Minneapolis Indoor Skydiving Admission with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

The sky gives you a break here. At iFLY Minneapolis, you float inside a vertical wind tunnel instead of jumping from an airplane. I like the one-on-one instructor guidance and the fact that all gear and training are included. The two 60-second flights give beginners enough time to settle in and enjoy the strange, thrilling feeling of controlled flight.

I also like the low barrier to entry. You need no previous experience, no special athletic skill, and no airplane ride. The main consideration is price: at $106.45, you pay a fair amount for only two minutes in the air, so this works best as a special outing rather than a casual, inexpensive activity.

Key points to know before you book

• Two separate 60-second flights: You get a second chance to improve your body position and enjoy the tunnel more fully.
• An instructor flies beside you: Certified staff guide your movements and stay with you in the chamber.
• The air reaches 130 to 175 mph: That sounds wild, but the steady airflow lets you float without the sensation of falling.
• The whole visit takes about 75 to 90 minutes: Training, gearing up, waiting your turn, and the flights all count toward the visit.
• You leave with a flight certificate: It is a small but welcome souvenir of a very unusual activity.
• A top-of-tunnel upgrade may cost extra: A past visitor paid about $20 more for the full-height experience, so ask about current options before flying.

What iFLY Minneapolis actually feels like

At 12415 Wayzata Boulevard in Minnetonka, iFLY Minneapolis offers a controlled version of freefall. A tall glass flight chamber sends a column of air upward, strong enough to support your body. You do not leap from a platform, and you do not drop through open space. You simply lean into the air and let it hold you.

The tunnel uses an 800-horsepower system. Fans pull air through the chamber, compress it, and send it back upward at high speed. The result is a smooth, wall-to-wall cushion of air, the same basic type of equipment used to train professional skydivers.

That technical description sounds more intimidating than the actual idea. Your instructor helps you enter the chamber, keeps your body position under control, and gives simple signals. You breathe normally, much as you would with your head near an open car window. The air is loud and forceful, but it should not feel like you are falling.

For a first-time flyer, the first few seconds are mostly about keeping your arms and legs in the right position. Your instructor may hold or guide you until your body settles. Once you find the balance, the experience becomes less about fear and more about learning how small movements affect your position.

From check-in to flight certificate

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. The session begins promptly, and arriving late can cut into an activity that already has a fixed schedule.

You start by checking in, signing the required waiver, and getting fitted with the supplied equipment. The package includes a flight suit, helmet, goggles, and other needed gear. Wear comfortable clothes underneath, preferably pants and a shirt without a collar. Well-fitting lace-up sneakers or running shoes are the safest choice.

Long hair should be braided and secured in a low bun. Remove watches, rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and loose hair accessories. Empty your pockets before entering the chamber. Lockers are available, but leaving valuables at home is easier.

Next comes a specialized training session. This is not a quick formality. You learn how to hold your arms, position your legs, keep your chin up, and respond to your instructor. You also practice the basic body position before entering the wind tunnel.

That briefing matters because the air responds to small changes. Arching your back, lifting your chin, or moving an arm can alter your balance. A few minutes of instruction helps you use your limited flight time instead of spending it wondering what to do.

The full session has room for a group, generally up to 12 people. You do not all fly in the chamber at once. Your companions can watch from the observation area, while each person takes a turn with an instructor.

Your first flight lasts 60 seconds. That may not sound long, but the air speed and concentration make it feel substantial. The instructor works beside you and may adjust your position. The aim is not to perform tricks. It is to learn how to stay stable and enjoy the feeling of being supported by air.

After the first flight, you return to the group area. The second 60-second flight gives you a chance to apply what you learned. Most first-time flyers should expect the second turn to feel more comfortable, since the basic surprise of the wind has passed.

At the end, you receive a flight certificate. It is not a professional qualification, but it makes a good keepsake and gives you something physical to take home. The entire visit is described as about 75 minutes, though the first-time format may run closer to 90 minutes depending on group timing and instruction.

Why the two flights matter

The two-flight format is the strongest part of this package. One short turn would introduce you to the sensation, but it might end just as you begin to understand it. A second turn gives you time to settle down and make useful corrections.

The first flight is often about staying calm and following signals. The second lets you think about control. You might hold your position more steadily, make a small turn, or move with more confidence. The experience does not become easy in a minute, but the extra turn gives you a fair chance to improve.

You should keep your expectations realistic. Two minutes of tunnel time is not enough to master advanced movement. Flips and tricks are intended for experienced flyers, and the instructor decides what is appropriate for your ability and safety.

Some first-time flyers may manage basic turns or movement. Ask your instructor how to progress rather than trying to copy advanced techniques. The tunnel is designed to be forgiving, but careless movements can still make the experience harder.

The instructors are a major part of the value. Staff members such as Troy, Trever, and Paul received especially warm praise for being encouraging, entertaining, and calm. That matters in an activity where a good instructor can turn nervousness into confidence.

Trever was specifically praised for making a first-time flyer feel comfortable. Troy was described as fun to watch in the tube as well as polite and entertaining. Paul was singled out as a strong instructor, with one person choosing to purchase another session after the flight.

Is indoor flight safe and scary?

For most people, the experience is more unusual than frightening. There is no sensation of jumping or falling, and the stable air column keeps you from dropping away from the center. Your instructor remains with you throughout your time in the chamber.

The air speed can reach 130 to 175 mph, or about 209 to 282 kph. That number may sound alarming, but the speed is what supports your body. You are not being pushed across a room. You are floating in a vertical stream of air.

Breathing is not usually a problem. You can breathe through your nose or mouth, just as you normally would. The wind hits your face, but there is no need to hold your breath.

The activity still has important restrictions. You cannot fly if you have certain neck, back, heart, or shoulder conditions, recent injuries, a hard cast, or a pregnancy. Anyone with a previous shoulder dislocation also needs to take the restriction seriously.

The weight policy requires attention. People over 300 pounds cannot be accommodated. Those between 260 and 300 pounds need an additional evaluation by local staff, and you should note your current weight during checkout to avoid delays.

There is no stated height restriction, and children can participate from age three. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. Service animals are allowed, and an all-abilities option may be arranged by calling the Minneapolis location at 612-444-4359.

The price: exciting, but not cheap

The listed cost is $106.45 per person. That covers two flights, instruction, equipment, the certificate, taxes, fees, and handling charges. You do not need to rent a suit or pay separately for basic training.

The value depends on how you measure the outing. You receive about two minutes of actual flight time, which makes the cost roughly $53 per minute in the air. That is the weak point, and one family calculated the price at about $30 per minute for a different package with longer flights. Their conclusion was simple: fun, but costly.

Still, the price also covers the facility, staff, safety system, training period, and the full first-time experience. You are buying a short activity wrapped inside a structured visit, not two minutes of amusement with no support.

I would consider it good value for a birthday, family occasion, unusual date, or special Minneapolis-area outing. I would hesitate if you are looking for a long activity to fill an entire afternoon. The package is best for people who value the novelty and want to try a controlled version of freefall without committing to an airplane jump.

Ask about optional upgrades before your flight. One person strongly recommended paying roughly $20 extra to fly to the top of the chamber and felt that feature should have been part of the basic package. Current pricing and availability may differ, so confirm the cost at check-in.

Who will enjoy this most

This activity suits first-time flyers, families with older children, couples looking for something unusual, and anyone curious about skydiving but unwilling to jump from a plane. You do not need experience, and the instructors adapt the session to your comfort and ability.

It can also appeal to student skydivers. One student said the facility helped build confidence for continuing the sport. That makes sense: you can practice body awareness in a controlled room, with an instructor close by and no airplane involved.

Young children can participate from age three, but the activity still requires attention and cooperation. A child who can follow instructions and remain calm may enjoy it. A child who dislikes loud air or close-fitting equipment may find the experience overwhelming.

Bring friends or family even if they do not fly. They can watch from the observation area, which turns the outing into a shared event. The certificate also adds a small finish that children and first-time adults tend to appreciate.

If you have physical or cognitive challenges, call ahead to request a certified instructor for an All Abilities session. That extra planning is important because the standard format may not cover every need.

Practical tips that make the session smoother

Arrive early, wear simple athletic clothing, and keep your footwear secure. Avoid loose layers, bulky accessories, and anything that can flap in the air.

Leave jewelry and unnecessary electronics at home. You will need to remove loose items before flying, and lockers are available for belongings.

Listen closely during the training session. The instructor’s hand signals and body-position advice are more useful than trying to imitate someone else in the chamber.

Treat the second flight as a lesson, not simply a repeat. Think about one correction from your first flight and focus on that. Trying to fix everything at once can make your body stiff.

If you want the top-of-tunnel option, ask before entering. Do not assume it is included in the $106.45 package.

Rescheduling must be handled directly with the location by phone. Date and time changes cannot be made another way. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, while cancellations or changes inside that window receive no refund.

Should you book the Minneapolis wind-tunnel flight?

Book it if you want a safe, highly unusual activity with strong instructor support and a real sense of accomplishment at the end. The two flights are important, the staff make the experience approachable, and no previous skill is needed.

Skip it if the price feels high for two minutes of air time or if you want a full-day attraction. Also check the health, pregnancy, weight, and injury restrictions before paying.

For most suitable participants, I would book this as a special outing rather than an everyday activity. Arrive prepared, ask about the optional top flight, and use the second turn to improve. That approach gives you the best chance of leaving with more than a certificate: you may also leave with the confidence to try something even more adventurous.

FAQ

How does the Minneapolis indoor flight experience work?

Fans pull air through a vertical flight chamber, compress it, and send it upward at high speed. The resulting column of air supports your body and allows you to float without jumping from a plane.

How long does each flight last?

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

How long does the entire experience take?

The experience takes about 75 minutes from start to finish. The first-time format may take approximately 90 minutes, depending on the training and group schedule.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled reservation so you have time to check in and prepare.

Do I fly alone or with a group?

A session may include up to 12 people, but you fly one at a time with your instructor in the chamber. Friends and family can watch from the observation area.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing, preferably pants and a shirt without a collar, along with well-fitting lace-up sneakers or running shoes. Long hair should be braided and secured in a low bun.

Can children participate?

Yes. The minimum age is three, and children under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver.

Are there health or weight restrictions?

You cannot fly if you are pregnant, wearing a hard cast, or have certain neck, back, heart, shoulder, or injury conditions. Participants must weigh under 300 pounds. People between 260 and 300 pounds require an additional evaluation by local staff.