FlyDays

FlyDays: booking flying experiences across the UK

FlyDays presents itself as the UK's number 1 place to book flying lessons vouchers, flying experiences and pleasure flights, according to its own site. The platform gathers packages from a large network of airfields, airports and helipads spread across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, and most packages can be bought as a gift voucher or booked directly onto a date.

The catalogue is organised by type of activity, by airfield and by region, and the site states that vouchers range from £50 to £400. The company describes its offer as the UK's best range of flying experiences, with expert advice from aviation enthusiasts, booking without hidden fees and instant e-vouchers.

Flight categories on offer

The range covers both introductory flights and full flight training. The main categories listed are:

• Aerobatic flights, including biplane flights
• Aeroplane flying lessons and light aircraft flights
• Helicopter rides and helicopter flying lessons
• Gliding, microlighting and gyrocopter flights
• Hot air balloon rides
• Skydiving, parachuting and indoor skydiving at iFLY centres
• Wing walking and Spitfire experiences
• Vintage flying, including the Tiger Moth biplane
• Flight simulators and drone flying
• Pleasure flights, including routes over famous cities and landmarks
• Flying experiences adapted for people with a disability

Lessons are described as being run with highly qualified CAA approved instructors. The site also notes that some flights follow the same training route used in the historic Dambusters operation, and that while most flights are in the UK, some are available in America.

Airfields, airports and regions

The network is grouped into East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, Scotland, South East airfields, South East airports, South West, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the Republic of Ireland. Named venues include, among many others, Blackpool Airport, Manchester City Airport, Elvington Airfield, Cotswolds Airport, Beverley (Linley Hill) Airfield, Biggin Hill, Goodwood Aerodrome, Duxford, Newcastle International Airport, Glasgow Airport, Cardiff Airport and Donegal Airport.

Booking, dates and gift vouchers

Most flying packages can be reserved for a specific date, and the site publishes calendars of upcoming helicopter and aeroplane bookings with individual dates and venues. Gift vouchers are offered as an alternative, with instant e-vouchers available. The catalogue shown at the time of writing included a 60 minute flying lesson at nationwide venues for £199.00, a 30 minute two-seater lesson in Sheffield for £159.00, a 20 minute junior 747 flight simulator session reduced from £99.95 to £69.96, a VIP Spitfire factory tour at Biggin Hill for £49.99, a gliding experience in North Wales for £139.99 and a Blue Skies helicopter flight for two with bubbly reduced from £139.00 to £79.00.

Editorial content

FlyDays also maintains a blog with flying guides and stories, covering subjects such as how helicopters work, the best UK locations to fly a drone and the growth of flight simulator bookings. One entry, dated September 2020, reported that virtual flying packages had risen to one in ten of all new flying day or experience bookings.