Seeing the Grand Canyon by helicopter is the ultimate way to enjoy this fabulous National Park. The Canyon is 190 miles long and flying is the only way to seriously experience it to the max. Before you put on your headphones and prepare for lift-off, here are 11 tips that make sure you flight goes as planned:

#1. Book your tour in advance. Helicopter tours are insanely popular. Especially from Las Vegas, NV. Making advanced reservations guarantee that you fly on the day of your choice.

#2. Read the fine print. Understand the cancellation policy BEFORE you pay for your flight. It’s very difficult to cancel and get a full refund after the fact.

#3. Know for sure which Rim (South or West) you are going to see and what date you will at your destination (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona) prior to making your Grand Canyon Helicopter tour reservation.

#4. Helicopter tours start at $200 per person.

#5. Try to book your tour in the morning. Doing so allows you to re-schedule if there’s bad weather afoot. It’s also when your flight will be the smoothest.

#6. Bring your “memory machines.” Cameras, camcorders, and cell phones. The views are spectacular. Helicopters are outfitted with 180-degree windows, giving you full canyon panoramas. Remember to charge your personal electronics the night before. Binoculars are also helpful.

#7 Confirm your reservation when you arrive at your destination. A simple phone call or email is all that’s required.

#8 Tip the pilot. They also serve as your guide and know the canyon like the back of their hand. Start between $20 to $30 (US currency) and use judgment from there.

#9. It’s impossible to enjoy your tour and videotape or photograph every moment of it.

#10. See if your tour company offers a video of your actual helicopter flight.

#11. Videos of the flight cost extra. They are not bundled into the price of your package.

Helicopters departing from the Las Vegas area reach the West Rim in 45 minutes. In addition to flying to the bottom (this is the only place where you can do it), you can bundle in pontoon boat ride down the Colorado River or admission to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet past the edge and lifts you 4,000 feet above the river. Top of the rim, check out the authentic Hualapai Indian Village. There’s also a free shuttle service that stop at select viewpoints. Key landmarks include Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch.

South Rim helicopter tours fly out of Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, which is located just 10 minutes from the Park’s main gate. There are no direct helicopter flights from Las Vegas. You have to take a quick airplane flight or a 5.5-hour bus ride then switch over to your helicopter. Flights last 30 minutes and fly from the Kaibab Plateau to the North Rim before turning back. Aircraft are not allowed to fly below the rim or land on the bottom.

Smart travelers know that helicopters are the only way to see as much of the Grand Canyon as possible in the shortest amount of time. Take a moment to peruse my 11 tips and you’ll be on your way to booking the helicopter tour of your dreams.

Author Bio: Ready to fly above the Grand Canyon? Read travel expert Keith Kravitz’ reviews first at http://www.GrandCanyonHelicopterTourReviews.com

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon, grand canyon tours, helicopters, las vegas, arizona, travel, national parks, flights