Vegas Helicopter tours
Discussion
Ian_S said:
http://www.papillon.com/popris/show_categories.asp...
We used these and did the sunset tour landing in the canyon then back over the strip at night.
we used these but for the breakfast tour, landed in the canyon for a champagne breakfast lovely.We used these and did the sunset tour landing in the canyon then back over the strip at night.
would defo recommend them
telecat said:
The tour we did was with Maverick Helicopters. The only one that picked up from the Strip and flew from McCarran Field which is the Airport on the Strip. The others needed a Coach to airports closed to the Canyon. Maverick are the BIGGEST user of Eurocopter EC130's which is what we flew in.
+ 1 here 
Think you will find that there are two or three that use McCarren...not sure on who else Papillion does come to mind - much like the coach tour people in OZ ATT Kings/etc etc all code share
Oh and look out for the Ventians fleet of jets for the $10m + high rollers
Edited by bigburd on Wednesday 25th March 18:42
We did the Vegas at night trip with Maverick, and saved time & money by making our own way to the airport (just a couple of miles down the strip from our hotel).
Then, a couple of days later (when we were staying in Grand Canyon Village) we did The Grand Kingdom Tour with Grand Canyon Helicopters (now owned by Papillon). This is 45 minute trip around the most scenic part of the canyon (not covered by the Vegas trips, I think).
Whatever you do, make sure you'll be using the EC-130. It's smoother, quieter & faster than the Bell helos that many operators still use, and all the seats face forwards.
After reading up on the Skywalk, we gave it a miss. There are too many stories about damage to hire cars caused by the very long & very rough road that leads to the parking area, and too many tales of people that have been disappointed by the money-grabbing attitude of the native Americans that run the place.
Then, a couple of days later (when we were staying in Grand Canyon Village) we did The Grand Kingdom Tour with Grand Canyon Helicopters (now owned by Papillon). This is 45 minute trip around the most scenic part of the canyon (not covered by the Vegas trips, I think).
Whatever you do, make sure you'll be using the EC-130. It's smoother, quieter & faster than the Bell helos that many operators still use, and all the seats face forwards.
After reading up on the Skywalk, we gave it a miss. There are too many stories about damage to hire cars caused by the very long & very rough road that leads to the parking area, and too many tales of people that have been disappointed by the money-grabbing attitude of the native Americans that run the place.
We went with Sundance Helicopters, the burgundy choppers in the first reply, expensive at about $400 if I recall correctly but worth every penny. We even took off with the theme tune to Top Gun playing through the headphones!!
It is also worth noting that despite costing $400 a piece the pilot expected a tip. He approached us to ask if we'd enjoyed the trip 3 times before my mate to him to get bent.
It was only as we were walking back out that I noticed the sign saying that pilots appreciate gratuities. We tipped the Limo driver instead as he was a great bloke and a great source useful information/entertainment....
It is also worth noting that despite costing $400 a piece the pilot expected a tip. He approached us to ask if we'd enjoyed the trip 3 times before my mate to him to get bent.
It was only as we were walking back out that I noticed the sign saying that pilots appreciate gratuities. We tipped the Limo driver instead as he was a great bloke and a great source useful information/entertainment....
bigburd said:
Nickyboy said:
said:
The minimum price to access the Skywalk is $70-80 per person, including children
Fook that especially as it isnt actually over the Grand Canyon itselfAccording to reviews you drive 20odd mile up a bumpy track to a car park where you have to pay $20-$30 to park then a $30 bus ride (4 mins) to the skywalk where you then have to pay another $30 to actually go on it. You're not allowed any cameras etc and there is no safe place to leave them. You can of course have you pic taken for a minimum of $30 going up to around $100 for 3 pics.
By reading the reviews its a complete scam and nothing more.
Nickyboy said:
bigburd said:
Nickyboy said:
said:
The minimum price to access the Skywalk is $70-80 per person, including children
Fook that especially as it isnt actually over the Grand Canyon itselfAccording to reviews you drive 20odd mile up a bumpy track to a car park where you have to pay $20-$30 to park then a $30 bus ride (4 mins) to the skywalk where you then have to pay another $30 to actually go on it. You're not allowed any cameras etc and there is no safe place to leave them. You can of course have you pic taken for a minimum of $30 going up to around $100 for 3 pics.
By reading the reviews its a complete scam and nothing more.
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