How much does it cost to jump out of a plane for the first time?

A first-time tandem skydive costs $200-$350 at most U.S. dropzones, with the national average around $250-$300. This includes training, all gear, the plane ride to 13,000-14,000 feet, and the jump with a certified instructor. Video and photos are extra, typically $100-$250.

Is skydiving worth the money?

Most people say absolutely yes. A 60-second freefall at 120 mph followed by a peaceful canopy ride with panoramic views is unlike anything else you can experience. It's consistently rated as one of the top bucket-list activities. If you're on the fence, the $250 is a small price for something you'll remember forever.

How long does a skydiving experience take?

Plan for 3-5 hours total at the dropzone. That includes check-in, paperwork, training, waiting for your plane (the biggest variable), the 15-20 minute ride to altitude, the jump itself, and landing. The actual freefall lasts about 60 seconds and the canopy ride is 5-7 minutes.

Can you skydive if you're afraid of heights?

Yes, and many people do. Surprisingly, most skydivers report that fear of heights doesn't translate to the plane. At 14,000 feet, you're so high that the ground doesn't trigger the same fear response as standing on a tall building. The adrenaline takes over once you exit the aircraft.

Do you tip your skydiving instructor?

Tipping isn't required but is appreciated. If your instructor gave you an amazing experience, $20-$50 is a common tip. If you had an outside videographer, a separate $10-$20 tip for them is a nice gesture. Instructors typically earn modest base pay, so tips make a real difference.

How Much Is It To Jump Out Of A Plane?

Quick Answer: $200-$350 for a Tandem Skydive

Your first jump will be a tandem skydive -- you're strapped to a certified instructor who handles everything. The average cost in the U.S. is $250-$300, though you'll find deals as low as $199 and premium experiences pushing $400+.

That price gets you ground training, all gear, the plane ride to altitude, and the jump itself. Video and photos cost extra.

What's Included in the Base Price

When you pay $250-$300 for a tandem skydive, here's what you're getting:

Ground training: A 15-30 minute briefing covering body position, what to expect, hand signals, and landing procedures
All equipment: Harness, goggles, altimeter, and the tandem parachute system (main and reserve)
The plane ride: Typically to 10,000-14,000 feet, which takes about 15-20 minutes
The jump: 30-60 seconds of freefall (depending on altitude) followed by a 5-7 minute canopy ride
Your tandem instructor: A USPA-rated professional with hundreds or thousands of jumps

What's not included: video, photos, higher altitude upgrades, and tips for your instructor.

Video and Photo Packages: $100-$250 Extra

This is where dropzones make their real money, and honestly, it's worth it. You just jumped out of a plane -- you're going to want proof.

Handcam video only: $100-$130 -- Your instructor wears a camera on their wrist capturing your reactions during freefall
Outside videographer: $150-$200 -- A dedicated camera flyer exits the plane with you and captures the entire experience from an outside perspective
Photos + video combo: $150-$250 -- Both still photos and video from either handcam or outside camera
Premium package: $200-$300 -- Outside videographer with professionally edited video, photos, and sometimes multiple camera angles

If you're only going to skydive once, spend the extra money on at least the basic video package. The freefall goes by so fast your brain barely registers it. Having video lets you actually process what happened.

Altitude Options and Pricing

Higher altitude means longer freefall. Most dropzones offer tiered pricing:

10,000 feet: ~30 seconds of freefall. Sometimes offered at a discount ($199-$229). Shorter freefall but still an incredible experience.
13,000-14,000 feet: ~50-60 seconds of freefall. This is the standard altitude at most dropzones and what the base price typically covers.
15,000 feet: ~70 seconds of freefall. Usually a $30-$50 upcharge. Requires supplemental oxygen on the ride up.
18,000 feet: ~90 seconds of freefall. Rare and expensive -- $100-$200 extra. Only offered at select dropzones.

For a first jump, the standard 13,000-14,000 feet is perfect. You get a solid minute of freefall, which feels like an eternity when you're actually in it.

Weekday vs. Weekend Pricing

Many dropzones charge less during the week:

Weekday tandem: $199-$249
Weekend tandem: $229-$299

If your schedule is flexible, jumping on a Tuesday or Wednesday saves $20-$50 and means shorter wait times. Weekends at busy dropzones can mean 2-3 hour waits during peak season.

Real Pricing from Popular Dropzones

Here's what some well-known U.S. dropzones actually charge:

Skydive Spaceland (Dallas/Houston): Starting at $229
Skydive Twin Cities (Minnesota): $229 weekday, $249 weekend
Skydive Snohomish (Seattle): Starting at $250
Skydive Orange (Virginia/DC): Starting at $259
Skydive Chicago: Starting at $259
Skydive the Ranch (New York): Starting at $259
Skydive Pennsylvania: Starting at $250

Prices cluster around that $229-$269 range nationally. If you see prices significantly below $200, check that it includes full altitude -- some budget operations jump from lower heights.

Want to Go Solo? AFF Certification Costs

If one tandem jump gets you hooked (it happens a lot), here's what it costs to become a licensed skydiver through the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program:

Full AFF course: $3,000-$4,500 total
What it includes: Ground school, 7 instructor-accompanied jumps, gear rental, and supervision through 25 total jumps
USPA A-license: Earned after completing 25 jumps and passing a written test
Per-jump cost after licensing: About $25-$35 per jump ticket, plus $50/day for gear rental if you don't own your own rig

Getting licensed takes most people 3-6 months of weekend jumping. After that, you can jump solo at any USPA-affiliated dropzone in the world.

Indoor Skydiving: The Budget Alternative

Not ready to actually exit an aircraft? Indoor skydiving at iFLY and similar wind tunnel facilities gives you the freefall sensation without the plane:

Basic package (2 flights): $55-$85 per person
Extended packages: $100-$150 for more flight time
Age requirement: As young as 3 years old
Weight limit: Generally up to 250-300 pounds (more lenient than tandem skydiving)

Indoor skydiving is great for kids, nervous first-timers, or anyone who wants to experience the body-flight sensation. Just know it's a fundamentally different experience from actually jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet.

Weight Limits and Requirements

Before you book, know the restrictions:

Weight limit: Most dropzones cap tandem passengers at 200-220 lbs for women and 230-250 lbs for men. Some charge a surcharge ($1/lb or a flat $20-$50) for passengers over 200 lbs. A few won't take anyone over 250 lbs regardless.
Age requirement: 18 years old at most dropzones (some states allow 16 with parental consent)
Health conditions: Heart conditions, recent surgeries, epilepsy, and pregnancy are disqualifying. When in doubt, ask the dropzone and consult your doctor.
No experience needed: Your instructor does all the work. You literally just have to arch your back and enjoy it.

Tips to Get the Best Deal

Check Groupon: Many dropzones offer discounted tandems through Groupon. Just read the fine print -- some deals exclude video or have blackout dates.
Jump on a weekday: Save $20-$50 and avoid long waits.
Group discounts: Bringing 5+ people? Most dropzones offer group rates, typically $10-$25 off per person.
Skip the highest altitude: Standard altitude (13,000-14,000 feet) gives you plenty of freefall. The upgrade to 15,000+ feet is cool but not essential for a first jump.
Don't skip video: This sounds contradictory to saving money, but the handcam option ($100-$130) is genuinely worth it. You won't remember the details of freefall without it.