Quick answer: iFly’s general policy is minimum age 3 years old with no maximum age. Weight limits vary by location and tunnel size — most locations cap at 240–260 lb for adults under 6’5” and 220–240 lb for taller flyers, but a few smaller tunnels cap lower. Pregnancy is a hard no. Recent shoulder, neck, back, or heart issues require a doctor’s clearance. Always confirm your specific location’s limits before booking — they’re not all identical.
This guide breaks down iFly’s age, weight, height, and health requirements, why they exist, what happens if you don’t meet them, and the key differences between locations.
Age requirements
Minimum age: 3 years old
iFly’s minimum flying age is 3 years old at most locations. A few locations require 4+. The reason: a 3-year-old needs to:
- Understand basic instructions (“arch your back”, “hands forward”)
- Tolerate a helmet and goggles for a 1-minute flight
- Stay calm in a loud environment
- Be physically able to maintain a body position with light instructor support
Maximum age: none
There is no upper age limit. iFly markets to retirees actively. The constraint is health, not age — see the health section below.
Age-specific notes
- Ages 3–4: Some locations require an adult to fly with the child or stand by during the flight. Confirm at booking.
- Ages 5–11: Standard “junior” pricing usually applies; flights are the same length.
- Ages 12+: Standard adult pricing.
- Ages 65+: No additional restrictions, but health screening matters more.
Weight limits
This is the most variable rule across iFly locations. Here’s the structure most use:
Standard limits (most locations)
- Under 6 feet tall: maximum ~250 lb (some up to 260 lb)
- 6’0”–6’5”: maximum ~230 lb
- 6’5”+: maximum ~220 lb
- Children under 12: typically capped at 125 lb
Why height matters
A taller flyer with the same weight has more body surface area for the wind to push against. Tunnel airflow is calibrated for a weight range; if you’re outside it, the instructor can’t safely manage your flight. The taller you are, the more wind needed to lift you, and the harder the instructor has to work to keep you stable.
Why limits vary by location
iFly tunnels come in different diameters and airspeeds. The newer 14-foot recirculating tunnels can handle more weight than older 12-foot tunnels. Always confirm with your specific location.
What if I’m right at the limit?
Call your local iFly. They’ve handled edge cases before. Some locations will:
- Schedule you with a senior instructor experienced with heavier flyers
- Use specific tunnel speed configurations
- Ask you to fly during off-peak hours so the instructor can give full attention
What if I’m over the limit?
iFly cannot safely fly you, and refunds typically apply if you booked online and discover the limit at check-in. Always check beforehand to avoid the disappointment.
Health & medical restrictions
iFly will not let you fly if any of these apply:
Hard no — cannot fly
- Pregnancy at any stage (the body position and G-forces are unsafe)
- Recent surgery (typically within 12 months — depends on the procedure)
- Active dislocations in shoulders, hips, or other joints
- Severe heart conditions without doctor’s clearance
- Recent concussions (within 6 months without clearance)
Conditional — bring a doctor’s note or call ahead
- History of shoulder dislocation — the flight position puts strain on shoulder joints
- Neck or back injuries that may worsen with flexion
- Heart conditions, pacemaker, or recent cardiac events
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Recent eye surgery (LASIK, cataract surgery within ~3 months)
- Pregnancy attempts via IVF (some locations restrict during cycles)
Why these matter
The body position in the tunnel — face down, arched back, arms forward — places stress on shoulders, neck, and lower back. Wind speed of 100+ mph keeps you airborne but also generates significant force. Pre-existing injuries can be aggravated.
If you have any concern, call your local iFly before booking and describe your situation. They’ve seen most variations and can usually tell you if you’re cleared, need a doctor’s note, or shouldn’t fly.
What about disabilities?
iFly is more accessible than real skydiving. Many locations have flown:
- Flyers with prosthetic limbs (with adjustments)
- Flyers with autism, Down syndrome, or developmental differences
- Flyers in wheelchairs (transferred for the flight)
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing flyers (instructors use hand signals — see our first-time flyer guide)
- Blind or visually impaired flyers
Each is handled case-by-case. Call ahead to discuss accommodations.
What to wear (related to fit)
If your weight or build is at the edge of the limit, what you wear matters more:
- Athletic clothing — fitted t-shirt or athletic shirt, athletic shorts or pants
- No baggy clothing — loose fabric flaps in the wind and is uncomfortable; some venues will ask you to change
- Lace-up athletic shoes — flip-flops, slip-ons, and heels are not allowed
- Empty pockets — anything in pockets becomes a projectile
The full clothing breakdown is in our first-time flyer guide.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the minimum age to fly at iFly?
Most locations: 3 years old. A few require 4+. Children fly the same length as adults (1 minute per flight) but with extra instructor support.
Is there a maximum age?
No upper age limit. iFly has flown people in their 90s. Health, not age, is the constraint — see the health section above.
What’s the weight limit at iFly?
Varies by location. Most cap at 250–260 lb for adults under 6 feet, with lower limits for taller flyers. Confirm with your specific location.
Can I fly while pregnant?
No. Pregnancy is a hard restriction at every iFly location, regardless of trimester.
Can I fly with a heart condition?
Sometimes — depends on the condition and whether you have doctor’s clearance. Call ahead and be prepared to bring a written note from your doctor.
Can my 3-year-old fly?
Yes at most locations. The child needs to be able to follow basic instructions and tolerate the helmet/goggles. Some locations require an adult to fly alongside or stand by.
Can my 80-year-old grandparent fly?
Likely yes — iFly is popular with active seniors. The constraint is health: any heart, neck, back, or shoulder conditions need to be cleared with iFly first.
What if I have a shoulder injury?
If recent or active: don’t fly. If old and fully healed: usually fine, but call ahead. The flight position stresses shoulders and old injuries can flare.
What if I’m right at the weight limit?
Call your local iFly. They’ll either confirm you can fly with no special handling, or schedule you with a senior instructor at off-peak. Don’t just show up and hope.
What if I’m over the weight limit?
iFly cannot safely fly you. If you booked online and discover this at check-in, request a refund. Always confirm limits before booking.
Can people with disabilities fly at iFly?
Many can. iFly has flown people with prosthetic limbs, autism, Down syndrome, wheelchair users, and deaf/blind flyers. Each is handled case-by-case — call ahead to discuss.
Do kids fly the same length as adults?
Yes. A flight is roughly 1 minute (60 seconds) regardless of age. Some locations offer “kids’ first flight” packages with shorter durations as a starter.
Is there a height requirement?
No specific minimum height, but a child must be able to wear the helmet and stand on their own. The maximum effective height is around 6’7” — beyond that, weight limits drop sharply and tunnel diameter becomes a constraint.
Ready to book?
If you meet the requirements above, you’re cleared to fly:
If you’re not sure you meet the requirements — particularly health-related — call your local iFly before booking. They’ve handled edge cases for years and can give you a clear answer faster than the FAQ.
Related reading:
- iFly First-Time Flyer Guide: What to Expect
- iFly Pricing & Cost Guide
- iFly Discount & Promo Code Guide
- Is iFly Safe? The Honest Safety Guide
- iFly Birthday Party Guide
- iFly Indoor Skydiving Review: Is It Worth $70?