Why You Must Book Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours Early
Copyright (c) 2012 Grand CanyonTours of Las Vegas
In my job, where I'm dealing with travelers every single day, the most common question I'm asked id whether or not one should make an advanced booking for a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. Since I have firsthand experience with this, I always say "Yes." First of all, demand for these tours usually exceeds supply, but there are also other reasons:
Sunrise and sunset flights are often overbooked. It's at these times of the day that the canyon has the most to offer, and seasoned travelers are well aware of this. Cancellations are rare, especially during the summer months (high season).
Many travelers feel that morning flights are the best, and also that they offer the most amount of flexibility.
Because air quality tends to be better in the morning, visibility is also amazing. Canyon weather is fickle; if there's a re-scheduling, those at the top of the queue fly first.
The helicopters used for these flights can only take six passengers per flight.
As a result, the number of seats available is limited. For the safety of passengers and crew, weight in the cabin must be distributed equally - very heavy passengers might be asked to purchase a second seat.
Day lengths differ from season to season. This too has a direct impact on seat availability. Additionally, because this is considered to be the low season, many tour operators cut back on the number of flights being offered.
Advance bookings cost less. Book online in advance and you will save a huge wad of cash compared to the retail/rack rate with which you'll get slammed IF you successfully purchase a same-day flight at the heliport.
Whether you leave from Vegas or the South Rim, my advice to book in advance stands. For Vegas visitors, it's worth bearing in mind that tours only include the West Rim and the Las Vegas Strip. To do the South Rim, you must take a 45-minute airplane flight and transfer to a helicopter.
West Rim tours include:
1. Dropping down to the base. Descend 4,000 feet to the base. Step outside the helicopter, and explore this ancient world. You'll be glad to know, champagne is included. Upgrade to include a smooth-water float trip.
2. The Grand Canyon Skywalk. Enjoy your flight while the pilot takes you to land at Grand Canyon West. Experience the thrill of the glass bridge, a glass structure protruding 70 feet over the edge, allowing you to view the Colorado River some 4,000 below.
3. Standard air tour. Fly over a Joshua Tree forest, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Mojave Desert. Do a U-turn above the West Rim. An upgrade will also allow you to enjoy a Las Vegas Strip flyover.
South Rim flights, which depart from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, located just outside the gates of the National Park, fly over the Kaibab Plateau and into the Dragoon Corridor before turning back at the North Rim. For those seeking the ultimate experience, upgrading to the EcoStar 130 is highly recommended.
These canyon helicopter tours are a big hit between those who visit Vegas and Arizona. If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, my advice would be that you book well in advance. Seats are limited, especially during sunrise and sunset flights. The great thing is getting to the front of the line has never been easier. Simply log onto the net and RSVP. Once you've done that, experience the magic of the Grand Canyon the way it should be experienced. From the safety of a helicopter!
About the Author
Jenny Ducate is a experienced travel blogger who reports on tours to the Grand Canyon. If you're looking for chopper rides, she highly suggests these flights: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.org/best-grand-canyon-helicopter-tours.html
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