Helicopter rides

Hi all

Does anyone know how much it costs to do a helicopter ride down the strip at night and where the best place to book it?

Again thanks for any help

Chris

 

Chris, I just did this a few weeks ago. The prices will range from about $75pp to $125pp + approx $30 per couple in airport charges or whatever bullshit fees. The higher priced options will include transportation to/from the airstrip. You can search online and find coupons/deals for most of the companies.

I did a lot of research beforehand, read reviews etc, and went with 702 Helicopters and I strongly recommend them. Larger companies like Maverick and Papillon use larger helicopters (6-seaters) and their domes offer a poorer field of vision. 702 used a smaller 3-seater helicopter with a great, almost all-glass dome. If you're traveling as a couple with the 3-seater helicopter you're almost guaranteed to have it to yourself (and the pilot of course). In the 6-seaters you'd have to pay up to reserve the entire helicopter, otherwise you may be stuck in middle seats.

The smaller helicopter is simply more fun too. I've flown on large helicopters for work (larger than any of these) and it was no big deal, but flying on that little helicopter was a blast. You really feel it and you practically feel like you're in the pilots seat.

I paid about $150 I think + $30 in bullshit fees + $20 tip to the pilot, it was a little cheaper than places like Maverick because it didn't include transportation. Which was fine because we had a car. It did include tickets for a show but we didn't even bother taking those. Don't buy into the champagne toast and stuff some other companies offer. I read a lot of reviews and its basically some shitty warm champagne served to you in their waiting area at the terminal.

The other benefit is 702 launches off from the North Vegas Airfield which is much farther away than where Maverick takes off from near the strip. This gives you a much longer flight. We had a flight that was over 15 minutes, Maverick et. al. give you 7-10 minutes. The flight included the strip in 2 directions, a close flyby of the Stratosphere , downtown, and parts of off-strip Vegas and casinos. The airfield wasn't a far drive, maybe 20 minutes from mid-strip. The guy who runs the place is an owner operator I believe so if you want you can probably work with him, he was very chill.

Edited to add: By the way they were very chill about the timings. I must have changed the reservation 3 or 4 times and they didn't mind at all. We flew right around twilight, about 30 mins after sunset. It was actually a perfect time because its dark but you are catching the last bits of sunlight gleaming off buildings.

 

Thats a great answer thanks, i am tempted by the one you recommend, the only trouble i was looking to get picked up at hotel, does this rule that one out?

 

It might rule it out but ask them if they have any service you can pay for to provide transportation. Or just price it out yourself via taxi or private town car, it may still be worth it. Where are you staying? They are northwest of the strip.

The only reason I can see for guys like Maverick being able to charge more (besides the heavy marketing) is that they are near the strip and provide transportation, something most people need so it makes things easy.

 

Thank you so much for this

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I was wondering if anyone has done the grand canyon + strip tour. Its pretty steep like $400+ per person, was wondering if it was worth it

 

Was wondering the same and if any company particularly stand out?

 

Maverick is the ONLY name ya need to know.

 

I have only flew with Maverick when me and my wife did the Grand Canyon trip where you land in the canyon, have to say it was a great experience, we were picked up from the hotel and we flew from Henderson.
It cost about $350 each but that was in 2010 so I would think the price has gone up a bit since then.

 

travelzoo have it on offer now for €69each!wink2:

 

I've posted this before but will do so again. As a Helicopter pilot, I trained in all areas of the country. The vegas strip is absolutely one of the coolest places to fly, I have done in countless times.

However, you do not need to go with one of these Maverick type operators. There are a few flight schools/tour operators out of North Las Vegas airport that are much more cost effective. You can charter an r44 Robinson for about $400 bucks an hour, the lowest rate I have found anywhere. It will hold 3 passengers in addition to the pilot. Being you'd have more flight time , you can fly into the canyons at sunset and then onto the strip as it gets dark.

Also, you can take the doors off!!