Chicago-Naperville Indoor Skydiving with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

Instead of jumping from an airplane, you step into a glass-sided chamber and let a powerful column of air lift you. At iFLY Naperville, the wind can reach 130 to 175 mph, but the chamber’s steady airflow and an instructor at your side make this a guided first flight, not a test of nerve.

I like two things about this experience: you get two separate 60-second flights, so your second turn can build on what you learned in the first, and an instructor coaches you one-on-one inside the chamber. The flight certificate is a nice keepsake, too.

The main drawback is the price relative to the time in the air. At $125 per person, you’re paying for the full session, instruction, and gear, not just two minutes of flight. If you want a long thrill for your money, this may feel brief.

• Two flights, one minute each: You get a second chance to settle into the flying position.
• No airplane or jump: A vertical wind tunnel creates the lift, with no sensation of stepping out of a plane.
• Instructor beside you: You fly one at a time with a certified instructor guiding you.
• About 75 to 90 minutes on site: Plan for check-in, training, gearing up, and your turns.
• Suitable from age three: Children under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign their waiver.
• Know the health and weight limits: Pregnancy and certain medical conditions rule out flight; additional evaluation applies at some weights.

What the two flights feel like

Indoor flight gives you a taste of the body position and airflow associated with skydiving, without the aircraft, altitude, or jump. The tunnel’s fans move air into a vertical chamber, where the force is strong enough to hold you aloft. You’ll wear a flight suit, helmet, and goggles, and an instructor will be with you throughout your time inside.

The sensation is less like falling than you might expect. The air hits your face much as it would with your head out a car window, and the supplied guidance says you can breathe normally through your nose or mouth. That can make this a more approachable choice if the idea of a plane jump appeals to you but the actual leap does not.

Your two turns last 60 seconds apiece. A minute sounds short, and it is, but the session is designed to give first-time flyers a manageable introduction rather than a long, free-form flight. You may find your first turn goes by quickly as you concentrate on holding the position and following your instructor’s signals. The second gives you another go with the basics fresh in mind.

The air column is described as wall-to-wall, which helps keep you within the flight area. That does not mean you’re left to figure it out alone: the instructor stays with you and can guide your body position. Turns, movement, flips, and other tricks are not the goal for a first-timer. Ask your instructor about progressing if you find your balance quickly; more advanced maneuvers are for experienced flyers.

From check-in to the flight chamber

The experience starts at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, 1752 Freedom Drive in Naperville. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your reservation. The session begins promptly, and arriving on time gives you a chance to check in before the training starts.

First, you’ll get a briefing from an expert flight instructor. The class covers safety and the position you’ll use in the tunnel, with practice before you fly. This part matters: the tunnel is powerful, and understanding the basic posture gives you a better shot at making your flight feel controlled rather than simply windy.

Next comes the gear. The package includes use of the flight equipment, and the flight suit fits over your own clothes. Wear comfortable clothes and well-fitting lace-up sneakers or running shoes. Pants and a shirt without a collar are recommended. If you have long hair, braid it and secure it in a low bun.

Remove jewelry and anything that could flap loose, including watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and hair accessories. Empty your pockets, too. Lockers are available, but leaving valuables at home is the simpler plan. If you wear glasses, larger goggles are available to fit over them.

After you gear up, you’ll take your turn in the chamber. A tunnel operator raises the airflow until you and your instructor are airborne. You’ll fly one at a time, even when you’re part of a larger group. Friends and family can accompany you through the experience and watch from the observation area.

The total visit is described as about 75 minutes, while the first-time flyer estimate is also given as about an hour and a half. Allow 75 to 90 minutes rather than booking a tight connection afterward. The difference can depend on how the session runs, and rushing away would take some of the fun out of the day.

What $125 buys, and what it doesn’t

The $125 price covers two flights for one person, training, gear, one-on-one instructor guidance, a personalized certificate of flight achievement, and taxes and handling charges. You’re paying for a supervised activity with specialized equipment, not merely for two minutes in the air.

That distinction matters when judging value. The actual flight time is brief, but the booking also covers the instruction and the equipment needed to make a first flight possible. If you’re curious about freefall but don’t want the cost or commitment of an airplane jump, the tunnel offers a less complicated way to try the sensation.

Still, the cost-per-minute calculation is not especially generous. One customer’s 3-out-of-5 assessment captures the key trade-off: the flying itself was described as awesome, while the price felt high for the time in the chamber. That’s a fair way to think about it. You’re more likely to feel the price is worthwhile if you value the guided novelty and the chance to fly twice, rather than expecting a long session.

The experience also does not include hotel pickup, drop-off, food, or drinks. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the Naperville location and plan any meal or snack separately. If you’re booking online, note that one customer found they could not apply a military discount that way. Check directly with iFLY about any discount before paying if that affects your decision.

Safety, age, and who can take part

The minimum age is three, and there is no stated height limit. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. That makes the activity an option for families, though younger children may appreciate knowing what to expect before they arrive: they’ll wear a suit and helmet, learn a position, then enter a loud, fast-moving air chamber with an instructor.

The activity is not suitable if you are pregnant, have a hard cast, or have certain health concerns. The stated restrictions include previous neck, back, or heart problems, injuries, and shoulder dislocations. If any of these might apply to you, contact iFLY before booking rather than hoping to settle it at check-in.

Weight rules need particular attention. People over 300 pounds cannot be accommodated. If you weigh between 260 and 300 pounds, the location may be able to accommodate you, but staff will make an additional evaluation and may apply restrictions. Note your current weight in the special requirements box at checkout to avoid delays.

iFLY also offers a way for people with physical or cognitive challenges to request an instructor certified to guide All Abilities flyers. Contact the Naperville location to discuss that request before your visit. This is more useful than assuming the standard session will automatically meet every need.

For basic comfort, the provided guidance says there is no sensation of falling and no need to hold your breath. You can breathe normally. The instructor stays with you in the chamber, and the airflow is designed to support you, but you should follow the training and safety directions closely.

Making the most of your booking

Choose a start time that suits your day, then keep the time before and after it clear enough to allow for the full session. The stated average booking lead time is 12 days, so plan ahead if you have a particular date in mind. The group can include up to 12 people, but you will fly individually with the instructor rather than sharing the chamber with the whole group.

If you’re going with family or friends, the observation area lets non-flyers watch. That can make the outing work for a mixed group, but remember that the booking price is per person. A companion who wants to fly needs their own place.

The activity is offered in English, and a mobile ticket is provided. If you need to reschedule after booking, call the location directly; date and time changes cannot be made another way. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, the payment is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

Should you book iFLY Naperville?

Book it if you want to try the sensation of flight in a controlled setting, value having an instructor beside you, or are looking for an unusual activity to share with a child or friend. Two short turns give you a chance to adjust and try again, and the certificate marks the occasion without requiring a plane ride.

Think twice if you measure value mainly by minutes spent in the air. The flights are only 60 seconds each, and $125 is a substantial price for a brief thrill. My practical advice: treat this as a coached, one-off experience rather than a long sporting session, check the health and weight requirements in advance, and book only if that kind of novelty is worth the cost to you.

FAQ

How long does the iFLY Naperville experience take?

Allow about 75 to 90 minutes for the full visit. The experience is described as roughly 75 minutes, while first-time flyer timing is also given as about an hour and a half.

How long is each flight?

Each of your two flights lasts 60 seconds. You fly one at a time with an instructor.

Do I need any prior experience?

No. First-time flyers take a required training class before entering the tunnel, and an instructor guides you during both flights.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and well-fitting lace-up sneakers or running shoes. Pants and a shirt without a collar are recommended, and long hair should be braided and secured in a low bun.

Can I wear glasses?

Yes. Larger goggles are available to fit over eyeglasses.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is three. A parent or guardian must sign the waiver for anyone under 18.

Are there weight restrictions?

People over 300 pounds cannot be accommodated. People weighing between 260 and 300 pounds require an additional evaluation by local staff, and restrictions may apply.

Can friends or family watch?

Yes. They can accompany you through the experience and watch from the observation area.

What is included in the $125 price?

The price includes two flights for one person, training, use of the gear, one-on-one guidance from a certified instructor, a flight achievement certificate, and taxes and handling charges. Hotel transport, food, and drinks are not included.