Step Aboard: Confidence in Flight – 15 or 60 Minute Experience location: The Deck 747 – The Authentic Upper Deck of a Retired British Airways 747-400 Aircraft (Registration G-BYGA)Venue: City Airport, Barton, Manchester
Take your first step into the world of flying – without ever leaving the ground. Our unique Confidence in Flight experience invites you aboard the real upper deck of the iconic British Airways 747-400, preserved as The Deck 747. This immersive setting includes the original business class cabin and full cockpit, offering an authentic environment rarely accessible to the public.
This 15 or 60-minute experience is specifically designed for those who are curious about flying, feel a little nervous, or are simply new to the idea of air travel. Whether you’ve never flown before, want to understand what happens during a flight, or hope to help a loved one become more comfortable, this relaxed and supportive session is the perfect introduction.
What You Can Expect:
Guided by one of our highly experienced instructors in a calm, private setting, you will:
Explore the genuine business class cabin of the 747, learning about the interior and what to expect during a typical flight
 
Receive a clear, jargon-free overview of the boarding process, flight routine, and landing procedures
 
Understand the various sounds, sensations, and cabin routines involved in air travel, helping to demystify the flying experience
 
Visit the authentic flight deck, where you’ll see real controls and instruments, and learn about the basics of flying the aircraft
 
Get hands-on with the flight simulator environment, allowing you to experience the thrill of piloting the 747 at your own pace (available by adding on 45 mins only)
 
 
Important Notice:
This experience is not suitable for individuals who are certain they have a fear of flying. If you or someone you know suffers from a diagnosed or significant fear of flying, please visit our specialised Fear of Flying Courses available under the “Book an Experience Date” or “Gift Vouchers” sections on our website. Those courses provide targeted, expert support designed to help overcome flight anxiety.
Who Is This Experience For?
Individuals who are new or cautious about flying, but do not have a confirmed fear of flying
 
Neurodivergent customers or parents and carers of those with additional needs seeking a calm and gentle introduction to air travel
 
Families preparing for a first flight or holiday, wanting to reduce anxiety through understanding
 
Aviation enthusiasts curious to explore a genuine 747 with a real pilot
 
 
This session is suitable for all ages and is not bound by the 7 and over age restriction that applies to other experiences on our website.
We recommend the 15-minute taster session as a gentle introduction — ideal for younger children or those simply wanting to explore whether flight simulation is enjoyable before committing to longer sessions. The 45 minute add on option offers more in-depth time with the instructor, including the opportunity to try basic flying in the simulator.
Guests & Add-ons:
Both the 15 and 60-minute sessions include admission for one additional person free of charge — perfect for a friend or family member to accompany you. Should you wish to bring more guests (up to a maximum of four additional people), these must be added via the “additional person” add-on option in the product selections.
Guests can share in the experience by observing from the cockpit or cabin but will require their own ticket to access the aircraft. How you choose to split the flying or observation time is completely up to you.
Important: If one of the persons attending is under 16 years old, at least one accompanying person must be 16 years or older. Two children or young persons under 16 cannot attend without an adult aged 16 or over.
Add-ons & Extras:
To make your experience even more memorable, you can choose to purchase one of our exclusive keepsakes, each made from parts of the retired G-BYGA 747 itself:
Engraved Aluminium Tail Piece: A unique, approximately 6x4 cm piece of aluminium cut from the aircraft’s tail section, engraved and presented as a keepsake. This rare item is a tangible connection to the legendary Queen of the Skies.
 
“Club” Whiskey Glass: Part of our exclusive Chef & Sommelier aircraft-themed glassware collection, this 38cl whiskey glass features a high-polished piece of fuselage skin from G-BYGA embedded in the base, alongside The Deck logo engraving. Each glass comes with a certificate of authenticity and is a sophisticated way to remember your visit.
 
 
Additional Information:
While wheelchair access is available to the cabin, the cockpit door restricts access for those with limited mobility who wish to enter the flight deck or fly the simulator.
 
Children of any age are welcome to participate in this session, making it an inclusive experience for families and individuals alike.
 
Our instructors tailor each session to your individual pace and interests. If desired, they will help you understand any flight procedures or answer questions in detail.
 
As the simulator is based inside the preserved aircraft hangar, guests are welcome to take photos in the cabin business seats as part of their visit.
 
 
Gift Voucher Booking & Terms:
This listing is for a physical gift voucher, which will be posted to the delivery address provided at checkout. If you require your voucher urgently, we can send a digital copy by email—please contact us after purchase to arrange this.
Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Extensions are available for £39.95, adding an additional 6 months to your voucher’s validity.
Vouchers are non-refundable but may be rescheduled up to 7 days before your booked session, subject to availability. This purchase does not book a specific date or time. Once you receive your voucher, please email us at info@thedeck747.com to arrange your preferred session date.
This listing is subject to the Terms and Conditions outlined on the General Info tab of www.thedeck747.com.
If you have any questions or wish to check availability before purchasing, please contact us via the chat box on the website or email info@thedeck747.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the iconic G-BYGA and sharing the joy of flight — from the ground up.