Las Vegas Wind Tunnels

Have you always dreamed of flying but are a little afraid of parachuting? Then the wind tunnel is the ideal experience for you! Experience a safe and unforgettable flight in the best wind tunnels in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Wind Tunnels

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More about: Las Vegas Wind Tunnels

If you are looking for an extreme and different activity, I recommend you to add the wind tunnel to your list of things to do in Las Vegas. This is an activity that takes place in a special site capable of creating a vertical column of air. Taking advantage of that air current, people can experience a safe body flight.

This is a recommended activity for all people who are attracted to the idea of flying. It can even be an alternative option for those who do not dare to fly with a parachute. In these sessions there are very few risks, as each person must wear a safety suit and everything around them is padded. Do you like the idea? Then let's fly!

What are wind tunnels?

person inside the wind tunnel| ©Airpower Foundation
person inside the wind tunnel| ©Airpower Foundation

Wind tunnels were originally created as a research tool for studying the effects of air movement on solid objects. It is used to study how air affects airplanes, buildings and how it affects the speed of cars. However, they are also used as an attraction that will make you fly safely.

If you want to experience a flight but still don't dare to parachute or paraglide, a wind tunnel in Las Vegas is the ideal option for you. This activity is done in an enclosed and totally controlled space. The floor is padded and each participant wears protective equipment such as helmets and knee pads. This prevents any bumps or falls that may occur.

After putting on all the equipment, the wind machine will start up. What happens is that a wind column is activated which helps you practice body flying. Within the skydiving world this term refers to moving within a flow of air.

Some take wind tunnel flying as a discipline that even has an international game called Wind Games. In this event participants compete by demonstrating all the stunts they can achieve inside an air flow. Would you like to try it?

How to book a flight in a wind tunnel in Las Vegas

person using a laptop| © Christin Hume
person using a laptop| © Christin Hume

Booking a wind tunnel flight in Las Vegas is easy. All you have to do is go to the company's website and book a session. The hours you can attend are from 10 am to 7 pm, so you can add this experience to any time of the day.

If you make a reservation you can go directly to the scheduled time and wait for your class to start. Sessions start every 30 minutes, something to keep in mind especially if you do not make a reservation. In that case you will have to wait on a first come, first served basis.

You can experience a wind tunnel flight any time of the year and any day of the week. Remember that it is an activity that takes place inside specialized facilities. This is why the weather outside does not affect the flight, unless an unexpected electrical failure occurs.

This is a plan that you can include among the things you can do in 7 days in Las Vegas because it adapts to any itinerary. I recommend it if you will be in this city for a week because it is not one of the main attractions, but it is worth doing because it is the only one that allows you to go against gravity.

Traveller Tip
For all the tours you plan to do in Las Vegas or any other destination, I recommend you to always make a reservation. This can help you save time and money. However, always keep in mind that last minute inconveniences can occur. That's why I also encourage you to have backup plans so that your vacation is not ruined.

Duration of flights in a wind tunnel

two people in the wind tunnel| ©Airpower Foundation
two people in the wind tunnel| ©Airpower Foundation

The different wind tunnel flight sessions include a variety of services and can have a duration of one hour and a half or one hour. Included in that time is an introductory class where participants learn the basics of indoor skydiving, safety measures, flight positions, among other things.

After the class it is time to put on the special flight suit. This is a full suit that helps you fly and stay in the air. The flight itself has an average duration of 15 to 20 minutes. However, some companies only allow 2 to 5 minutes of flight time, this will depend on the participant and the rules of the company.

Sometimes the flight time is even shorter, but don't be discouraged! Flight times are short because the effect it produces is like what you would feel in a free fall. Therefore, your body experiences an adrenaline rush that you won't feel in any other sport. It is so intense that flying in a wind tunnel has been shown to help you lose weight.

Tips for a flight in a wind tunnel

man with a black helmet| ©Airpower Foundation
man with a black helmet| ©Airpower Foundation

My first recommendation is that you eat at least three hours before your flight in the tunnel to avoid accidents. It is preferable that you eat after leaving the tunnel. As you know, Sin City doesn't sleep, so if you go out at night, no problem, you can still enjoy your day with a gastronomic tour of Las Vegas.

On the other hand, I recommend that you wear all the safety equipment provided by the instructors. This includes a special suit that allows you to fly more easily, a helmet, among others. Also, ear plugs are an indispensable element to protect you because inside the tunnel there is a lot of noise due to the air flow.

Before starting the flight you will receive instructions on how to fly or how to move in the air. Postures are important, for example, if you move your head downwards, your body will rise, if you move your head upwards, you will descend. When you receive the instructions you should pay close attention to all the details that are explained to you in order to have an excellent experience.

In addition to those specific movements, your instructor will explain to you what signs you can do in case you don't feel well or need help. You should memorize them quickly before starting the flight. Don't worry about these details because the instructors will always be monitoring the flight to make your experience the best.

Book a gastronomic tour of Las Vegas

Requirements to fly in a wind tunnel in Las Vegas

seated men in suits| ©Airpower Foundation
seated men in suits| ©Airpower Foundation

In order to fly you need to meet several requirements and certain restrictions. Before flying, instructors must weigh all participants. Weight limits for indoor skydiving are based on aerodynamics. If the person does not meet the ideal weight, he or she will not be able to fly.

Weight limits vary for men and women due to their center of gravity. While men's center of gravity is located at the top of their chest, women's center of gravity is located near their hips. This is why men may weigh a little more than women in order to fly.

Height also influences flight. The minimum allowed is 1.37 meters tall and 45 kg of weight in the case of women and 54 kg in the case of men. People who are 1.83 meters tall must weigh a minimum of 95 kg for women or 111 kg for men.

Who cannot fly in a wind tunnel?

group of people receiving instructions| ©Airpower Foundation
group of people receiving instructions| ©Airpower Foundation

Although flying in a wind tunnel is more harmless compared to skydiving in the open air, in some cases it is not recommended. Flying requires the use of all the muscles of the body, therefore, the person who wishes to fly in the tunnel must have healthy physical conditions.

In case you have a neck, back or shoulder injury, it is best not to practice this activity. The air pressure and flying positions may cause pain or worsen your injuries. If you have hip, knee or foot injuries, it is preferable to talk to your doctor to find out whether or not you can fly in a tunnel.

On the other hand, this activity is not recommended if you suffer from cardiovascular disease. Strong emotions can cause side effects that affect your health. This also applies if you are very afraid of heights.

Also, pregnant women are forbidden to do body flying for their safety and that of their baby. In addition, people who have ingested drugs, medication or alcohol are not allowed to participate, even if they have only had one drink. It is also not recommended to fly if you have eaten less than two hours ago.

Can children fly in a wind tunnel?

children in blue suits| ©AWelsh
children in blue suits| ©AWelsh

Flying in a wind tunnel is definitely one of the things you can do with kids in Las Vegas. In this attraction they can fly and feel like superheroes. Some of the costumes are even decorated like the Superman or Supergirl costume. Ask the instructor if they have such outfits available.

Although children can participate, there are certain restrictions, which I explained in the previous section. The minimum height is 1.37 meters for girls and boys. The minimum weight is 45 kg and 54 kg, respectively.

All children tend to get very excited when you tell them what the day's activities are. That is why I advise you to check if they meet these requirements before telling them that you are going to take them flying, so you can avoid disappointment.

If you can't take them to the wind tunnel, don't worry, Las Vegas has a lot to offer to the little ones of the house. I recommend you take them to a Cirque du Soleil show or to the Madame Tussauds Museum in Las Vegas.

Book your ticket to the Cirque du Soleil Show

How much does it cost to fly in a wind tunnel?

person with several cards in hand| © Avery Evans
person with several cards in hand| © Avery Evans

The price of the wind tunnel flight sessions may vary depending on the flight time. The "Learn to Fly" session is designed for first time flyers and has an average cost of 85 €. This session includes a safety equipment training class and two flights per person. The whole session has an average duration of one hour.

The other session is The Indoor Skydiving Experience. This is a deluxe package where participants can fly for much longer than in the previous package. It has an average cost of 150 €.

This last package also includes a training class, the flight equipment, personalized instructions and a souvenir T-shirt. It also includes digitized photos and videos of your experience that are sent to your email. If you are interested in all these extras, I recommend this package. If you buy the pictures, the shirt and an extra flight, the final price would be almost 200 €.

What clothes to wear to fly in a wind tunnel?

group of people in blue suits| ©Charlotte Bassin
group of people in blue suits| ©Charlotte Bassin

The day you go to a wind tunnel it would be best to wear sportswear. It should be as comfortable as possible so you can move freely. You should also wear comfortable socks and tennis shoes. When you arrive at the wind tunnel facility in Las Vegas you will receive a full body suit before flying.

This suit is worn over the clothes you have on. In addition, it is made with a design and material that helps you fly more easily. You will also wear a special helmet with lenses that protect your head from bumps and your eyes from the wind. Finally, you will have to wear earplugs, as the noise inside the tunnel is very high.

Why is it advisable to experience a flight in a wind tunnel?

girl with a protective helmet| ©Obie Fernandez
girl with a protective helmet| ©Obie Fernandez

If you are afraid of heights, but want to know what it feels like to fly, the wind tunnel can help you do it without feeling vertigo. Indoor skydiving or flying in a wind tunnel is similar to the free fall you experience when you jump out of an airplane with a parachute.

The free fall from an airplane can last approximately 60 seconds. In wind tunnels, technology is used to help control the air by generating the same sensation, but with a wider range of time. In the wind tunnel it is possible to reproduce the high speeds reached in a free fall.

In addition, flying in a wind tunnel can help you reduce stress. This is due to the fact that in this practice you use all your musculature because you have to do postures of muscular tension and elasticity. On an emotional level, this activity increases the feeling of happiness thanks to the speed and adrenaline of the moment.

What are the advantages of flying in a wind tunnel and not parachuting?

People in black suits| ©Obie Fernandez
People in black suits| ©Obie Fernandez

The wind tunnel simulates the free fall from an airplane, however, the sensation is not the same as what you would feel if you jumped from approximately 4000 meters high. For many this is a great advantage as skydiving is more complex and involves more risks.

On the other hand, skydiving requires an instructor to accompany you at all times. Unless you are a professional, you will not be able to fly alone. On the other hand, to fly in a wind tunnel you only need a short training class. Within a few minutes you will be able to experience safe, indoor flying.

Note that in wind tunnels you do not need a parachute to fly. This element is included in skydiving to help you land. This is why it is a more complex discipline, while in a wind tunnel you only experience the free fall and the machine slows down so that you descend little by little.

Another notable difference is that in skydiving a person must be at least 16 years old to be able to practice it. However, in the wind tunnel , children weighing at least 45 kilos can participate. There are even wind tunnels that admit children as young as 5 years old.

Finally, the wind tunnel does not depend on weather conditions, while skydiving does. This means that you can go to a wind tunnel as part of your tourism plan for a city like Las Vegas, while if you opt for skydiving, you must go to the outskirts.

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 17 Reviews
  • R
    R.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    We had a really good time. It was an incredible feeling.
  • Z
    Z.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Beautiful experience!
  • A
    A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Very good, I'm ready to jump out of a plane next time. I would definitely do it again! I also brought back a t-shirt as a souvenir.
  • V
    V.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    A wonderful experience!
  • E
    E.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    We had a lot of fun that day, the instructor was great.