After an incredible skydiving experience, many first-time jumpers ask the same question:
Do you tip skydiving instructors?
While tipping is not required, it is a common way for jumpers to show appreciation for the instructors and videographers who help make the experience safe, smooth, and memorable.
Skydiving instructors take on significant responsibility — guiding you through training, managing the equipment, and ensuring a safe jump from thousands of feet in the air. Because of that, many guests choose to leave a tip as a thank-you for excellent service.
How Much Should You Tip a Skydiving Instructor?
There is no strict rule for tipping, but many skydivers follow these general guidelines:
- Tandem skydiving instructor: typically $20–$50 per person
- Videographer: often $10–$30
- Exceptional service: some guests tip 10–20% of the jump cost
The amount you choose depends on your experience and level of satisfaction.
When Is Tipping Most Common?
Tipping is most common during tandem skydives, where an instructor is directly responsible for guiding you through the entire jump.
Your tandem instructor handles:
- Safety checks
- Aircraft exit
- Freefall stability
- Parachute deployment
- Landing
Because of the high level of personal responsibility involved, many guests choose to show appreciation with a tip.
What About Student Skydivers?
If you are learning to skydive through a training program like the Advanced Freefall Program (AFP), tipping is less common.
However, some students still choose to tip instructors or coaches who provide exceptional instruction or mentorship.
Other Ways to Show Appreciation
Tipping is not the only way to thank your instructors.
Many skydivers also show appreciation by:
- Leaving a positive Google or Yelp review
- Thanking their instructor personally
- Sharing photos or videos from the experience
- Recommending the dropzone to friends
Reviews are especially helpful for instructors and dropzones.
Group Skydiving Tips
If you’re jumping with a group, it’s common for everyone to pool tips together for the instructors and videographers who helped make the experience possible.
This allows the group to collectively thank the team that made the jump successful.
When Is It Okay Not to Tip?
Tipping is always optional.
If you had concerns about your experience or felt the service didn’t meet expectations, you are not obligated to tip. At Skydive Chicago, our team always wants to know if something didn’t go right so we can help resolve the situation.
If you ever have concerns during your visit, stop by the Manifest office and we’ll be happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tipping is not required, but many skydivers choose to tip instructors to show appreciation for their work and professionalism.
Many people tip $20–$50, though some guests tip 10–20% of the jump cost depending on their experience.
It’s common to tip videographers $10–$30 if they captured photos or videos of your jump.
Tipping is appreciated but not expected. The decision is entirely up to the guest.
Ready for Your First Skydive?
If you’re thinking about making your first jump, tandem skydiving is the perfect place to start.
