Can a Bounce House Fly Away?

Yes, under certain conditions, a bounce house can fly away if it is not properly secured or if it is used in unsafe wind conditions. While bounce houses are designed to provide safe, fun experiences for children and event guests, they can become dangerous if weather conditions—especially wind—are not carefully monitored. In extreme cases, bounce houses have been known to lift off the ground and move through the air, which can cause serious accidents.

In this article, we’ll explain why bounce houses can fly away, the risk factors involved, how to prevent this from happening at your event, and why choosing a professional, reputable company for your inflatable rental is critical to safety.


can a bounce house fly away

Why Can a Bounce House Fly Away?

The main reasons a bounce house can fly away are high winds and improper anchoring. Because bounce houses are lightweight structures made of inflatable materials, they are susceptible to strong gusts of wind, especially if not securely anchored.

1. High Winds

Wind is one of the most dangerous factors for bounce houses. Even in moderate winds, the large surface area of a bounce house can act like a sail, catching the wind and lifting the entire structure off the ground. According to ASTM standards and 3 Monkeys Inflatables safety guidelines, bounce houses should never be operated in winds exceeding 15-20 mph.

  • Wind Gusts: Even on a calm day, sudden gusts of wind can cause a bounce house to shift or lift. Wind gusts are unpredictable, making it important to monitor conditions constantly throughout your event.

2. Improper Anchoring

If a bounce house is not properly secured to the ground, even light winds can cause it to move. Proper anchoring is essential to keeping the inflatable stable and preventing it from becoming airborne.

  • Weak Anchoring: Using inadequate stakes or not enough anchoring points can make a bounce house unstable. For safe anchoring, 18-inch stakes that are at least 1 inch in diameter are recommended, especially on grass. On concrete or hard surfaces, heavy sandbags or water barrels should be used.

To learn more about proper setup and anchoring, refer to our guide on How to Safely Anchor a Bounce House.


The Dangers of Hiring Unvetted or Unprofessional Rental Companies

In many cases where a bounce house flies away, it’s not just the wind or poor anchoring that is to blame. Often, it’s because the inflatable was rented from a company that lacked the proper experience or safety protocols. While there are many reputable rental companies, there are also “weekend warriors”—part-time operators who only run inflatable rentals on weekends with little experience in the industry. These companies may not fully understand the safety requirements, proper anchoring techniques, or necessary weather precautions for inflatables.

Additionally, beware of fly-by-night companies that advertise on social media platforms like Facebook. These operators may be looking to make a quick profit without investing in quality equipment, training, or safety protocols. Unfortunately, these are often the companies involved in incidents where bounce houses blow away or tip over, endangering participants.

  • Improper Setup: Inexperienced or unvetted companies may not use the correct anchoring methods, increasing the likelihood that the inflatable could move or fly away.
  • Lack of Safety Knowledge: These operators might not be familiar with wind safety guidelines or the importance of regularly monitoring weather conditions.

At 3 Monkeys Inflatables, we are committed to safety and thoroughly train our team to ensure that each bounce house is securely anchored and operated with the highest safety standards. When you choose a professional company like ours, you can trust that all precautions have been taken to prevent accidents, including flying inflatables.

Choosing a professional, vetted rental company is critical to ensuring the safety of your event and guests. Don’t take unnecessary risks by hiring companies that may not be properly equipped or knowledgeable about inflatable safety.


What Wind Speeds Are Too Dangerous?

Wind speeds over 15-20 mph are considered too dangerous for bounce houses. At this wind speed, the risk of the inflatable becoming unstable or flying away increases significantly. Here’s a breakdown of safe and dangerous wind speeds:

  • Safe Wind Speeds: Below 15 mph – Bounce houses can be safely operated with proper anchoring.
  • Unsafe Wind Speeds: 15-20 mph – Bounce houses should be shut down immediately and deflated.
  • Dangerous Wind Speeds: Over 20 mph – It is critical to stop all use of the bounce house and remove participants to prevent accidents.

Using a wind meter to monitor the wind speed at your event can help ensure conditions remain safe for the duration of the rental. If wind speeds start to increase, deflate the bounce house as a precaution.


What to Do If a Bounce House Starts to Fly Away

If the wind picks up and the bounce house begins to move or lift, here’s what you should do:

1. Remove Participants Immediately

The first step is to safely get all children and participants out of the bounce house. Do this as quickly as possible while remaining calm.

2. Turn Off the Blower

Once the bounce house is clear, turn off the blower to allow the bounce house to deflate. This will prevent the wind from catching it further and reduce the risk of it flying away.

3. Reinforce Anchoring

If winds subside and it becomes safe to resume use, make sure the bounce house is securely anchored before reinflating it. Double-check all stakes or sandbags to ensure they are secure.


How to Prevent a Bounce House from Flying Away

To prevent a bounce house from flying away at your event, follow these safety tips:

1. Anchor the Bounce House Properly

Ensure that your bounce house is securely anchored using 18-inch stakes for grass setups or heavy sandbags for hard surfaces. Stakes should be driven deep into the ground at a 45-degree angle for maximum stability.

2. Monitor the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecast before and during your event. If wind speeds are expected to reach or exceed 15 mph, it’s best to avoid using the bounce house altogether. Use a portable wind meter to track the wind speed in real time.

3. Train Your Attendant

Make sure your event attendant is trained to monitor the bounce house and the weather. The attendant should be ready to act quickly if conditions change, including removing participants and deflating the bounce house if necessary.

For more detailed weather safety tips, check out our article on What Weather Conditions Make a Bounce House Unsafe?.


Conclusion: Safety First with 3 Monkeys Inflatables

While bounce houses can fly away under the right conditions, following strict safety guidelines can significantly reduce the risk. By properly anchoring your inflatable, monitoring wind speeds, and choosing a reputable, experienced rental company, you can ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone.

If you have any additional questions or need help ensuring your bounce house is safely set up, don’t hesitate to contact 3 Monkeys Inflatables:

3 Monkeys Inflatables
Phone: (717) 650-7657
Email: info@3monkeysinflatables.com
Website: www.3monkeysinflatables.com


Related Articles

  • How to Safely Anchor a Bounce House: Step-by-Step Guide
  • What Weather Conditions Make a Bounce House Unsafe?
  • Do Bounce Houses Use a Lot of Electricity?

By following these safety measures and choosing a trusted company like 3 Monkeys Inflatables, you can prevent your bounce house from flying away and ensure a safe, enjoyable event!