As a family of four—mum, dad, and two kids—we’re always on the lookout for experiences that feel a bit different from the usual days out. So when we received a visit to iFLY in Trafford, Manchester as a Christmas gift, it immediately stood out.
Indoor skydiving isn’t something you do every weekend, and the promise of “flying” without jumping out of a plane had all of us intrigued.
Booking and Arrival
Booking the experience online using vouchers was straightforward enough, with no major issues during the process. However, one frustration cropped up early: despite booking as a family, we were split into two groups, half an hour apart. That meant we couldn’t all take part together, which slightly took away from the shared excitement you’d expect from a family experience.
My brother had bought us all an iFly experience for Christmas with two separate vouchers for two people each and by the time we had booked the first time slot we were then unable to book again at the same time slot for the second voucher. That meant we were half an hour apart so one of us went with one of kids and one with the other. It would have been nice to do it all together and they should look at their booking system to make it easier to do that.
On the plus side, getting there was easy. The Trafford location is well signposted, and there’s plenty of parking, which always helps take the stress out of the day.
The Pre-Flight Process
We were asked to arrive 45 minutes before our scheduled time. This is to allow for a safety video, weigh-in (there’s a maximum weight limit of 117kg), and signing waivers. While all of this is understandable given the nature of the activity, it did feel a bit drawn out. In reality, half an hour would probably have been enough to cover everything without it feeling excessive—especially when you’ve got kids eager to get started.
That said, the safety briefing itself was well delivered. It was clear, concise, and importantly, engaging enough to keep the children’s attention. That’s no small feat, and it definitely helped build confidence before stepping into the wind tunnel.
First Impressions and the Experience Itself
The instructors deserve a lot of credit. They were friendly, approachable, and clearly knew their stuff. They guided us through how to get suited up and what to expect, making the whole process feel safe and controlled.
The kit itself was good quality, though the ear plugs didn’t do much to block out the noise—which is worth noting, because it is very loud inside.
One of the unexpected highlights was the build-up. As you queue for your turn, you can watch others take flight ahead of you. It adds to the anticipation and gives you a sense of what’s coming.
And then… you’re in.
The moment you enter the tunnel, you’re instantly lifted. There’s no gradual build-up—you’re flying straight away. It’s a genuinely brilliant feeling, something between floating and being held up by an invisible force. It’s hard to describe, but it’s definitely memorable.
Each flight lasts about a minute, and you get two turns. On paper, that sounds short, but in the moment it actually feels longer. The intensity of the experience stretches time in a good way, and by the end of it, you feel like you’ve had a proper go.
The Upsell Issue
One aspect that slightly dampened the experience was the way additional extras were handled—particularly the “high flight” option.
For an extra £20, you can be taken higher up the tunnel for a more dramatic experience. Dad and our eldest opted to do it, and to be fair, they loved it. However, the timing of when you’re asked to make that decision isn’t ideal.
You’re prompted to choose just as you’re about to begin your first flight. At that point, you’re already geared up, excited, and a bit nervous. It creates a sense of pressure—especially for parents—because it’s hard to say no when your child is right there, ready to go.
It would have been much better to present this option clearly during booking or earlier in the process. That way, families can make a considered decision rather than feeling put on the spot. As it stands, it comes across a bit like a captive upsell, and those extra costs can quickly add up.
Staff, Timing, and Atmosphere
One thing that can’t be faulted is the staff. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful, and professional throughout. The whole operation ran like clockwork—everything was on time, and there was no sense of disorganisation.
There’s also a relaxed approach when it comes to photos and videos. While you can purchase professional footage, you’re also allowed to take your own. Naturally, the quality isn’t quite the same when you’re filming through the glass, but it’s still perfectly good for capturing memories.
Final Thoughts
Overall, our visit to iFLY Manchester was a really enjoyable family experience. The actual flying is fantastic—something genuinely different that both kids and adults can enjoy. The instructors and staff play a big part in making it feel safe and fun, and the organisation on the day was excellent.
The main drawback is the sales pressure around add-ons, particularly the timing of it. It slightly takes away from what should be a straightforward, excitement-filled experience.
That said, would we recommend it? Absolutely. Just go in aware of the extras, decide in advance what you’re happy to spend, and then focus on the fun part—because flying, even indoors, is pretty unforgettable.