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Tell me who's flying and your dates. I'll point you at the right slot or tell you honestly when flying sounds unlikely.
Before you book
Can I fly?
Short answer: Most healthy visitors can fly tandem in Interlaken with no prior experience. Limits on age, weight, and fitness depend on the operator, the pilot, and the weather on the day.
Kids
Children fly tandem here regularly. Age, weight, and following takeoff instructions matter most.
Weight
Min and max limits shift with wind, pilot, and gear. Use the right slot for your conditions.
Fitness
You need a short run at takeoff. Mobility matters more than athlete stamina or age.
Families
Can children paraglide in Interlaken?
Yes. Children fly tandem here regularly. Minimum age varies by operator. The key question is simple: can your child comfortably follow the pilot's instructions during takeoff and landing?
What usually matters:
- Minimum age: often around 5–6 years with a parent or guardian present. Confirm with your operator.
- Minimum weight: operators need enough passenger weight for safe flying. Very light children may sit out on some days
- Maturity: takeoff requires a short run when the pilot says go. Nervous or very young children often do best in the calmer morning slot.
- Parent/guardian: usually required to sign consent for minors
I'm a dad and fly families often. The 8:30–10:30 morning window is usually the smoothest for kids, before thermics build up. Mention children when you book.
Helpful next reads: what happens on the day, nervous children.
Weight
Weight limits
Short answer: There is usually both a minimum and maximum passenger weight. Limits change with wind strength, pilot experience, and equipment. They are day-by-day decisions.
- Heavier passengers (roughly 90 kg / 200 lbs and above) often do best in the 11:00–14:30 midday slot when conditions are strongest.
- Light passengers may need stronger wind or a specific slot. Very light children can be weather-dependent.
- Early bird (7:15) often needs a confident runner with no injuries. Weight restrictions may apply when wind is light.
Use the flight finder or message me before you book. Early questions make it easier to choose the right day and slot.
Body & mobility
Fitness, age, pregnancy, and mobility
You need to walk uphill at launch and take a short run when your pilot says go.
Do I need to be fit?
You need to walk uphill at the launch site and take a short run on takeoff when your pilot says go. That launch run matters far more than stamina in the air. See takeoff guidance.
Can older people fly?
Yes. Many visitors in their 60s, 70s, and beyond fly tandem here. Age matters less than fitness and mobility at takeoff. Pick an easier slot if running is difficult.
Pregnancy
Tandem operators generally turn away pregnant passengers. If you're pregnant, check directly with the operator for their policy.
Mobility and injuries
Some visitors with limited mobility can still fly with advance planning. Every launch site is different. Be honest about knee, hip, or back issues. Choose an easier slot if running confidently will be difficult.
Near a limit? Tell me your dates and situation, and I'll say honestly whether it makes sense.