Skydiving has become a popular adventure sport, offering an experience of a lifetime that combines the thrill of falling from a high place with the stunning views below. For many people, jumping out of an airplane is both exhilarating and terrifying, making them curious about the cost of skydiving.
If you’re one of those who has always dreamed of skydiving but is unsure about the cost, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll go over all the factors that affect the price of a skydiving experience, so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right adventure for you.
So with that, here’s what you came here for.
How Much Is It To Jump Out Of A Plane?
AirTravelQuestions.com surveyed multiple skydiving locations around the country, and here’s what we found:
Average Tandem Skydiving Prices Including Instructor Average Price of Tandem Skydive: $239. The prices ranged from $199 to $279. Approximately $40 higher on the weekend compared to weekdays. Many locations offer group discounts of $20-40 per person, depending on the group size. While you’d expect the price to be lower in low-cost-of-living areas, this wasn’t always the case. We found lower prices in the New York City area and Stockton, California, than Knoxville, Tennessee. |  |
Tandem skydiving is the perfect option for those looking to experience first-time skydiving. In a tandem jump, you’ll be strapped to a certified tandem instructor, who will guide you through the entire skydiving experience, from takeoff to landing. The instructor will be responsible for deploying the parachute and ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable skydive.
One of the biggest advantages of tandem skydiving is that it requires minimal training. You’ll receive an orientation on the ground, covering basic skydiving techniques and safety procedures, and then you’ll be ready to jump. This makes tandem skydiving the perfect option for people looking to experience skydiving without committing to extensive training or certification.
For safety reasons, the weight limit for tandem skydiving is typically around 220 pounds, but this can vary depending on the skydiving center and the instructor. If you’re close to the weight limit, it’s a good idea to check with the skydiving center in advance to ensure that you can participate in the jump.
In addition to the weight limit, there are also age restrictions for tandem skydiving. Most skydiving centers require participants to be at least 18 years of age, but some may also have a maximum age limit.
Skydiving Prices: The Average Cost of a Tandem Jump
In addition to the skydiving center and location, several other factors can affect the cost of a tandem skydive. Some of these include:
- Time of Week: Many of the skydiving operators we talked to had discounted prices during the week compared to the weekend
- Group Size: If you’re skydiving with friends or family, you may be able to take advantage of group discounts, which can lower the cost of your jump. Many skydiving centers offer group rates for parties of 5 or more, so it’s a good idea to check with the center in advance to see if they offer any discounts.
- Video and Photo Packages: As mentioned earlier, most skydiving centers offer video and photo packages, allowing you to capture your skydiving experience on camera. These packages can add to the overall cost of your skydiving experience, so it’s important to consider them when calculating the cost of your jump.
- License Requirements: If you’re a licensed skydiver and have your own gear, you may be able to jump for a lower price than a first tandem jumper who needs to rent gear.
Free Fall and The Thrill of Skydiving
The excitement and thrill of skydiving are unmatched, and the feeling of the free fall is one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have. When you jump out of the plane, you’ll experience the rush of wind in your face and the thrill of falling through the air at incredible speeds. The 4-7 minute freefall, depending on the altitude of your jump, is a truly unforgettable experience.
After the free fall, your tandem instructor will deploy the parachute, and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the stunning views of the world below as you float down to the ground. The parachute ride lasts about 5 to 10 minutes, and it’s a peaceful and serene experience that allows you to take in the world’s beauty from a unique perspective.
The entire skydiving experience, from start to finish, typically lasts around 2 hours. This includes the orientation, the flight to the jump altitude, the jump itself, and the landing. Even if you’re only jumping once, you’ll be able to make memories that will last a lifetime, and you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the beauty and majesty of our planet.
Video Package or Photo Package
The photo or video package is a great way to capture your skydiving experience’s excitement and thrill and relive your adventure of a lifetime. Most skydiving centers offer a video package that lets your entire skydiving experience on camera from start to finish.
A professional videographer will be present to capture your jump, both in the air and on the ground. They will use high-quality cameras and equipment to create a video that truly captures the excitement and emotion of your skydiving experience.
The cost of a photo package varies depending on the skydiving center, but the average cost is typically around $50 to $100.
The average cost of a video package is typically around $100 to $200, depending on the skydiving center and the specific package you choose. This cost is a small price to pay for the memories you’ll be able to relive for years to come.
In addition to being a great way to relive your skydiving experience, the video package is also a great way to share your adventure with friends and family. You can share the video on social networks like Facebook and YouTube or enjoy it with your loved ones at home.
Group Rates and Discounts
Group Discounts
Skydiving is an exciting adventure that’s even more fun when you do it with friends or family. If you’re considering skydiving with a group, many skydiving centers offer group discounts for parties of 5 or more. These discounts can significantly lower the cost of your skydiving experience, making it a more affordable and accessible adventure for everyone in your group.
The exact amount of the discount varies depending on the skydiving center, but many offer discounts of 10% to 20% off the regular price of a tandem skydive. This can add significant savings, especially if you’re skydiving with a large group.
One operator we contacted, Skydive Spaceland, which operates multiple locations provided us with these group discounts:
- 5-9 people $20 off
- 10-19 people $30 off
- 20+ people $40 off, and the organizer jumps free
In addition to the cost savings, skydiving as a group also offers a unique bonding experience that you can share with your loved ones. Whether celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or just looking for an exciting adventure, skydiving with friends or family is a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Second Tandem Jump Discount
Many operators also offer substantial savings on a second jump, priced around $100
Choosing the Best Skydiving Company
When choosing a skydiving center, it’s important to consider both the cost and quality of your entire experience. Not all skydiving centers are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in having the best experiences.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a skydiving center is the level of safety they provide. You should look for a skydiving center that adheres to the highest standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Parachute Association (USPA). These organizations set strict guidelines for skydiving centers, ensuring that they meet the highest standards for safety and quality.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a skydiving center is the experience and qualifications of the entire staff. Look for a skydiving center that employs licensed skydivers who are passionate about providing a safe and enjoyable experience for their customers.
Consider the overall atmosphere and vibe of the skydiving center. You want to choose a skydiving center that makes you feel comfortable and provides a positive and supportive environment for your skydiving experience. A great skydiving center should make you feel like you’re making a new best friend with every jump.
How Safe Is Skydiving?
Even while skydiving is a relatively risk-free adventure sport, it nevertheless has the same dangers as any other form of high-adrenaline physical activity. Nonetheless, technological, equipment, and training advancements have contributed much to skydiving’s increased safety in recent decades.
Using well-made, well-maintained gear is crucial to the sport of skydiving since accidents can happen at any time. A reserve parachute is included in today’s skydiving equipment in case the main chute fails to open. Furthermore, skydivers often wear protective garments that also increase their stability in the air.
The staff’s experience and credentials also matter greatly for the safety of skydiving. In order to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their clients, reputable skydiving companies only employ licensed skydivers who have completed rigorous training.
The United States Parachute Association (USPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) both play critical roles in protecting skydivers. These groups establish the norms for the skydiving business and conduct routine inspections of drop zones to guarantee that everyone is jumping safely.
Conclusion: Skydiving isn’t completely risk-free, but it’s much safer than most other extreme activities. You can reduce the dangers involved with skydiving and have a safe and pleasurable experience by selecting a reputable skydiving center that follows the highest standards set by the FAA and the USPA and by following the safety rules supplied by your tandem instructor.
Making Your Reservation: Booking Your Jump
Making a reservation for your skydiving experience is an exciting step towards realizing your dream of jumping out of a perfectly good plane. However, keeping a few key factors in mind when booking your jump is important.
The first factor to consider is the weather. Skydiving may be canceled due to bad weather conditions, such as strong winds, clouds, or heavy rain. It’s important to check the weather forecast in advance and to be prepared for the possibility of rescheduling your jump if the weather is not suitable for skydiving on your original reservation date.
Another important factor to consider is the availability of the skydiving center. Many skydiving centers are very busy, especially during peak season, and it’s a good idea to book your jump in advance to e that you get the date you want. Many skydiving centers offer online booking, making it easy and convenient to make your reservation from the comfort of your own home.
The Day: Your First Jump
The day of your amazing experience is finally here, and you’re filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you’re a first-time jumper or an experienced skydiver, the day of your jump is a special one, and you’ll want to make the most of it. Here’s what you can expect on the day of your life-changing experience:
- Arrival at the skydiving center: Upon arrival, you’ll check in with the staff and fill out any necessary paperwork. They will provide you with a brief orientation, answering any questions you have about the jump and making sure you feel comfortable and confident.
- Gear up: You’ll be fitted with a skydiving harness and given a safety briefing by your tandem instructor. They will explain how the jump works and what you can expect, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have.
- Flight to the jump altitude: You’ll board the plane and fly to the jump altitude, which is typically between 10,000 and 14,000 feet. This is a great time to take in the views and get excited (and nervous!) about your jump.
- The jump: With your tandem instructor attached, you’ll jump out of the plane and experience the adrenaline rush of the free fall. You’ll fall for about 4 to 7 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph, before your tandem instructor deploys the parachute.
- Parachute ride: The parachute ride is a peaceful and serene experience that allows you to take in the beauty of the world from a unique perspective. You’ll float down to the ground, admiring the stunning views and enjoying the moment.
- Landing: Your tandem instructor will guide you for a safe and soft landing. Enjoy the experience of knowing that you just experienced one of the most exciting adventures of your life, and check into the discount for a second time!
Recap
In conclusion, skydiving is a bucket list experience that is both exhilarating and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time jumper or an experienced skydiver, skydiving offers the thrill of a lifetime and the opportunity to see the world from a unique perspective.
The cost of skydiving can vary depending on the skydiving center and location, but the average cost of a tandem skydiving jump is around $200 to $300. Other factors that can affect the price of a tandem skydive include the time of year, group size, and the addition of a photo or video package.
When choosing a skydiving center, it’s important to consider the level of safety they provide, the experience and qualifications of the staff, and the overall atmosphere and vibe of the center. It would be best if you looked for a skydiving center that adheres to the highest standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and employs licensed skydivers passionate about providing a safe and enjoyable experience.
The day of your skydiving experience is special, and you’ll want to make the most of it. From the time you get to the skydiving center until you land, you’ll be surrounded by experienced staff and other jumpers who want to make sure you have the best skydiving experience possible.
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