Indoor Skydiving Experience at iFLY London 2 Flights

Skydiving thrills, minus the jump.

I love the vertical wind tunnel setup at iFLY London, because it turns real free-fall physics into something you can do indoors, in a controlled, safe environment. I also like how the team keeps it beginner-friendly, with clear guidance that helps you get past nerves fast and just enjoy the ride. The one drawback to plan for is timing and value, since the actual flight time per go is short, and the experience has add-ons like the High Flight and media packages.

If you want a quick, high-impact experience that feels way more intense than the clock says, this is your place. Just go in with realistic expectations about how long you’ll spend suiting up and waiting compared with the time you’re actually flying.

Key Points You’ll Want to Know Before You Go

• Two flights per person (each about 50 to 60 seconds) means you get a do-over after your first nerves settle.
• Arrive 45 minutes early so you can gear up and start briefing on time, like an airline manifest.
• Max group size is 13, so the pace stays organized and you are not lost in a huge crowd.
• High Flight is optional, and it can change day-to-day depending on safety checks and instructor assessment.
• Media and photo packages can feel expensive, and quality varies, especially through the tunnel glass.
• You must meet the safety rules (weight limit, not pregnant, no hard cast, no dislocated shoulder history).

Entering The O2 Wind Tunnel: What You’re Actually Doing

iFLY London at The O2 is built around a simple idea: recreate the feeling of free-fall using a powerful vertical wind tunnel. You do not jump from anything. Instead, the airflow is strong enough that your body can float and move in near-free-fall conditions while an instructor coaches you.

What makes this interesting as an experience is that it is not just a stunt. It is a skill, even if you are brand new. You learn how to hold your body, how to control your movements, and how to relax enough that you can stay stable in the airflow. That is why first-timers often find it more doable than they expected, even if they worry about heights.

The setting also matters. The O2 location gives you a clear destination, and the facility is designed to keep the focus on flying rather than dealing with wind, weather, and travel between training and the actual jump site.

Price and Value: What You Get for $110.90

At $110.90 per person, iFLY is not a cheap impulse activity. The value question is really about how you frame the time you spend there.

Your session runs about 1 hour 30 minutes total. That includes check-in, gearing up, briefing, and your two flights. Yes, the waiting and prep time can feel long if you are only thinking about the fun part. The flip side is that the operation is safety-driven and very structured, with an airline-style manifest.

The actual flight time is about 50 to 60 seconds per flight, and you get two flights. So your total time in the tunnel is not huge. But the intensity is. In that short window, you get a real taste of controlled free-fall movement, and you also get a second chance once you understand the body position better.

Here’s how I’d judge value before you buy:

• If you want a memorable, first-time thrill with professional instruction, it tends to feel worth it.
• If you expect a long training session or lots of repeated flying, you might feel disappointed, especially if you add optional upgrades.

Also keep in mind that the facility is known for upsells around media and upgrades. If you are price-sensitive, go in with a plan for what you will or will not purchase.

Check-In Timing and How the Session Moves

Plan to treat check-in seriously. You must arrive for check-in at least 45 minutes before your booked flight time. If your flight time is 3:00pm, you should aim to be there by about 2:15pm.

This matters because iFLY uses a manifest system, like an airline. So you should not show up late and hope it all compresses into place. Even if you are excited, you will need time for:

• getting geared up
• doing the safety briefing and instructions
• lining up for your flight order

One practical tip for your day: build in buffer around public transport, since getting there on time is your biggest risk. The venue is near public transportation, but in London you still want a cushion.

With a maximum of 13 travelers per session, the team can keep things moving without chaos. That small group size is a quiet advantage, especially if you feel anxious and would rather not be part of a giant crowd.

Your Two Flights: From First Nerves to Better Control

You get two flights per person, and they are each about 50 to 60 seconds. That structure is a big deal because it changes the way your brain responds.

Flight one is usually about learning what your body has to do in the airflow. You will probably feel awkward at first. Your arms and posture may fight you. But you are also supported the whole time by an instructor, and you quickly learn what stable feels like.

Flight two is where people tend to enjoy the experience more, because you have already tasted the sensation. In feedback from different instructors, the tone is consistent: the better you understand what to do, the more fun it becomes, and the fear fades into something like play.

Some people also choose to upgrade one of their flights for the High Flight option. If you are nervous, that can be a smart approach. You can test the standard flight first, then decide if you want the extra height experience after you know what it feels like.

One more reality check: depending on what you choose to do, you may spend more time in the building than you expected. That includes moving between briefing, the waiting areas, and the pod time. If you hate lines and standing around, bring patience.

Instructors Make or Break the Experience (Liam Robert, Ardan, Rangi, Ferne)

The biggest praised element is the human coaching. People remember the instructor, not just the tunnel.

In particular, feedback highlights instructors such as Liam Robert, Ardan, Rangi, and Ferne for being clear, calming, and supportive. The common thread is communication. They explain what you need to do in plain language, and they help you stay relaxed enough to make the flight work.

That matters because wind tunnel flying is part physical and part mental:

• If you tense up, you can fight the airflow.
• If you listen and stay calm, you get more stable sooner.
• If you feel embarrassed or overwhelmed, it is harder to focus on instructions.

Even if you are brave on paper, the moment you’re in the airflow can still surprise you. A good instructor turns that moment into something you can handle. People also describe the instructors demonstrating techniques, including fun “Superman” style moves. That kind of visual guide speeds up your understanding and makes the whole session feel more like an experience than a test.

If you are coming as a family, instructor energy seems to matter even more. Some kids are nervous, and a supportive approach can be the difference between refusing the helmet and laughing during the flight.

The High Flight Upgrade and the Media Package Reality

The High Flight is an optional add-on, done with a specially trained instructor. Height achieved can vary depending on safety guidelines and how your instructor assesses things on the day. In other words, it is not something to treat like a guaranteed exact number.

Is it worth it? For some people, yes, because it adds a new layer to the thrill. One feedback note also suggests it is typically an extra cost and people pay it to experience more height on their second flight.

But here’s the tradeoff. When you add upgrades, you can turn a fun activity into an expensive one fast. And you may still feel the flight time is short, even when you choose the upgrade.

Then there’s the media side. iFLY offers photo and video packages. In feedback, quality varies, and some people felt the images through the tunnel glass were not what they expected. There’s also a theme of pressure to buy additional media.

My practical advice if you care about value:

• Decide in advance whether you want the official media package. If you think you will be picky about video quality, consider passing.
• If you are going with others, plan a simple workaround: bring someone who can take photos from the viewing area if allowed by the staff.
• If your goal is to capture clear action shots, be realistic about lighting, glass, and the fact that your body and camera angles will not be perfect.

If you end up buying media, keep your expectations tied to the tunnel environment: you are flying close to the viewing setup, through glass surfaces, with airflow and lighting designed for safety and visibility.

Who Can Fly, and Who Should Skip It

Before you fall in love with the idea, check the safety rules. You must:

• weigh less than 18 stone 7 pounds / 117kg
• not be pregnant
• not have previously dislocated your shoulder
• not be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs
• not be wearing a hard cast

Also, you should have a moderate physical fitness level. The activity is suitable for ages 3 and above.

If you are on the edge of the weight limit, do not guess. Contact iFLY directly, because the limit is strict. If you have shoulder history, take it seriously. Flying involves body positioning, and the safety team needs to know what your body can safely do.

If you are coming with kids, the age limit makes it family-friendly in theory. In practice, a small group and lots of excited energy can mean distractions. If your child is nervous, bring extra patience for the waiting areas.

Making It a Smooth London Day Around The O2

The O2 location is practical. You get a clear address at Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, and the venue is near public transportation. That helps when you are building a day in London that already has other walking and sightseeing.

Your biggest time-management lever is that arrival buffer. If you arrive late, you risk losing your slot. If you arrive early, you still have waiting time, but it stays predictable.

Also, the session is structured enough that it works well for a stop on a larger itinerary. You can pair it with other things around Greenwich or North Greenwich, since The O2 is a destination area by itself. You just want to make sure your next plan is not too tight right after the session.

For families, 1.5 hours plus prep and transit makes more sense than stacking back-to-back activities. Kids tend to need downtime before and after the tunnel time.

Should You Book iFLY London for Two Flights?

Here’s my take: you should book if you want an instructor-led, controlled way to feel free-fall without jumping from a plane. It is especially good if you are:

• a first-timer curious about the sensation
• someone who fears heights and wants that fear challenged in a safe environment
• traveling with family or friends who want a shared moment of high energy

I would hesitate if you hate waiting around, because the flight itself is about a minute, and your total time there is longer. I would also think twice if you are very sensitive to upsells, because media packages and the High Flight option can push the final bill up quickly.

If you do book, do it with strategy:

• arrive 45 minutes early
• keep your outfit comfortable and follow staff instructions closely
• decide ahead of time about the High Flight and media purchases so you do not feel rushed in the moment

For many people, the payoff is that quick, intense thrill paired with solid coaching. When you get an instructor who explains clearly and keeps you calm, the tunnel turns from intimidating to genuinely fun.

FAQ

How long is the iFLY London experience?

The session is about 1 hour 30 minutes on average, including check-in, briefings, gearing up, and your flight time.

How many flights do I get?

You get two flights per person, and each flight lasts around 50 to 60 seconds.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $110.90 per person.

When should I arrive for check-in?

You should arrive for check-in at least 45 minutes before your booked flight time. Plan for the time needed to get geared up and ready.

What are the main requirements to fly?

You must meet safety requirements including weight under 18 stone 7 pounds (117kg), not being pregnant, not having previously dislocated your shoulder, not being under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs, and not wearing a hard cast.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. The experience is suitable for ages 3 and above.

Is the experience offered in English?

Yes. It is offered in English.

Is the booking refundable or changeable?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.