Fly & jump

Skydiving

Your first tandem jump, explained: what it costs, how long the freefall lasts, who can jump and how to pick a good drop zone. Plus indoor skydiving for anyone who wants the feeling without the plane.

Skydiving in 30 seconds

  • Tandem jumps need no experience: about 20–30 minutes of training, then you jump attached to an instructor.
  • Typical US price: about $250–300, plus about $100–190 for photos or video.
  • Freefall: about 30 seconds from 10,000 ft, about 60 seconds from 14,000 ft and up.
  • Age: in the US you generally need to be 18 to sign the waiver.

Read the full tandem skydiving guide for beginners.