Now that we are officially into 2014, it\’s time to start planning that Grand Canyon helicopter tour. To help you get started in the right direction, I wrote up the top 5 things you need to know.

From Las Vegas

The first tip is that helicopters from Las Vegas only fly to the West Rim. I get phone calls every day asking about flights to the South Rim. If you want that rim, my suggestion is that you take the direct airplane flight there (all of 60 minutes!).

Next is the fact that helicopters are only allowed to land at the bottom of the West Rim. Authorities at the South Rim have banned this due to noise regulations. Thus if you want to get to the base, you\’ve got to depart from Las Vegas, which is the only place from which bottom-landing trips depart.

Here\’s another one for you: Helicopters only hold six people plus the pilot. If you\’re group exceeds six people, you\’ll be divided amongst aircraft. If that\’s not plausible, I suggest you book an airplane tour. Planes can easily hold up to 19 people and thus all the people in your party can fly together.

Window Seats

Then there are window seats. Folks, seating is assigned based on the overall weight of passengers on the flight manifest. In other words, there\’s no way to guarantee seating. On the other hand, you can request a window seat as you complete your booking online. But even that\’s not guaranteed (and if you don\’t get it you won\’t be charged).

Let\’s see, that\’s four key things you need to know. Here\’s the fifth: Upgrade to an EcoStar 130. Yes, I know they are more expensive but these choppers are the kings of the sky. They feature forward facing, stadium style seats, a cabin that\’s 25 percent bigger than the average helicopter (important if you\’re a big guy like me) and a 180-degree wraparound window (ideal for you shutterbugs out there).

Before I wrap, a couple of words about bookings. First and foremost, please book your tour in advance. During holidays, helicopters can be sold out for days. Rule of thumb is to get your flight situated at least a week ahead of time. Once you\’ve determined that, purchase your trip on the Internet. It\’s where all the great rates are.

Cold Weather

And do understand that it\’s cold out here in the southwest despite the fact that Las Vegas sits in a desert. Bearing this in mind, dress accordingly, which means a heavy jacket, hat, gloves, pants and some shoes you trust. I usually go the \”layers\” route, which lets me peel off a sweater or two if I get too hot.

I hope this article cleared the air about some things associated with Grand Canyon helicopter tours. I can tell you from my experience that these are the top questions I get when I\’m helping people via email or in chat on my own sites. Understand them and then zero in on the flight that\’s best for you. And most importantly, do the booking online. Not only will you save money but it\’s really convenient (and secure!)

Grand Canyon travel writer Keith Kravitz recommends going here for a list of terrific helicopter tours from the South Rim: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/south-rim And here for trips that leave from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas

Grand Canyon travel writer Keith Kravitz recommends going here for a list of terrific helicopter tours from the South Rim: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/south-rim And here for trips that leave from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas

Author Bio: Grand Canyon travel writer Keith Kravitz recommends going here for a list of terrific helicopter tours from the South Rim: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/south-rim And here for trips that leave from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon, grand canyon torus, helicopters tours, flights, las vegas, south rim, travel, deals