A simple guide to choosing a flight simulator experience gift, including session lengths, motion simulators, and aircraft options.
Table of contents:
Why a flight simulator experience makes such a good gift
For anyone who has ever looked out of an aircraft window and wondered what it’s like in the cockpit, a flight simulator experience is hard to beat. Instead of another physical gift, you’re giving an experience — something memorable, interactive, and genuinely different.
If you’re still deciding whether this is the right choice, you can also read why a flight simulator experience is the perfect gift for aviation fans.
Simulator experiences appeal to a wide range of people:
Aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters
Gamers and technology fans
Experience-day gift buyers
Nervous flyers curious about how aircraft work
Anyone wanting to try something new
Because sessions are guided by an instructor, no previous experience is required.
Step into the captain’s seat
Unlike home flight simulators, professional simulator centres place participants inside a full-size airliner cockpit. Real switches, realistic visuals, and airline-style procedures create an immersive experience from the moment the session begins.
Participants typically learn how to:
Prepare the aircraft for departure
Take off from real-world airports
Fly using basic airline procedures
Approach and land the aircraft
The instructor talks through each phase, making it suitable even for complete beginners.
If you’re curious about how realistic modern simulators have become, you might also enjoy reading how realistic UK flight simulators really are.
Fixed base vs motion simulator — what’s the difference?
One of the most common questions when buying a simulator experience is whether motion matters.
Fixed base simulators
A fixed base simulator remains stationary but still provides a highly realistic cockpit environment.
Best for:
First-time flyers
Longer, more relaxed sessions
Aviation enthusiasts focused on realism
Most gift recipients
Fixed simulators offer excellent immersion without the intensity of movement, which is why they’re the most popular option.
Motion simulators
Motion simulators move to replicate aircraft movement during take-off, turbulence, and landing. You can browse available motion flight simulator experiences here if you’re looking for a more physical experience.
Best for:
Thrill seekers
Returning simulator users
Those wanting maximum realism
Choosing the right duration
Simulator sessions usually range between 30 and 90 minutes.
30 minutes
Ideal introduction
Enough time for take-off and landing
Great for younger participants
60 minutes (most popular)
Best balance of value and experience
Time to learn controls and attempt multiple approaches
Recommended for most gifts
90 minutes or longer
Perfect for enthusiasts
Allows full gate-to-gate experiences
More time for different airports or weather challenges
If you’re unsure, a 60-minute session is normally the safest choice.
Ready to try it yourself?
Take the captain’s seat and experience airline flying first-hand.
Browse available flight simulator experiences across the UK and find the perfect gift or experience day.
Does aircraft type matter?
Most simulator centres offer popular aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. For most gift buyers, the choice doesn’t affect enjoyment - both aircraft are beginner-friendly and guided by an instructor.
If you want to understand the differences before booking, read our Boeing 737 vs Airbus A320 simulator comparison.
Final thoughts
A flight simulator experience combines excitement, learning, and realism in a way few gifts can. Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas, or a special occasion, it’s an experience people remember long after the day itself.
For most people, a 60-minute fixed-base simulator session provides the best all-round experience.
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