Seeing the Park from a helicopter is one of the most exhilarating experiences anyone could have. But before booking your flight, you'll need to decide whether to take a landing tour or an air-only version. I highly recommend landing tours on Grand Canyon helicopters, but I can definitely see the advantages of air-only tours for some travelers.
Landing Tours
My personal favorites, most landing tours fly to Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas. It's only a short, 120-mile flight one-way. The West Rim is the only place in the whole National Park where choppers can land at the top and the bottom of the canyon. Flying beneath the level of the rim (much less landing at the bottom) isn't permitted anywhere at the South Rim.
The most popular West Rim landing flight is the standard version. I call it "standard," but it includes a champagne picnic on the canyon bottom. Optional add-ons give you VIP access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk and/or a float trip down the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon helicopters landing at the top let you take in the Skywalk and several other West Rim highlights. Among them are the Indian Cultural Center, Hualapai Ranch, Guano Point and Eagle Point.
Landing tours at the South Rim are limited. As I mentioned earlier, choppers aren't allowed to fly below the level of the South Rim, much less land at the bottom. But, a new South Rim tour package that includes a helicopter flight and a sunset Jeep ride is turning out to be really popular. This particular tour is only scheduled during the early evening, as the sun starts going down.
Air-Only Tours
Aerial tours on Grand Canyon helicopters fly out of Grand Canyon National Park Airport (in Tusayan, Arizona just outside the Park's main gates) or Vegas-area airfields. There are two types of South Rim air tours: a 50-minute flight and one that gives you 30 minutes of airtime. The shorter version flies from the South Rim to the North Rim and back, by way of spectacular Dragoon Corridor.
The longer air tours do that too, but add the Desert Watchtower, the Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point and the Navajo Reservation, among many other sights.
West Rim air tours treat you to views of Grand Canyon West, including the fabulous Skywalk. On the way there you'll see spectacular Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Most basic chopper tours use Bell Ranger or A-Star aircraft. They'll do the job, but the deluxe tours use EcoStar 130 helicopters. This aircraft gives you a wraparound windshield, a much larger cabin, stadium-style seating and wonderful A/C.
Book Ahead
All canyon helicopter tours are amazingly popular. Whether you're taking an air-only or landing tour, it's important to book ahead. I recommend locking down your seats at least a week in advance. Don't wait until you arrive because your choices will be limited. You'll pay more, too.
Internet Discounts
You'll find the best tour prices on the Internet - as long as you know where to look. Personally, I think the best deals are always on the tour companies' websites. Discounts of up to 35% off retail aren't hard to find there!
To get that special online discount, you do need to complete your ticket purchase right on the tour company's website. You'll know you've done it right when you receive an emailed confirmation letter/receipt.
It's simple - just choose the tour you want and then book it online well in advance. I'll see you in the skies!
Ready to fly? Travel pro Luke Plunket recommends first scanning these Grand Canyon helicopter tour reviews, then going here for the cheapest rates on the best flights: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/hot-deals
Orignal From: Grand Canyon Helicopters: Should You Choose an Air-Only or Landing Tour?
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