Indoor Skydiving Experience at iFLY London 2 Flights

The remarkable part of this iFLY London session is that you can experience free-fall conditions without jumping from an airplane. Inside the vertical wind tunnel at The O2, a powerful column of air lifts you above the floor while an instructor guides your body position.

I like two things here: you get two flights, so the first attempt teaches you what to fix, and the second usually feels more controlled. I also like the instructors’ role. Liam Roberts, Ardan, Rangi, and Ferne are all singled out for clear teaching, calm encouragement, and a good sense of humor.

The catch is simple: the actual flight time is brief, usually about 50 to 60 seconds per turn, while check-in, training, changing, and waiting fill most of the 90-minute session. The price also leaves little room for disappointment if you expect a long flight or want photos and video included.

Key points to know before booking

• Two flights per person: Each flight lasts roughly 50 to 60 seconds, giving you a second chance to improve.
• Inside The O2: iFLY London is at Peninsula Square, with public transport nearby and the wider O2 complex close at hand.
• Arrive 45 minutes early: The venue runs a flight manifest, so arriving late can put your booking at risk.
• Ages three and up: You must weigh under 117 kilograms, unless iFLY approves you directly.
• High flight costs extra: The instructor may take you higher on a paid upgrade, but height can vary according to safety checks.
• Maximum group size of 13: You may share the session with children and adults, with turns taken one at a time.

A taste of free-fall at The O2

Indoor free-fall is a clever compromise. You get the sensation of being lifted by moving air, but you remain inside a controlled chamber with an instructor close by. There is no aircraft, parachute, or jump from height to deal with.

At iFLY London, your session takes place in a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel at The O2. You lie forward into the airflow, using small changes in your arms, legs, and body position to stay stable. For a first-timer, the main challenge is not courage. It is learning not to fight the air.

That makes this suitable for a wide range of people. You might arrive excited, nervous, or simply curious. The instructor’s job is to help you get into the correct position and make small adjustments while you are airborne.

The activity is offered in English. The maximum group size is 13, so you may not receive constant one-to-one attention. Still, the format gives you the chance to watch the instructor and other flyers before your turn. That can be useful, especially if you are anxious.

Why two flights matter

The first flight is your introduction to the airflow. You may spend much of it working out how to hold your arms, keep your legs in position, and respond to instructions. It can feel short because your attention is busy.

The second flight is where the format earns its keep. You have already felt the air and heard the basic advice, so you can usually make better use of the time. Several people have enjoyed being able to tackle nerves on the first attempt and then try a higher or more confident flight on the second.

Each flight lasts around 50 to 60 seconds. That is not a long time in ordinary terms, but iFLY explains that it is comparable to, and often longer than, the free-fall portion of a real parachute jump. You should still set your expectations carefully. You are buying a concentrated introduction, not a long session of floating around the tunnel.

One parent paid for a higher flight for a son, who particularly enjoyed that part. Another family member was initially frightened but gained enough confidence to try the high flight after encouragement from instructor Ferne. These details point to the value of the second turn: it gives a nervous person time to settle in.

What happens from check-in to flight

You need to arrive at least 45 minutes before your booked flight time. If your booking is at 3pm, arrive by 2.15pm. This is not a casual suggestion. iFLY organizes people on a manifest, much like an airline, so late arrival can cause real trouble.

The opening part of the session is taken up by check-in, changing, and preparation. You will be fitted with the required equipment and attend a safety and body-position briefing. The waiting can feel long if you imagined 90 minutes of nonstop flight, but it is necessary preparation for a group activity where every person takes a turn.

You then move toward the viewing and flight area. People take turns in the tunnel while others wait nearby. This is where the session’s group nature becomes clear. You will not all fly at once, and the time between turns can feel less exciting than the flight itself.

Your instructor remains the key person throughout. Liam Roberts has been praised for making flights enjoyable and informative. Ardan has been noted for clear explanations and a calm manner with first-timers. Rangi has been particularly good at using humor and reassurance with both adults and children. Ferne has also been praised for encouraging a nervous child without pushing too hard.

At the end, instructors may demonstrate more advanced movements. Watching Rangi or Ardan perform controlled moves, including Superman-style positions, can be one of the best parts for people sitting outside the tunnel. It also gives you a useful reminder of what practice can achieve.

The high flight add-on

The standard two-flight format gives you a short hover close to the lower part of the tunnel. If you want to travel higher with the instructor, you can pay for the High-Flight add-on.

This upgrade is optional. It is not part of the basic price, and the height reached depends on safety rules and the instructor’s assessment on the day. That last point matters. Promotional images can create the impression that you will shoot all the way to the top of the chamber. In practice, the height may be lower.

Some people consider the extra cost worthwhile because it changes the feeling of the activity. Being guided higher gives you a stronger sense of movement and makes the second flight more memorable. Others find the additional charge hard to justify, especially when the standard flights are already brief.

I would treat the High-Flight as a personal choice rather than an essential part of the booking. If you are nervous about heights, start with the basic package and decide after the first flight only if the venue permits that change. If the booking terms require you to choose in advance, consider your expectations carefully before paying more.

Is the short flight time worth the price?

The listed price is $110.90 per person. That is a serious amount for an activity with less than two minutes of actual tunnel time.

The best argument for the price is the specialist setup. You are paying for a large wind tunnel, trained instructors, safety preparation, equipment, staff, and the full session around the flights. You are not simply buying minutes in the air. The instructor must manage a group, read each flyer, and respond quickly inside a powerful airflow.

Still, value depends on what you want. If you want a novel family activity and appreciate the chance to try something most people cannot do casually, the cost may feel fair. If you judge the booking by airtime alone, it may feel expensive.

Extra charges can affect the calculation. The High-Flight costs more, and photos and video may be sold separately. Several people have been unhappy with the media quality, describing blurry or disappointing results. Phones are not available in the seating area, so a group that flies together may have to buy the official package if it wants a record of everyone’s turns.

There is a useful workaround for families or friends. Book different sessions if your schedule allows. Half the group can fly while the others watch and record, then you can swap. This can also make the visit feel longer and reduce the pressure to buy media.

Photos, video, and the viewing area

The camera issue deserves clear attention. iFLY takes photos and video during the session, but the quality may not match what you expect from modern phone footage. Airflow, glass, lighting, and fast movement make sharp images difficult, yet the official media can still feel poor for the price.

If you book as one group, you may not be able to use your own phone while everyone is taking turns. That means you should decide before arrival how important a record of the activity is to you.

If you are attending with family, splitting the group across sessions is the most practical option mentioned in the available information. One half can sit in the viewing area with a phone, while the other half flies. You then change roles.

The viewing area also lets you watch the instructor’s demonstrations. This can be rewarding even when you are not inside the tunnel. Just remember that children may be moving around the venue, and one family found the noise and lack of parental control distracting while they were already nervous.

Who can take part

The activity is suitable from age three upward, which makes it unusual among high-adrenaline activities. Children still need to follow instructions and be comfortable with the equipment and group setting.

You must weigh less than 117 kilograms, or 18 stone and 7 pounds. If you exceed that limit, contact iFLY directly rather than assuming you can take part.

You cannot fly if you are pregnant, under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs, wearing a hard cast, or if you have previously dislocated your shoulder. The information also recommends a moderate level of physical fitness.

These rules are more than paperwork. You are supported by fast-moving air and need to hold a controlled body position. If you have any doubt about an injury or medical condition, contact the provider before booking.

Getting to iFLY at The O2

The meeting point is iFLY London Indoor Skydiving at The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. It is near public transport, and the activity ends where it begins.

The O2 location makes the booking easy to pair with a wider outing. You can plan food or another activity before or after, but keep the 45-minute early arrival rule in mind. Allow extra time for delays, especially if your route involves several connections.

Because the session runs to a manifest, arriving just before the flight is risky. You need time to find the building, check in, change, and attend the briefing. I would plan to be at The O2 with a comfortable margin rather than aiming for the exact arrival time.

The maximum group size of 13 keeps the session from becoming enormous, but it does not mean you will fly continuously. The group still needs to rotate through the tunnel, so the total session length remains about 90 minutes.

Best for families, nervous beginners, and curious adults

This is a good pick if you want a first taste of indoor free-fall without the commitment of a real jump. It also suits families with children old enough to follow instructions, though adults should be ready for waiting and for possible noise around the viewing area.

It works well for a person who is nervous about heights. You do not leap from a platform, and the instructor controls the progression. One person who arrived afraid of heights was able to work through that fear and later choose a higher flight.

It is less suitable if you want a long, relaxed activity with lots of independent time. You will take short turns, listen closely, and follow the instructor’s directions. It is also not ideal if you are likely to feel annoyed by add-on charges for the higher flight or media.

The instructor can make or break the mood. Clear teaching matters more than flashy tricks, and the strongest sessions appear to come from staff who combine safety with warmth. Names such as Liam Roberts, Ardan, Rangi, and Ferne are worth noting if you want to ask about the team on the day, though staffing can change.

Should you book iFLY London?

Book it if you want a memorable, controlled first taste of free-fall and you accept that the airtime will be brief. The two flights, skilled instruction, and chance to try the High-Flight can make this a strong family or birthday activity.

Before paying, be honest about your budget. At $110.90 per person, with possible charges for a higher flight and media, the final cost can rise quickly. I would skip the media package unless having an official recording matters greatly to you, and I would arrange separate sessions if your group wants to take its own photos.

Arrive 45 minutes early, expect a full 90-minute session, and think of the activity as a guided introduction rather than a long flight. With those expectations, iFLY London at The O2 can deliver a genuine thrill without an airplane. If you mainly want maximum airtime for your money, it may leave you wanting more.

FAQ

Where does the iFLY London session take place?

It takes place at iFLY London Indoor Skydiving at The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, UK.

How long does the full activity last?

The full session lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including check-in, training, equipment preparation, waiting, and the two flights.

How many flights are included?

The booking includes two flights per person. Each flight lasts about 50 to 60 seconds.

How early should I arrive?

You must arrive at least 45 minutes before your booked flight time. The venue uses a flight manifest, so early arrival is important.

What is the minimum age?

The activity is suitable for ages three and above.

Is there a weight limit?

You must weigh less than 117 kilograms, or 18 stone and 7 pounds. Contact iFLY directly if you weigh more than this.

Can I take part if I am pregnant or wearing a hard cast?

No. The stated restrictions also include being under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs and having previously dislocated your shoulder.

Is the High-Flight included?

No. The High-Flight is an optional paid add-on. The height reached can vary according to safety guidance and the instructor’s assessment.

Is the activity refundable or changeable?

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