Hey it's Keith Kravitz and this is Helicopter Weekend Update!
It's mid-February and it's been a fine time to do a helicopter tour. It has been cold, especially in the morning. Keep in mind as you prepare for your tour and dress in layers or a medium-weight jacket.
Remember: Helicopters are climate-controlled and warm inside. However, if you are doing tour where you exit the aircraft (mostly refers to Vegas departures), be prepared. I recommend dressing in layers and bringing a medium-weight jacket.
To really get a bead on temperatures, check the forecast the night before.
I know we are in the heart of winter. But if you are planning to book a trip for March, understand that you are trying to fly during spring break, which lasts from March through April.
Spring break is always busy. As in jam-packed. So book your tour as far in advance as you reasonably can. This will ensure you get the lowest pricees and the best flight times. It will also help you avoid sell-outs.
Type of Tour
There are two kinds of helicopter tours: Air-only and landing. Unsure which is best for you? Read this article...
Sunset Tours
Sunset flights from Las Vegas are back! They leave once a day and are the last departure. This restriction makes them hard to book because supply is limited. The flight takes off from the Strip and goes over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before landing at the bottom for a Champagne picnic. Then it's back to Vegas at dusk and a tour over the Vegas
lights as they turn on. Here's availability & prices...
Skywalk
This Skywalk helicopter tour is simply bustling and the reviews I've been getting are super positive. The only caveat about this tour is when to do it. I always recommend in the a.m. (if there are seats left!) because the West Rim is hot and to really take it all in you want to be mobile so please consider this. Final note: No, you can't
take pictures while on the Skywalk. I hate this condition. But that's how it is. Fortunately, there are photographers who will take your picture for you. Choose between the budget and deluxe Skywalk versions.
Air-Only (No Landing)
Everything I've read tells me the American economy is strong. I'll take it. Ironically, I've been getting a ton of people asking for the cheapest tour available. They must be spending more in Vegas on food, drink and gaming than on attractions. Hey, whatever floats your boat. In this situation, I recommend taking the air-only flight. It's the
cheapest option but, man, you get to see a lot of stuff. Prices & more for this tour here...
Champagne Picnic
The #1 most popular tour is still the bottom-landing Champagne Picnic tour. I've been waiting for another tour to de-throne it but clearly that's not going to happen. What makes it so popular? Value! This tour combines flying over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Colorado River w/ a bottom-landing. Moreover, the tour is only available from Las
Vegas and going below the rim can only happen at the West Rim. I definitely recommend you try it...
Las Vegas South Rim Plane
I want to point out that you can't take a helicopter to the South Rim. It can't be done because it's too far. The only way to do an air tour from LV to the South Rim is by plane. The flight over takes just 60 minutes. Considering how quick you get there, I'm shocked that people either drive or take the bus 5.5 hours ONE WAY
to reach it. To each his own, I guess. Me, I'll be taking this airplane tour every time until cars turn into rockets.
NEED A TOUR?
Reply back to this message if you need to buy a tour by telling me:
*From Las Vegas or South Rim?
*Day and month you want to do a tour
*The kind of tour you want
I reply to EVERY email.
Have a great day!
