It is not only great to get away from the stresses of life, it is even better when it turns out to be the time of your life. Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time and gazing upon its beauty is one of life’s greatest moments. But if you really want to super-size the occasion, experience it during an airplane tour.
Most canyon airplane tours depart daily from Las Vegas, NV, and go to the West Rim and the South Rim. The other departure point is Tusayan-based Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which is near the South Rim entrance in Arizona.
There are two kinds of airplane tours from which to choose: Aerial and landing tours. Air tours are just that: they fly over certain parts of the canyon and return back to the airport. Landing tours are more intricate and originate only from Las Vegas and go to both rims. The best West Rim packages include helicopter rides, boat tours and Grand Canyon Skywalk passes, while the South Rim flight I like includes a helicopter ride and an in-park, guided bus tour.
Couple more words about the direct air tour from Vegas to the South Rim…
This particular flight is the only way to go. Why? Because it gets you to the South Rim in 45 minutes. That’s fast, especially compared to a 5.5-hour bus ride. This package’s ground tour comes with stops at Mather Point, Yavapai Point and historic Grand Canyon Village. Then it’s back on the plane to Vegas for a night on the town.
One of the West Rim’s greatest attractions is the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Known as the Glass Bridge, the walkway is a phenomenal structure that lets visitors stroll 70 feet past the edge. Before you know it, you’re standing 3,500 feet over the bottom! Views from the bridge are off the charts. Skywalk air tours are only available from Las Vegas; there are no connecting flights between the rims.
Canyon airplane tours are very popular and it’s not uncommon to find them sold out. Don’t get left behind. Reserve your tour in advance. I tell friends and family to RSVP at least 3 days before their desired departure date. By booking ahead of time, you’ll be able to tap into a greater selection of tours. Further, you’ll have more morning flights from which to choose (flights before 12 p.m. mean better visibility and smoother air).
Plane trips are remarkably affordable and on a cost scale fall between bus and helicopter tours. The goal is to never pay full price. This is easily obtainable if you shop the Internet. I personally realize savings up to 30 percent and you can, too. First, go direct to the tour operator’s web page. This is where they post their best promotions. Next, complete the transaction online. You must do this in order to qualify for the online offer. So many find the deal but blow it by concluding the reservation on the phone. Don’t let this be you. Follow these two simple steps and you, dear traveler, and you’re well on your way to the best flight of your life.
Travel writer Ione Mahler is an expert on Grand Canyon tours. She recommends readers click here for more information about these fabulous flights.
