Landed On Time 60 min. Max 1 Person

Antwerp’s Boeing 737 simulator lets you choose an airport, sit in the captain’s seat, and handle takeoffs and landings without spending years in flight school. I like the freedom to pick both departure and arrival airports, and I like that the session begins with a plain-language lesson on the cockpit and controls. The main caution is that the advertised hour refers to flight time, while the full visit can run closer to 1 hour 45 minutes.

I also like the one-person format, which keeps the session focused on you rather than a large group. Instructor Jeroen has been described as patient and clear, and the experience works for first-timers as well as aviation students. The weak point is practical: one booking attempt found the stated location and door access unavailable, so confirm the meeting details before setting out.

Key points at a glance

• A real Boeing 737 cockpit setup: Take the captain’s seat and learn the basic controls before flying.
• Choose airports worldwide: Plan a route from one of thousands of virtual airports to another.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive an introduction to aviation, the cockpit, and flight controls.
• Practice takeoffs and landings: The session includes hands-on flight tasks, not just a cockpit demonstration.
• About 60 minutes in the pilot seat: Allow up to roughly 1 hour 45 minutes for the briefing and extra instruction.
• Private, highly focused format: The activity is limited to one person, according to the supplied booking details.

Taking the captain’s seat in Antwerp

The appeal is immediate. You are not watching a screen from the back of a room. You sit in the captain’s position of a Boeing 737 simulator and work with the controls while the instructor explains what they do.

That setup gives the activity a clear purpose. You get a practical taste of airline flying rather than a general aviation talk. You will not become a qualified pilot in an hour, but you can see how much coordination goes into even the basic stages of a flight.

The meeting point is listed at Antwerpen Meirbrug, 2000 Antwerp, with the activity ending at the same place. It is near public transportation, which makes it easier to fit into a city visit without arranging a separate trip far outside central Antwerp.

The booking comes with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent at booking. Still, I would keep the meeting details handy and check them before leaving. One person who booked the activity reported that the door code did not work and that the stated bell location could not be found. That appears to be an operational problem rather than part of the simulation, but it is worth taking seriously.

What happens before takeoff

The session starts with the basics of aviation and an introduction to the Boeing 737 cockpit. You learn what the controls do and how the main stages of a flight fit together.

This briefing matters. A cockpit can look like a wall of switches if you have never flown a plane. The instructor’s job is to give you enough structure to use the simulator rather than simply press buttons and hope for the best.

The available information names Jeroen as an instructor. A child who visited for a birthday-style flight was given two routes, one to Geneva and one to New York, and the session was adapted for an eight-year-old. That suggests the instruction can be adjusted for a complete beginner and for younger aviation fans, though the booking information does not specify a minimum age.

You should expect guidance before you begin the flight portion. The advertised 60 minutes describes the main activity in the pilot seat, not necessarily the entire visit. One detailed account put the full time at about 1 hour 45 minutes, including the explanations before and around the flying. Do not schedule a tight museum visit or train departure immediately afterward.

Choosing your route from thousands of airports

Once you understand the basic controls, you can choose where to fly. The simulator offers thousands of virtual airports around the world, so you can select a departure point and a different arrival airport.

That choice is one of the best parts of the session. You might pick a familiar city, a place you hope to visit, or an airport that sounds challenging. You are not locked into a preset route described in advance. The booking information does not promise a particular airport, so your choices should be discussed during the session.

The route option also makes this more personal than a standard demonstration. An aviation student may want to work through a serious flight plan, while a family may prefer a recognizable city and a simple flight. The simulator can serve both interests, within the limits of a one-hour flight session.

You can also choose an optional visual tour over a major city. Hong Kong, Istanbul, and San Francisco are given as examples. This sounds like a good choice if you care more about the sensation of flying over a city than the technical detail of a full route. Since it is optional, ask about it when planning the session rather than assuming it is included in every flight.

Practicing takeoffs, landings, and a full flight

The practical portion includes takeoff and landing sessions, followed by a full flight from your chosen airport to your selected destination. That sequence gives the hour a useful rhythm.

Takeoff is a natural first challenge. You have to manage the aircraft while following instructions, and the simulator lets you repeat the process in a controlled setting. Landing gives you a second clear goal and may be the part that demands the most concentration.

The full flight connects these separate skills. Instead of treating takeoff and landing as isolated tricks, you get a sense of the complete journey between two airports. The exact level of control you handle yourself is not specified, so your experience will depend on the instructor’s plan and your own comfort with the controls.

This is a safe way to make mistakes. You are not responsible for passengers, fuel, or a real aircraft, and the instructor is present to explain the basics. That makes it suitable for someone who has always wondered how a plane responds to the pilot’s inputs but has no aviation background.

It also has enough substance for someone with more experience. One aviation student described the session as enjoyable and useful for learning. That does not make it a substitute for formal training, but it means the simulator is not limited to a novelty ride.

How much value do you get for $142.48?

At $142.48 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing activity. You are paying for a private, hands-on cockpit session rather than a general attraction with dozens of people moving through it.

The value depends on what you want. If you simply want a quick aviation-themed photo, the price may feel high. If you want focused time in a Boeing 737 cockpit, instruction from a pilot or instructor, and the ability to select your route, the price becomes easier to justify.

The one-person limit is important here. You are not splitting the controls with a large group, and the instructor’s attention is directed at one participant. That matters even more for a beginner who needs time to ask questions and repeat a task.

The stated hour can also be misleading if you read it as the entire appointment. The flight portion is about 60 minutes, while the broader visit may last around 1 hour 45 minutes. I would judge the price against the full session, not only the time spent actively flying.

For a child who dreams of becoming a pilot, the activity can make a memorable gift. An eight-year-old was able to complete two flights, including Geneva and New York, with Jeroen. The supplied information does not promise two flights for every booking, so treat that as an example rather than a standard package.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would put this near the top of the list for aviation enthusiasts, aspiring pilots, and anyone who wants an unusual Antwerp activity. It has more substance than a simple flight-themed attraction because you receive instruction and operate the controls.

Families may also find it appealing, especially if a child is interested in planes. The experience has been used with an eight-year-old, but the booking information does not give a formal age policy. If you are booking for a child, confirm the age and participation rules first.

It can also suit an aviation student. One account came from an ATPL student who found the session useful and enjoyed the friendly crew. Again, this is not formal pilot training, but it can provide practice with cockpit procedures and a better feel for the workload involved in flying a Boeing 737.

I would be less enthusiastic if you dislike technical instruction or want a passive ride. You will spend time learning the controls, listening to explanations, and following directions. The experience is built around participation.

The one-person format and the weather rule

The booking information lists a maximum of one person and describes the activity as private. That gives you a strong chance of having the cockpit time to yourself, rather than waiting while other people take turns.

The same information says only your group will participate. Because the stated maximum is one, I would not assume you can bring extra participants into the cockpit or share the paid session. Confirm that point if you are planning a family outing.

There is also an unusual weather condition: the experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since this is a simulator, the reason for that rule is not explained, so treat it as a booking condition rather than trying to infer how weather affects the equipment.

The cancellation policy is simple but firm. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows Antwerp local time.

A practical Antwerp plan

The central meeting point and nearby public transportation make this easy to combine with a day in Antwerp. I would allow extra time to find the exact entrance, especially because of the reported trouble with a door code and bell location.

Keep your confirmation available on your phone. Since the activity uses a mobile ticket, you should not need a printed voucher, but having the provider’s contact details ready is sensible if you cannot identify the entrance.

Plan for more than the stated 60 minutes. The flight time may be about an hour, yet the briefing and extra explanations can bring the total visit closer to 1 hour 45 minutes. That longer estimate is especially useful if you have a restaurant booking, train connection, or another timed attraction.

The experience ends at the starting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from an airport. You also do not need to know how to fly before arriving. Most people can participate, and the instruction is designed to cover the basics first.

The main strengths and limitations

The strongest feature is the balance between freedom and guidance. You choose the airports and can shape the flight around your interests, but you are not left to figure out the Boeing 737 controls alone.

The instructor is another plus. Jeroen is specifically named in the available accounts, and the descriptions of his approach emphasize patience and clear explanations. That is exactly what a first-time pilot needs when the cockpit seems confusing.

The session also has a good range of uses. You can treat it as a fun introduction, a family gift, a city flyover, or an aviation practice session. The same basic format can appeal to different people because the route and level of interest are adjustable.

The biggest drawback is uncertainty around access and timing. The location problem reported by one customer is serious, even though other accounts describe successful sessions. Confirm the address, entry instructions, and appointment details before you go. Also, do not mistake the advertised hour for the full time commitment.

Should you book the Antwerp Boeing 737 simulator?

Book it if you want hands-on time in an airliner cockpit and like the idea of choosing your own route. The private format, patient instruction from Jeroen, and practice with takeoffs, landings, and a complete flight give the $142.48 price a reasonable basis for aviation fans.

I would be more cautious if you are booking only for a quick novelty or if your Antwerp schedule is packed. The full visit may take close to 1 hour 45 minutes, and the access instructions deserve a careful check.

For a budding pilot, an aviation student, or a parent seeking a distinctive gift, this is a strong pick. Confirm the meeting details and any age questions before payment, then arrive with enough time to learn the cockpit properly.

FAQ

Where does the Boeing 737 simulator experience start?

It starts at Antwerpen Meirbrug, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The flight portion is listed as approximately 60 minutes. Including the briefing and other explanations, the full visit may take about 1 hour 45 minutes.

How many people can take part?

The booking details list a maximum of one person and describe the activity as private.

Do I need previous flying experience?

No. The experience is suitable for beginners, and instruction is provided on aviation basics, the Boeing 737 cockpit, and the aircraft controls.

Can I choose the airports?

Yes. You can choose a departure airport and an arrival airport from thousands of virtual airports around the world.

What will I do during the flight?

You will learn the basic controls, practice takeoffs and landings, and complete a full flight from your selected airport to a destination.

Is a city flyover included?

A visual tour over a city such as Hong Kong, Istanbul, or San Francisco is offered as an optional part of the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.