Landed On Time 60 min. Max 1 Person

Stepping into a Boeing 737 cockpit feels oddly real. In Antwerp, you get a private, beginner-friendly chance to sit in the captain’s seat and run a simulated flight with help onboard.

I especially like the hands-on takeoff and landing practice, and the freedom to pick your own departure and arrival airports from thousands of virtual locations. My only real caution is that the activity is weather dependent, so you should be flexible with your schedule.

Expect a straightforward flow: basics first, then you get time controlling the aircraft in the simulator. The session is listed at about 1 hour, and in practice, you may spend closer to 1 hour 45 minutes on site once you include the pre-flight briefing and setup.

If you want a real shortcut to “I can fly a plane” confidence without a training school, this is a fun bet.

Key highlights at a glance

• Captain seat on a Boeing 737 for true cockpit experience, not just a demo
• Beginner-first instruction before you touch the controls
• Choose departure and arrival airports from thousands of virtual options
• Takeoff, landing, and a full-flight so you get more than one moment of action
• Optional visual city flights over places like Hong Kong, Istanbul, and San Francisco
• Private session with only your group, making it easier to ask questions

First seat time in a 737 cockpit

This is one of those experiences where the “wow” factor comes fast. You are not watching from behind glass. You are in the cockpit, in the captain’s seat, looking at the controls and instruments that pilot training schools obsess over.

The simulator is built around a Boeing 737 setup, which matters because it gives you a real sense of what a narrow-body cockpit feels like: lots of switches, screens, and the kind of procedure thinking that keeps flying from becoming guesswork. Even if you have never flown before, the goal is to help you get comfortable enough to try.

And since it is private, you are not racing through questions. You can slow down, ask what something does, and get answers in plain language.

How your 737 session actually runs in Antwerp

Your time is structured to move you from basics to action. You start with an intro to aviation fundamentals, then you get oriented to the Boeing 737 cockpit, and finally you move through takeoff and landing sessions before doing a full flight.

Here’s what that usually means for you on the day:

1) Briefing and cockpit orientation

You learn the basics of how the plane is controlled and what you are looking at. The focus is getting you set up so you can participate without feeling lost.

2) Controls and short practice sessions

You get time working the cockpit controls in the simulator, guided step by step. This is where the experience earns its “safe and fun” reputation for first timers.

3) Takeoff and landing practice

You run the “big moments,” not just the cruise. Takeoff and landing tend to be the parts people remember, and practicing them makes the whole thing feel like real flying rather than a scripted ride.

4) A full-flight from your chosen airport

You then connect it all into a longer flight segment. You pick where you leave from and where you land, so the session feels personal.

In the field, I would plan your day around the listed 60 minutes of simulator time, but also assume you might be there closer to 1 hour 45 minutes total. That extra time is usually the pre-flight briefing, setup, and details around the session.

Picking your airports makes it feel like your flight

One of the best parts is the flexibility. You can choose your departure and arrival airports from thousands of virtual options. That means you are not stuck with a single route that might be boring, confusing, or just not the vibe you want.

Instead, you can tailor the experience in a way that clicks with you:

• If you love a certain city, pick nearby airports in the virtual network.
• If you want a confidence boost, choose a route that feels familiar to you.
• If you are doing this as a gift, choose airports that match the child or adult’s dream places.

And then you actually see that choice play out during your full-flight segment. It is a small detail that makes a big difference in how “real” the experience feels.

Learning the basics without turning it into homework

This is not a “read manuals for hours” situation. Instructions come before you fly, and the point is to get you up and running quickly.

In real sessions, the instructor Jeroen is often named as the friendly guide who explains what you need to know and stays patient while you get comfortable. Another staff member named Frank is also mentioned in a positive way, with emphasis on clear basics and a fun, confidence-building atmosphere.

What you should expect to learn, in practical terms:

• How the cockpit is laid out and what you are supposed to watch
• The logic behind controlling the plane rather than just pushing buttons randomly
• How to handle takeoff and landing in a safe, structured way

If you are a complete beginner, this matters. You are not expected to already know aviation language. You are expected to learn it just enough to participate, then practice it right away.

Optional city visual tours that add variety

There is an optional add-on that can spice up your session: a visual tour over an exciting city. The options mentioned include Hong Kong, Istanbul, and San Fransisco.

If you are the type who wants more than “controls plus landing,” this option is a great way to connect the flying feeling to real-world places. It can also be a nice choice if you are bringing kids or someone who loves seeing cities more than learning procedures.

Keep in mind it is optional, so you can treat it like dessert, not the main course.

Value for the money: what you get for $142.48

At $142.48 per person, this is not a cheap activity. But it can still be good value, depending on what you want.

Here is the honest way I’d weigh it:

• You are paying for a guided, hands-on cockpit experience with takeoff and landing practice and a full flight portion.
• The session is private, which usually increases value because you get more direct time with the instructor and fewer distractions.
• You also get airport choice, meaning the experience can match your personal interests instead of forcing a fixed route.

Where value can drop a bit is timing expectations. If you show up thinking it will feel like a short 60-minute “in, out” activity, you may be surprised by a longer total time on site. Plan accordingly so you feel like you got your money’s worth, because you likely will once you factor in briefing and setup.

Where to go in Antwerp, and timing you should plan

The meeting point is at Antwerpen Meirbrug2000, Antwerp, Belgium, and the activity ends back at the same location.

It is near public transportation, which is helpful. You can build this into a day around Antwerp’s sights without needing a car. Still, give yourself enough buffer to find the exact entrance and check in smoothly.

Time planning tip: because it is weather dependent, aim for a slot that does not anchor your entire day. If weather cancels it, you do not want your plans to collapse. The experience is also described as landing on time, with a typical about 1 hour format, but the real on-site experience can run longer.

Who this is best for, and who should think twice

This experience fits best if you want:

• A first taste of piloting that is hands-on and guided
• Something engaging for beginners, with clear instructions
• A private activity where the instructor can tailor help to you
• The chance to actually practice takeoff and landing, not just sit in a cockpit

It also works well as a gift. One of the most heartwarming angles is how naturally this type of experience lines up with someone who dreams of becoming a pilot. For kids and adults with that spark, the simulator seat is a built-in story starter.

Who might think twice:

• If you only want a quick passive attraction, this is more active than that.
• If you cannot be flexible about weather-driven rescheduling, plan carefully.

Should you book the Antwerp 737 flight simulator?

I would book it if you like practical experiences where you do the thing, not just watch it. The strongest reasons to go are takeoff and landing practice, the captain-seat cockpit feel, and the ability to choose your own airports. The experience is also clearly geared toward beginners, with patient instruction often credited to Jeroen.

I would only hesitate if your schedule is rigid or if you hate any chance of weather disrupting plans. Also, go in with realistic timing expectations. The simulator portion is about an hour, but you may spend closer to an hour and a half on site total.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Antwerp 737 simulator experience?

It’s listed at about 1 hour. Some sessions may take longer in total on site once you include the pre-flight instructions and setup.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

It is private, and only your group participates.

Can beginners participate?

Yes. Instructions are given before your flight, and it’s suitable for beginners.

Can I choose the departure and arrival airports?

Yes. You can pick the departure and landing airports from thousands of virtual airports.

Does the experience include takeoff and landing?

Yes. You do takeoff and landing sessions, and there is also a full-flight segment.

Is there an option for a city visual tour?

There is an optional visual tour over cities such as Hong Kong, Istanbul, or San Francisco.

What is the meeting point in Antwerp?

The start (and end) point is Antwerpen Meirbrug2000, Antwerp, Belgium.

Do I need to print a ticket?

No. It uses a mobile ticket.

Is the experience weather dependent?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.