iFLY Montgomery-Gaithersburg First Time Flyer Experience

A Down-to-Earth Look at the iFLY Montgomery-Gaithersburg First Time Flyer Experience

If you’ve ever watched skydivers leap out of planes and thought, “That looks incredible, but maybe not for me,” then an indoor skydiving experience might be just what you’re after. I recently looked into the iFLY Montgomery-Gaithersburg First Time Flyer Experience and wanted to share what it’s really like. Whether you’re craving a new adventure or just curious about what defying gravity feels like, this could be a fun, safe introduction to the thrill of skydiving — without actually jumping out of a plane.

What I really like about this experience is how it combines safety and excitement. The staff is friendly and professional, making first-timers feel comfortable from the start. Plus, the fact that you get a full training session before heading into the wind tunnel means you’re well-prepared, which can calm nerves. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this experience isn’t cheap — at $96 per person, it’s a bit of an investment, especially if you’re bringing kids or planning a family outing. Still, for those seeking a memorable thrill and a skill that might surprise you, this experience is worth considering.

This experience really caters to a wide range of people: from curious first-timers and adrenaline junkies to those who just want to try something different. It’s suitable for most adults and older teens, but not for very young children or anyone with certain health issues. If you’re after something that’s safe, fun, and gives you a taste of skydiving without the risk, then this could be your next adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Indoor Skydiving Offers a Safe Alternative to actual skydiving, with no need to jump out of a plane.
• Experienced Instructors guide you through every step, making it suitable for first-timers.
• Duration and Cost: Approximately 1.5 hours, with 2 minutes of actual flight time for $96, offering good value for the experience.
• Family Friendly: Safe for kids, challenging for adults, and ideal for those seeking a new skill or adventure.
• Preparation Matters: Watching the provided video and dressing as recommended help ensure a smooth experience.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions.

What to Expect from Your Indoor Skydiving Journey

If you’re picturing the typical skydiving experience, forget the airplane and parachutes — this is all about feeling like you’re flying in a controlled environment. When you arrive at iFLY Montgomery-Gaithersburg, you’ll notice how sleek and professional the setup is. The staff is welcoming and will run you through a detailed briefing, explaining the physics behind the wind tunnel and what to expect during your flight.

Once you’re suited up — with a flight suit, helmet, goggles, earplugs, and shoes — you’ll step into the wind tunnel. This is the part where the magic happens. The tunnel contains large fans capable of generating winds up to 300 km/h, which simulate the feeling of freefall. You’ll be flying with personal help from an instructor, who will guide and support you throughout your 2-minute flight.

The flight itself is exhilarating. Many first-time flyers describe it as a unique rush that combines the sensation of falling with the control of flying. Because the experience is supervised, you don’t need to worry about safety — everything is designed to keep you protected while giving you an authentic skydiving feel.

The Training and Preparation

The initial training session is crucial. It covers basic flying techniques, hand signals, body positioning, and safety tips. We loved the way the instructors take time to make sure everyone feels confident before entering the tunnel. As one reviewer noted, “Everyone was so kind,” which really helps nervous flyers feel more at ease. Watching the instructional video beforehand can also make a difference, so arrive prepared.

The Flight Experience

Once in the tunnel, you’ll follow your instructor’s guidance, adjusting your body position to stay stable in the wind. The sensation is hard to describe — a mix of floating and falling, but with full control if you follow instructions. The 2-minute flight might not sound like long, but it’s enough to give you a real sense of what it feels like to fly.

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The Aftermath

When you finish, you’ll likely have a big smile and maybe even wish you could stay longer. Photos and videos aren’t included, but they’re available for purchase if you want to remember the moment — another way to add a bit of extra fun to the day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $96 per person, this experience isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s good value considering the professionalism of the setup, safety measures, and the sheer fun of the flight. Some reviews, like Kelly’s, mention how even after a late start, the staff managed to re-energize the group, ensuring everyone had a positive experience. If you’re looking for a unique gift or a memorable outing, it’s likely to be worth the expense.

What’s Included?

• Training session
• Flight gear (helmet, goggles, earplugs)
• Flight suit
• Shoes
• One-on-one instructor assistance
• Locker rental
• 2 minutes of flight time

What’s Not Included?

• Photos or videos of your flight (available as extras)
• Food, drinks, or hotel transportation

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive early: Plan to get there 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in and watch the instructional video.
• Dress comfortably: Wear fitted clothes that won’t interfere with your flight suit.
• Bring ID: A passport or ID card is necessary for check-in.
• Health considerations: If you have a history of shoulder dislocations, back or neck injuries, or heart issues, check with the staff beforehand. People with hard casts or prosthetics that can’t be removed are not permitted to fly.
• Be punctual: Late arrivals may not be able to participate, so respect the schedule.

Who Will Most Enjoy This?

This activity is best suited for adventure seekers who want a safe way to experience the thrill of skydiving. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to try something new or those who are nervous about jumping from a plane but still want the sensation of freefall. It’s also family-friendly for older kids and teens who meet the health requirements. If you’re traveling with someone with specific health issues or mobility limitations, check the restrictions carefully.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a memorable, adrenaline-pumping experience that feels both safe and authentic, the iFLY Montgomery-Gaithersburg Indoor Skydiving adventure is a solid choice. It offers a great mix of professional guidance, safety, and fun, making it suitable even if you’ve never tried anything like this before. While the price tag might give some pause, the thrill of floating in midair and the skills you learn could be well worth it for the right person.

This experience is especially ideal for those wanting a unique story to tell or a special gift for friends or family. Just remember to arrive prepared, follow instructions carefully, and enjoy the sensation of flying — it’s surprisingly addictive.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, but only for children over 3 years old, and they must meet certain health criteria. Always check with the staff if you’re unsure.

How long does the entire activity take?
The whole experience lasts around 1.5 hours, including check-in, training, gearing up, and the 2-minute flight.

Can I take photos or videos?
Photos and videos are not included in the price but are available as extras you can purchase afterward.

Is there a weight limit?
Yes, the activity isn’t suitable for anyone over 300 lbs (136 kg).

What should I wear?
Comfortable, fitted clothes are best. You’ll be provided with a flight suit, helmet, goggles, and earplugs.

Are there any health conditions that prevent me from flying?
People with certain health issues, such as heart conditions, back or neck injuries, or shoulder dislocations, should consult with staff beforehand. Those with hard casts or prosthetics that cannot be removed are not allowed to fly.

Is this activity safe?
Absolutely. It’s supervised by trained instructors, with safety gear and pre-flight training making it a controlled, risk-managed environment.

What if I’m running late?
Late arrivals might not be able to participate, so it’s best to arrive early and be punctual.

Can I do this more than once?
While the experience itself is limited to a 2-minute flight, many find themselves wishing they could do it again — and it’s possible to book additional flights or sessions.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a fun, new activity, the iFLY Montgomery-Gaithersburg indoor skydiving experience offers a really enjoyable taste of flight. It’s a safe, well-organized way to challenge yourself and maybe even surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

You can check availability for your dates here: