Grab your aviators! In this comprehensive gift guide, we’ll explore the action-packed world of Flying Experience Gifts.
Picture this: Your loved one learning how to fly a helicopter, soaring in a historic biplane, or floating in a hot air balloon. Now that’s what we call the perfect gift!
It’s no secret that flying experiences are some of the most memorable and exciting gifts around. However, finding the perfect one can seem like a daunting task. Which one should you choose? Are there any restrictions? What if they don’t like their gift?
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. In this guide, we’ll navigate everything you need to know about flying experience gifts. What are you waiting for? Buckle up and secure their ticket to the skies!
What Are Flying Experience Gifts?
Let’s start with the basics. To put it simply, flying experience gifts are unique and thrilling presents that allow recipients to embark on different flying adventures (think glider rides, plane tours, flight lessons, and more).
Why Do Flying Experiences Make Great Gifts?
Flying experiences make great gifts because they are memorable, unique, and offer a sense of adventure. Plus, with tons of different options, flying experiences are suitable for a variety of personalities and gifting occasions. They’re the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, graduations, and more.
Who Would Enjoy a Flying Experience Gift?
Flying experiences are a fantastic gift for anyone who enjoys adventure, trying new things, or just loves the idea of soaring through the sky. They are an ideal gift choice for nature lovers, couples, families, and even individuals afraid of heights (thanks to our flight simulator options).
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What Types of Flying Experience Gifts Are There?
At Virgin Experience Gifts, we offer hundreds of flying experiences, located all across the US. Some of our all-time favorites include:
1. Flight Lessons
Best for: aviation enthusiasts, adventure seekers
These exciting experiences allow your loved ones to get in the pilot's seat. After a brief introduction and pre-flight inspection, they’ll embark on an unforgettable introductory flight. While an FAA-Certified pilot handles takeoff and landing, they’ll take the controls mid-flight and feel what it’s like to soar through the air. The best part? If they choose to continue their pilot training, the introductory lesson will count towards their flight hours!
Plus, there’s several aircrafts to choose from, such as:
Helicopters
- Fly in a Robinson R-22, R-44, or another premier aircraft
- Practice level flying, climbing, descending and hovering
- Large windows offer spectacular views
- Duration varies depending on the location
Single-Engine Planes
- Fly in a Cessna, Piper, or another premier aircraft
- Discover basic controls and flight maneuvers
- Learn to fly over gorgeous landscapes
- Duration varies depending on the location
Pro tip: Some flight lessons allow for additional friends and family to ride along, depending on weight restrictions.
2. Scenic Flights
Best for: couples, photography enthusiasts
If breathtaking views are their thing, why not surprise them with a scenic flight? Whether soaring in a helicopter, seaplane, or historic biplane, scenic flights offer some of the best views around. Routes are carefully planned to showcase iconic landmarks such as mountains, coastlines, cities, and more. Plus, many pilots provide narration and interesting facts, making scenic flights educational and unforgettable!
3. Fighter Pilot Experiences
Best for: thrill seekers, ace fliers
In a world full of thrilling experience gifts, nothing beats flying in a fighter jet. Just picture it: you or a loved one zipping through the air as a professional pilot performs barrel rolls, Cuban eights, and Immelmann turns. Some flights even allow the participant to take the controls. Hang on tight, you’re in for a wild ride!
4. Glider Rides
Best for: solo explorers, flight purists
Gliders are non-motorized aircrafts designed to fly using thermals or air currents. Once at altitude, the glider is released from a tow plane, and a certified pilot will maneuver the glider through the air. Glider rides allow passengers to enjoy the sensation of silent flight with minimal noise and no engine vibrations.
Pro tip: Gliders have strict weight limits, making them ideal for solo adventurers.
5. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Best for: nature lovers, bucket listers
When it comes to flying experience gifts, you can’t go wrong with a hot air balloon ride. These enchanting adventures usually begin at sunrise when outdoor temperatures are cooler. Riders will watch the balloon inflate before boarding and lifting into the air. After floating gracefully over stunning landscapes, most hot air balloon rides include a quick shuttle ride back to the launch site.
Pro tip: Hot air balloon rides are weather dependent. Because of this, it may be a good idea to plan a ride that’s not too far from home.
6. Flight Simulators
Best for: tech lovers, aspiring pilots
Who says you have to ascend thousands of feet in the air to experience the freedom of flight? Not us! These simulators replicate the look and feel of an actual cockpit, providing participants with a hands-on opportunity to operate controls, navigate, and experience the sensations of flight (without leaving the ground.) Get behind the controls of a giant Boeing 737, a Cessna, or even a fighter jet.
How Do I Choose the Right Flying Experience Gift?
Choosing the perfect flying experience gift is easy! However, just like any gift, there are a few things you should keep in mind when exploring your options:
1. Consider their interests. Are they into adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving or more inclined toward serene experiences like hot air balloon rides?
2. Know their comfort level. Take into account the individual's comfort with heights, motion, and adrenaline. Some individuals may prefer a calm and peaceful experience, while others crave excitement.
3. Set a budget. Flying experiences can vary in cost. Setting a budget will help narrow down your options.
4. Location, location, location. Consider whether they would enjoy soaring over local scenery, cityscapes, or if they have a dream destination in mind.
5. Check availability. It’s important to always double check availability, especially if the giftee has a busy schedule. Lucky for you, Virgin Experience Gifts offers flexible booking, and our vouchers never expire (they can book a date that’s perfect for them).
6. Think about the occasion. Match the flying experience to the occasion. Romantic couples might enjoy a private helicopter tour, while a family might prefer a shared hot air balloon ride.
Do Flying Experiences Have Any Restrictions?
Yes. To ensure the safety of all participants, flying experiences often come with certain restrictions and limitations. While these can vary depending on the type of activity, some of the most common restrictions include:
1. Age. Certain flying activities may have age restrictions. For example, aerobatic flights often require participants to be 18 or older.
2. Height and weight. In order to take off, fly, and land safely, many aircrafts have strict weight maximums. Weight restrictions may be enforced either individually or as a group. Additionally, some flying experiences have height restrictions to ensure the participant has a safe and comfortable ride.
3. Documentation. Participants may need to provide identification, sign waivers, or fulfill other documentation requirements before engaging in the flying experience.
4. Health considerations. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems or motion sickness, may be advised against some activities.
5. Physical fitness. A few experiences, especially those involving physical exertion, may require a certain level of physical fitness. For example, hot air balloon rides often require participants to climb in and out of the basket on their own.
6. Weather. Many flying experiences are dependent on weather and may be postponed due to high winds, storms, or low visibility.
7. Attire. Participants may need to wear proper clothing and footwear for safety reasons (think weather appropriate clothing, sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes).
Feeling a little overwhelmed? That’s OK, we’ve got you. With Virgin Experience Gifts, viewing specific guidelines is a piece of cake. Participant restrictions are outlined in the ‘Important Details’ section on every flying experience – so, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve found the perfect gift!
How Do I Gift a Flying Experience?
We make purchasing, gifting, and booking flying experiences a breeze. All you have to do is:
1. Choose the experience. Browse our wide variety of flying adventures and find the option that’s perfect for them.
2. Personalize their voucher. You can customize their gift by adding a to, from, and a personal message.
3. Pick the delivery date. All of our gift vouchers are sent digitally to your inbox or theirs. You can also choose to send the gift instantly or on a specific date – perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, you name it!
4. Present the gift. The voucher format is easy to print and can be included in a greeting card or something more extravagant.
5. Let them book it. You gift it, they book it. All they have to do is redeem their gift and book a date that fits their schedule. Easy-peasy!
Why Should I Gift a Flying Experience Through Virgin Experience Gifts?
Gift giving is meant to be fun, not stressful. That's why we offer the best perks around, including:
1. Easy exchanges. All our gifts are swappable. Your lucky recipient is welcome to exchange their experience, hassle-free.
2. No expirations. The voucher’s monetary value will never expire. Never, ever.
3. Free returns. Vouchers with no active bookings can be returned and refunded within 30 days of the original purchase.
Still not sure? Take it from our Fairy Giftmother:
Summary
When it comes to gifting flying adventures, the sky is truly the limit. They’re unique, unforgettable, and perfect for a variety of occasions and personalities. Plus, you're not just giving an experience; you're gifting the magic of flight and memories. Let the adventure begin!
