air through the system, compress it, and send it upward through the flight area. The result is not the sensation of falling. Instead, you feel wind pushing against your body as you hold a stable position above the mesh floor.

Your first 60 seconds may pass quickly. At the beginning, your instructor may hold or guide you while you learn to keep your arms, legs, and chin in the right position. That hands-on help is useful, though it can also disappoint people who expect to control their own movement immediately.

You may feel wind against your face, much like holding your head near an open car window. Breathing is not considered difficult, and you can breathe through your mouth or nose. The experience is generally less intimidating than many people expect because there is no aircraft, no jump, and no sensation of dropping.

The second flight: a little more control

The second flight gives you a chance to use what you learned. You may begin to make small adjustments and respond to hand signals more quickly. Some first-time flyers manage turns or simple movement, but flips and more advanced tricks are intended for people with more tunnel practice.

Your instructor may also offer an optional higher flight. This often means the instructor holds your hand or arm and guides you upward in a controlled spiral. The higher view can make the second session feel more dramatic, especially for a child or teenager celebrating a birthday.

Check the cost of this upgrade before you commit. Several people felt that flying only a few feet above the floor was less than expected, particularly at this price. A higher flight may be available for an additional fee, and that charge is not necessarily part of the basic two-flight package.

The two flights together provide a strong introduction, not a full lesson in body flight. If your goal is to develop real control, you may want additional sessions. Some people return after learning the basics and use later flights to improve turns, height, and body position.

Why the instructor matters so much

The machine creates the airflow, but the instructor shapes the experience. A patient instructor can make a nervous child feel safe, give a first-timer useful corrections, and turn a short flight into a memorable personal achievement.

That human guidance is particularly valuable for children. A 7-year-old reportedly gained confidence from the session, while a reluctant 12-year-old changed from anxious to delighted after an instructor took time to build trust. The activity can work well as a birthday surprise, but it is wise to explain what will happen before arriving. A child who dislikes surprises may need time to warm up.

Older adults can also take part if they meet the health requirements. The staff helped an 82-year-old enjoy the activity, and another person used the session as a birthday treat at age 78. There is no upper age limit stated, but your physical condition matters more than your age.

One serious concern deserves attention. A complaint described a child who did not receive the same opportunity to fly as others in the group. That situation should not happen. If your child is scheduled to participate but is overlooked or cannot enter the chamber, speak with the manager before leaving and confirm what remedy is available.

Is $123.18 good value?

At $123.18 per person, the package includes two flights, instruction, equipment, taxes, fees, and a personalized certificate. You are paying for a polished, controlled activity with trained staff and specialized machinery, not simply two minutes of entertainment.

Still, the actual time in the air is only two minutes. That is the key value question. The total visit lasts roughly 75 minutes, but much of that time covers waivers, training, dressing, waiting for your turn, and watching others. If you judge the cost by time in the tunnel, it is expensive.

I think the price makes more sense for a birthday, family outing, or one-time personal challenge. It is also a practical way to sample body flight without committing to an aircraft jump. For someone who wants extended airtime or serious skill development, the basic package may feel limited.

Photos and video may be available for purchase. Check the details before paying for media, since some people had trouble retrieving images or experienced camera problems. Keep your receipt and ask how and when the files will be delivered.

Timing, group size, and what to wear

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Do not assume that a noon booking means you enter the chamber at noon. The scheduled time is generally when you should arrive for check-in and preparation.

The full process includes signing waivers, watching a short video, receiving instruction, putting on the flight suit, waiting for your group, and taking your two turns. The venue usually keeps the activity moving, but your exact time inside the chamber depends on the number of people booked into the session.

Wear casual, comfortable clothing and secure shoes. Long hair should be braided and tied in a low bun. Avoid collars, loose items, and anything that could flap in the airflow.

Friends and family can come along and watch from the observation area. That makes the activity more social than a private lesson, and it gives parents a clear view of what their children are doing.

Health rules and age requirements

The minimum age is 3, and children under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. There is no height restriction.

You cannot fly if you are pregnant, wearing a hard cast, or have certain medical concerns. The stated restrictions include previous neck or back problems, heart conditions, injuries, or shoulder dislocations. If you have any doubt, contact the location before booking rather than waiting until check-in.

People weighing between 260 and 300 pounds may require an extra evaluation, and anyone over 300 pounds cannot be accommodated. The venue asks people in the 260 to 300-pound range to note their current weight during booking to reduce delays.

People with physical or cognitive challenges can contact iFLY Phoenix to request a certified instructor trained to assist All Abilities flyers. That conversation should happen before the appointment so the staff can determine what support is possible.

Cancellation and rescheduling advice

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made inside that window are not refunded, and changes made less than 24 hours before the appointment are not accepted.

If you need to reschedule, call the location directly. Date and time changes cannot be made through other methods. Since the activity often fills several weeks ahead, make sure your group can attend before selecting a time.

Who will enjoy this Scottsdale activity?

This is a strong choice for families with children, first-time adventure seekers, birthday groups, and anyone curious about body flight but not ready for a jump from an aircraft. It also works well on a hot Scottsdale day because the main activity takes place indoors.

You will probably enjoy it if you value friendly instruction, a safe setting, and a story to take home. The certificate adds a nice finishing touch, especially for children and people marking a birthday or personal milestone.

You may be disappointed if you expect long, independent flight time. The instructor may hold you for much of the first session, and the included package does not promise high flight or advanced tricks. Ask about upgrades and additional sessions if those details matter to you.

Should you book the two-flight package?

Book it if you want a safe introduction to indoor flight, especially as a family activity or special gift. The instructors are the main strength, the age range is unusually broad, and the controlled chamber makes the activity less frightening than its name suggests.

Think twice if $123.18 feels steep for two minutes of airtime. Before booking, confirm the total schedule, ask about the cost of a higher flight, and decide if you want photos or video. With those expectations set, iFLY Phoenix can deliver a memorable burst of air, laughter, and genuine accomplishment.

FAQ

How does the iFLY Phoenix indoor flight work?

Fans move air through a vertical chamber and create a smooth column strong enough to support your body. You float in the airflow with an instructor guiding you.

How long is each flight?

Each flight lasts 60 seconds. The package includes two flights for one person.

How long does the full activity take?

The activity is described as taking about 75 minutes from start to finish. The venue also advises allowing about 90 minutes for the complete first-time flyer process.

Do I need previous experience?

No. Complete beginners can participate, and all first-time flyers receive training before entering the chamber.

How many people fly together?

A session may include a group of up to 12 people, while another stated session limit is up to six. You fly individually in the chamber with your instructor rather than all at once.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 3. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.

Are there weight restrictions?

People must weigh less than 300 pounds. Those between 260 and 300 pounds require an evaluation by local staff, and extra restrictions may apply.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and well-fitting lace-up sneakers or running shoes. Long hair should be braided and secured in a low bun.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded.