You can’t argue that the lights of Vegas are breathtaking. Helicopter tours have become a favorite way of taking in the sites of Vegas. We’ve looked at 5 of the top Las Vegas helicopter tours and rated them on important features such as price, luxury, and tour quality.
Best Luxury Helicopter Tour of Las Vegas
5-Star Helicopter Tours
The lights and sights of Vegas are stunning on their own. Now imagine enjoying them through the lens of one of the most luxurious Las Vegas helicopter tours. 5-Star Helicopter Tours are a favorite among locals and tourists who want a true VIP experience.
5-Star Helicopter Tours provides a picturesque aerial view of Vegas. On this tour, you’ll experience the lights of Vegas in an entirely new way, along with other attractions, including the Stratosphere Tower and Luxor Sky Beam.
5-Star Helicopter Tours is committed to providing a VIP experience for their guests. To start, you’ll be shuttled from your resort in a luxury Mercedes-Benz Motorcoach. From there, you’ll enjoy a champagne toast before your flight, making it a perfect date night excursion. You can book a dinner package that includes your choice of Brazillian or American Fare dining options.
5-Star Helicopter Tours offers several package options and accommodates larger parties and special occasions, including weddings.
Best Family Helicopter Tour
702 Helicopters
If you’re looking for an up-close and personal helicopter ride in Las Vegas, 702 Helicopters is the way to go. 702 Helicopters takes you on a 15-minute aerial tour of Vegas that includes the Strip, Fremont Street, Caesars Palace, and the Stratosphere Tower, among the many other scenic attractions Las Vegas has to offer.
702 Helicopters accept passengers who are 3 years of age or older, making them perfect for your family adventure. Children must be able to sit in their own seat, though – no lap riders allowed. 702 Helicopters also offers packages for two if you’re looking for ideas for an anniversary or other special occasion.
To add to the enchantment of the experience, you can sign up for a tour package that includes tickets to Nathan Burton’s Comedy Magic Show. It’s a deal that’s too good and magical to pass up.
Friendliest Tour Guides and Staff
Skyline Helicopter Tours
Skyline Helicopter Tours receives great reviews for their safety protocols and the friendliness of their staff. If you’re someone who has never been up in a helicopter or maybe has a mild fear of flying or heights, you can rest easy knowing Skyline Helicopter Tours will take great care of you.
Skyline Helicopter Tours manages to accomplish something that other Las Vegas helicopter tours miss, and that’s the ability to provide a safe, breathtakingly beautiful experience at a price point that won’t break the bank. Skyline’s Strip tour is one of their most affordable packages and provides incredible views of the lights of the city.
Skyline Helicopter Tours offers other packages that include a combination of the Strip and the scenic, natural surrounding areas. They also offer photo/video tours and special romantic excursions where you and a special someone are flown to a private destination. Skyline is perfect for a fun adventure or to celebrate a special occasion.
Best Scenic View of the Strip
Maverick Helicopters
Vegas at night is gorgeous. The lights and the vibrant energy just can’t be recreated anywhere else in the world. If you’re looking to experience the beauty of Las Vegas at night, Maverick Helicopters offers one of the most scenic views of the strip.
When you book a tour with Maverick Helicopters, you’ll be escorted from your hotel to the site, where you’ll board an Eco Star Helicopter that was specially designed for air tourism. The Eco Star seats six, so it’s perfect for small groups. Did we mention that you toast your upcoming adventure with a glass of bubbly before the flight?
The tour covers four miles of Las Vegas, with some tours including other sightseeing destinations, like the Hoover Dam. Maverick Helicopters also offers packages that include transfers to the Las Vegas Motorway for racing fans.
Best Budget-Friendly Las Vegas Helicopter Tour
GC Flight
In a city that seems to be designed for spending money, is a budget-friendly excursion even possible? It is if you choose GC Flight for an amazing aerial helicopter tour of the Vegas Strip and surrounding areas.
GC Flight offers the lowest price guarantee, but you’re not trading any of your experience for this more economical option. After enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne before your flight, you’ll board a jet helicopter for a tour of the lights of the strip, including the historic downtown area, the Stratosphere Tower, and the brilliant aerial views of the casinos.
Like most other standard skyline helicopter tours of North Las Vegas, NV, GC Flight will keep you in the air for approximately 15 minutes. Their low price guarantee states that if you find a lower tour cost within 48 hours, they will refund the difference to you.
What To Look For in a Helicopter Tour
The Helicopter
The helicopter is the center of your Las Vegas tour experience. As someone who might not have a ton of experience with helicopters, you’re depending on the tour company to ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable ride.
Things to consider about the helicopter when booking a tour include the type of helicopter, its size, how many seats it has, and whether all passengers will have a spectacular view through the windows.
Maverick Helicopters in Las Vegas fly only the Eco Star helicopter, which is designed to hold up to six passengers. If you’re looking to book a tour for a small group of family adventure this detail is important.
One thing that was mentioned in reviews for Las Vegas helicopter tour companies was the seating arrangements aren’t always best for getting the best view of the strip. Helicopter pilots are required to follow a specific route, and where you’re seated can impact your view.
5-Star Helicopter Tours has forward-facing seating with a 180-degree panoramic view, so you don’t miss any of the sites, regardless of the route or where you’re sitting.
Finally, keep weight limits in mind when booking your tour. Helicopters have maximum weight limits, which means tour companies have maximum weight limits for each passenger (usually about 300 lbs). It’s always a good idea to call ahead and discuss any questions or concerns you might have.
Pilot
Your pilot’s number one responsibility is to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable ride in the Las Vegas skies. That said, it doesn’t hurt to have a pilot who seems to truly enjoy their work and actively engages as a tour guide with their passengers.
Skyline Helicopter Tours gets rave reviews for their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Don’t feel shy about contacting the company and asking for the credentials of the professional who will be piloting your tour. Knowing you’re in good hands can put your mind at ease.
Something to keep in mind is how things have changed due to new hygienic standards as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, one customer said they were a little disappointed in the lack of engagement because the communications system was turned off due to additional sanitary safety measures.
Location of the Tour
Don’t make any assumptions about what areas of Vegas you’re going to see during your tour. All of these companies offer tours of the Strip which usually includes views of the Bellagio Fountains, Caesars Palace, the Luxor pyramid and beam, Venetian, Wynn, and historic downtown.
For instance, a standard tour of the Strip is going to be shorter and cost less than one that includes desert areas and Red Rock Canyon.
Plan on getting a spectacular view of Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street, along with a wide-lens view of the Vegas skyline.
Length of the Tour
The length of the tour is an important detail to know upfront. When talking about the length, we’re referring to the duration of time you’re up in the air. The standard Las Vegas tour length is 15 minutes. The short duration can be a little disappointing to those who don’t know this fact ahead of time. Trust that it will be one of the most incredible 15 minutes of your life.
You can also book longer tours but this comes with an increase in cost. Some tours include extras, like a romantic dinner or tickets to a special event as a mid-flight interlude. 702 Helicopters and Skyline Helicopter Tours both offer special packages that include these types of extras.
Transportation to the Tour
You should plan in advance for how you’re going to arrive and depart from your helicopter tour. Some companies, such as 5-Star Helicopter Tours offer luxury transportation both to and from the departure point. Other companies offer shuttle services as well, so always call ahead to see if this is available or part of your package.
Since shuttle services aren’t offered by everyone, you’ll want to know where to park if you’re responsible for your transportation. Special parking accommodations may be available for RV and other larger vehicles.
FAQS
How Much Does a Las Vegas Helicopter Tour Cost?
This depends on the length and type of tour but generally speaking, you should plan on paying anywhere from $100-$200 for a basic tour of the strip. Helicopter tour companies often offer discount package deals and you can almost always find a deal on Groupon.
Should You Reserve a Tour Far in Advance?
It’s always a good idea to reserve a tour as early as possible. However, if you think there might be changes to your plans, it’s best to wait until closer to the date so you don’t end up paying cancellation fees. Either way, plan on booking at least 48 hours ahead of time, or even earlier during peak tourist seasons.
Are Helicopter Tours Safe for Pregnant Women and Children?
The answer is both yes and yes. Helicopter tours are safe for pregnant women, however, if there are any concerns, it’s best to discuss this first with your doctor. Most helicopter companies have a lower age limit, usually around 2-3 years for children. You’ll want to know ahead of time if it’s ok for your child to sit on your lap or if they’re expected to ride in their own seat.
Bottom Line
When in Vegas, you want to make the most of the experience. Aerial Las Vegas Helicopter Tours are a VIP way of taking in the sights. Each company offers a little something different, so take your time and ask questions in finding the one that will provide you with the experience and adventure you’re looking for. The only thing that beats the Las Vegas skyline is viewing it from above. Check out these companies and make your reservations today.