Winter Family Flight Experience Gift Voucher – The Ultimate Day Out for Aviation Enthusiasts
Are you a family of aviation enthusiasts or have a plane-obsessed child? Or perhaps you’re the big kid in the family and want to bring everyone along for a day out with a difference? Our Family Flight Simulator Experience offers a unique and unforgettable opportunity to step into the cockpit of one of the most iconic aircraft ever built: the Boeing 747.
This exclusive package includes a mix of up to 4 adults/children total (ages 7–16) to fly or spectate during a 45-minute simulator session on the upper deck of a genuine ex-British Airways 747-400. If you would like to include a child under the age of 7, please contact us via email or the website chat prior to booking to discuss suitability and safety.
This listing is for a gift voucher- it has a 12 month expiry on it from date of purchase to use.
Step Aboard the Queen of the Skies
This is not a replica. You’ll be flying in the real upper deck of Boeing 747-400 G-BYGA, preserved after retirement from British Airways service in March 2020. Located at City Airport, Barton (Manchester), the upper deck of this aircraft—including the original cockpit—has been fully restored and converted into a highly immersive flight simulator.
Featuring a 180-degree wraparound screen, the simulator provides a geometrically correct single-image view, delivering an astonishingly lifelike experience for first-time flyers and experienced enthusiasts alike.
Take the Controls and Explore the Skies
Under the guidance of one of our highly experienced flight instructors, you’ll take the captain’s or first officer’s seat and experience the thrill of piloting a 747 anywhere in the world. Whether it's takeoffs, landings, or flying over world-famous landmarks, the session is entirely tailored to your group.
Here’s what to expect:
A brief introduction and familiarisation session (~5 minutes), where your instructor will walk you through the basic controls and instruments.
A custom flight set up to your chosen destination—whether it’s a simple takeoff and landing or a full scenic journey.
Opportunities for multiple takeoffs and landings, emergency scenario simulations, or even iconic challenges such as:
Flying under the Golden Gate Bridge
Soaring over Manhattan
Attempting the legendary Kai Tak approach
Recreating the ‘Sully’ Hudson River landing
Not confident about landing on your first try? No problem—your instructor will guide you through it, and you’ll get another shot (with help if needed) to ensure a successful finish.
You can also extend your session by 15-minutes (£39.95)—ideal for adding an additional scenario or giving another family member a chance to take control.
Flexible Participation and Observer Options
The standard package includes up to 4 people who can choose to fly or spectate. You're free to divide the flying time however you wish.
Additional participants can be added at checkout for a small extra fee. They can either share your flight time or simply watch from the cockpit observer seats.
Please note that non-paying guests and children under 7 are not permitted in the hangar or simulator during the session unless prior approval has been given.
Real Aircraft, Real Feel—Simplified for Accessibility
While our simulator is based on authentic 747-400 cockpit components, the setup has been optimised to ensure it's fun, engaging, and accessible, especially for families and younger participants. Some complex real-world procedures may be simplified to ensure everyone can enjoy the session without needing pilot-level knowledge.
If you're curious about how the actual aircraft systems work, your instructor will be happy to explain them during your experience.
Due to cockpit dimensions and the position of the rudder pedals and control column, your instructor may assist with controls if needed—particularly for younger or smaller guests.
Accessibility and Safety Considerations
The simulator cabin is wheelchair accessible; however, the flight deck itself is not fully wheelchair accessible due to the narrow cockpit doorway.
All participants wishing to fly must be able to enter the cockpit unaided and sit safely in the flight seat.
Children must be at least 7 years old to participate in flying. An accompanying adult (aged 16+) is required.
Anyone arriving with children under 7 without prior agreement will be refused entry to the simulator, and due to safety and insurance restrictions, they cannot wait in the hangar during the session.
Your ticket also grants you access to the 747 business class cabin area, where you’re welcome to take photos to commemorate your visit.
Exclusive Memorabilia and Gift Options To commemorate your experience, you may choose to add one of two unique collectible items made from parts of the G-BYGA aircraft:
Engraved Aluminium Piece: A genuine piece of aluminium, approximately 6x4 cm, cut from the tail of the aircraft. Each piece is chosen at random and photographed on the flight deck pedestal of G-BYGA in our hangar.
 
Chef & Sommelier “Club” Whiskey Glass: A limited-edition, 38cl glass engraved with a high-polished disc of fuselage skin from G-BYGA, along with The Deck logo. Dimensions are 93mm diameter by 87mm height. Each glass comes with a certificate of authenticity and represents a premium collectible for aviation enthusiasts. Both memorabilia items can be added during booking via the product options and make an exceptional keepsake of your flight simulator experience.
Important Terms & Conditions
All experiences are subject to the Terms and Conditions listed on our website. Please ensure you have read and understood the full terms on the General Info tab at www.thedeck747.com before completing your booking.
Gift Voucher Terms
Gift cards are valid for 12 months from the date of booking.
If you wish to use your booking before the voucher arrives in the post, you may present your email confirmation as proof of purchase.
If your voucher is nearing expiry, you may request an extension of 6 months for a fee of £39.95. Please email info@thedeck747.com to arrange this.
All gift vouchers and simulator tickets are non-refundable, but can be rescheduled up to seven days prior to your session, subject to availability.
A voucher will be sent in the post to you- should you require one emailed urgently, please contact us on info@thedeck747.com to arrange for a blank one to be sent to you.