Imagine flying through the air and experiencing the thrill of zero gravity…
…from the freedom to do flips and somersaults to floating high above and feeling the strange sensation of purse weightlessness.
Once reserved only for astronauts in space – this trend could be coming to a city near you.
That’s right, for those who just have to buy in to the “latest and greatest” trend– there is a company that is offering actual zero gravity flights – but they don’t come cheap.
Tricked Out Boeing
To experience zero gravity, a company named ZERO-G modified a Boeing 727 and has its pilots perform parabolic arcs – which basically tilts the plane at a certain angle to allow passengers to float and flip inside the aircraft.
Each flight has 15 parabolas which equal about 8 minutes of weightlessness.
To book this flight, current locations include Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
However, flights are expanding and are expected to take place at other places around the country and this year in cities like Austin, Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York City.
Zero Gravity Experience
This is not your typical order a drink and relax type of flight.
Of course, they warn passengers not to eat heavy greasy meals or drink alcohol before flying.
A bit awkward to be floating in the air with the person next to you vomiting, yeah?
The entire ZERO-G experience lasts about 5 hours – which includes a check-in process, pre-flight orientation, security screening, and a group photo.
Once the plane reaches a certain elevation, passengers can unbuckle their seatbelts and float.
Apparently everyone from Martha Stewart to Stephen Hawking have experienced the ZERO-G experience.
Hefty Price Tag
Your airline points won’t help you out on this one.
Single tickets start at a whopping $5,400 plus a 5 percent tax.
Yes, people actually pay over $5,000 to feel like an astronaut.
Crazy, huh?
And if you think that’s lofty, ZERO-G allows guests to book a “private section” (12 seats) on the plane for $55,000 (plus tax).
But wait.
There’s more!
For those who truly want the “full experience” they can book a private flight for $165,000 (plus tax).
Of course they promise to throw in some swag and a certificate of “weightless completion” after you’ve spent $165k to basically float in the air for a few seconds at a time.
If you’re really space-obsessed and have some serious cash – they even offer “weightless weddings” in the air.
To each their own.
Is It Worth It
Personally, I can think of about 100 or more better ways to spend $5,400 than doing somersaults in the air for a few seconds.
But I suppose you could get creative and consider having this experience be a raffle gift for a charity fundraiser, or use it as a group/special gift to someone.
It certainly is unique.
However, this flight experience is definitely reserved for the wealthy, and I’d imagine while most Proud American Travelers think it sounds cool, they simply can’t justify forking over the cash for a few fleeting moments of weightlessness bliss.
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