iFLY Westchester: Honest Review of My First Flight Experience

So, have you ever thought about what it might be like to fly? To seriously feel the rush of skydiving without, you know, jumping out of a plane? iFLY Westchester actually makes that possible, too, in a pretty controlled and accessible setting. I just gave it a shot as a first-timer, and I’m very ready to tell you just what the whole experience is actually like. This review will actually cover the setup, the flight itself, what I very learned, and really whether or not I think it’s totally worth your hard-earned cash.

What Exactly is iFLY and What Can You Expect?

Basically, iFLY runs these vertical wind tunnels where you can actually float on a column of air. To be fair, it’s almost like skydiving, just without needing a parachute or any of the associated risks, too. You are going to find iFLY locations scattered around, yet the Westchester location serves folks in New York City and the surrounding areas too. I think, as it happens, iFLY really caters to a pretty wide audience, that ranges from total beginners (like I totally was!) to serious, experienced skydivers who very want to practice their skills.

Before you even think about flying, there is a check-in, a brief training session, and getting suited up. The training walks you through the hand signals they truly use inside the tunnel, the proper body posture, and the do’s and don’ts of flying. Then comes the gear: flight suit, goggles, and helmet. Honestly, getting geared up already really amps up the anticipation, too. I mean, the tunnel itself is really something too–a clear cylinder where you literally see people floating. If that isn’t cool, I don’t know what truly is. Very ready or not, you’re up!

Pre-Flight Prep: Gearing Up and Training

This part of the experience really aims at making you really feel prepared and somewhat comfortable, you know. From the minute you actually walk in, the staff is actually on hand to guide you. The pre-flight training video is so simple that even your young kids can understand all the necessary information. The instructor is going to cover all the essential hand signals and what positions you actually need to master in the tunnel. Then, of course, they’ll actually provide your flight suit, helmet, and goggles. Very listen up during your training so you know what to expect when you step in there. A lot of it is, after all, communication without talking. This actually helps when inside the loud tunnel, too.

The Flight Experience: What It’s *Really* Like

Stepping into the wind tunnel is basically like stepping into another world. The force of the wind hits you right away, and it really takes a second to actually adjust. Your instructor really helps position you correctly, that is for sure, lying you flat onto the airflow. At first, you know, it may feel very unnatural, yet once you actually find your balance, it’s really exhilarating. You float, twist, and get the actual feeling of weightlessness, you see.

Honestly, the initial flight is short. Very short. My package included two flights, that very first one just breezes by, so you’re basically still learning how to get comfortable and steady yourself, actually. Then you step out for a moment, you listen to more tips from the instructor, and you actually go back in. That, too, second flight is where you basically get to seriously enjoy the experience as you begin to really trust and allow yourself to really feel more at ease, in a way. The instructor, that is too, might actually even spin you around or guide you up higher in the tunnel, too, depending on how well you’re actually doing.

What Packages are Available and What Do They Include?

iFLY Westchester provides a selection of packages that cater to both first-time flyers and actually those with prior experience, you see. Packages typically start with the ‘Earn Your Wings’ package, that involves two flights, that are each equivalent to one and a half skydives. As you probably are expecting, that’s also training and equipment included, that too.

Then you could look at options offering more flight time, group rates, or even very advanced coaching sessions, too. The pricing depends on the day, the time, and the package you are very opting for. Keep a lookout for promotional discounts which they have quite often actually.

What Did I Learn and Tips for the First-Time Flyer

After actually completing my first indoor skydiving experience, there are a few key tips and tricks I’d really want to share with anyone thinking about going to iFLY Westchester.

Firstly, honestly relax, I really mean. It can totally feel strange to have all that air pushing on you, and relaxing is what will totally make the process simple, in fact. The second pointer is actually to seriously listen to your instructor. Their job, really, is to actually guide you through a better experience so paying real attention and very adjusting your body accordingly as the professional gives direction truly helps with control and comfort.

Another item that I seriously wish that I would’ve really considered is wearing tighter clothing and your hair truly secured. Baggy clothing can feel distracting in the wind tunnel. Keep in mind that it gets windy in that area. You may not think about that factor now but later on you truly will. Be willing to spend a bit to secure those souvenir photos and video too, it’s totally worth a view. You may, basically, never ever get to repeat such memory again and, if you ever do, that, really, will be a story to tell. Finally, booking online is that option you truly should really consider to make your reservation so that that time won’t be consumed waiting for other tasks such as registrations and processing in venue, honestly.

Is iFLY Westchester Worth It? My Verdict

So, getting down to what actually matters: Is iFLY Westchester actually worth your time and the money? Basically, for a total newbie wanting to sample the joys of skydiving in a controlled surrounding, it’s absolutely, literally, very fun. Actually the feeling of actually flying is thrilling, actually.

On the flip side, do know that the basic packages can, more or less, feel fairly expensive. Two flights might just, perhaps, not literally feel like enough time to seriously get comfy, too. If you are thinking about truly making the very most of it, basically consider an extended flight package or literally very possibly a return visit. Yet as a one-off or literally special treat it definitely gets a thumbs-up, like your iFLY Westchester experience basically is one-of-a-kind and literally really an experience that you could totally remember, you know. If you have basically always been intrigued by skydiving, you know, iFLY can basically be an actual way that literally meets and matches that type of interest that can be safely explored, you know. Just so be prepared for literally real quick sessions and basically weigh out which package that really helps truly meet and basically serves all of your adventurous wants or requirements, as a matter of fact.