Which helicopter tour company?

In Vegas in two weeks time. The missus (and me) fancy one of them helicopter tour things over the Grand Canyon. Hotel pickup would be handy, but good views and an enthusiastic pilot are essential!

Any recommendations?

Also, should I book online now, or wait until arrival?

Cheers!

[HighFlyer]

I have always used Papillion, as i believe have many other V-Flyers.

Good company, decent rates and very professional in my opinion. I have used them for a couple of heli trips and a tour of the Hoover Dam. They also di rafting tours around Lake Mead and on the Colorado River [y]

Thanks,
Sarah

Looks good, ta!

Mmm... now a choice about what kind of tour.. which rim.. oh dear..!

[preiffer]

Yes, Papillon are by far the best I've used. Scenic Airlines, on the other hand, were one of the worst companies (and "products") I've ever come into contact with - buyer beware.

We used Papillon a couple of weeks ago, we were a little rushed in the canyon (think we only got 20 mins on the deck) due to a late take off cos the helicopter was not fully fuelled so we had to wait as it was topped up!

Have also used Papillon with no complaints.

read the fine print what ever company you go with. I have been reserching this for little while and cant find the tour I like. many of the "heleicopter" tours from Vegas include a stint by plane or even coach. in some cases the helicotop is being used as an elevtor to gey you from rim to river and back and no evidense of a tour. The helecopter only tour don't seem to gim you any time at the rim to enjoiy the views.

I ideally would like helicopter from Vegas to rim. A couple of hours at rim to sight see. Helicopter down to river, tour of canyon and back to vegas. If any one has been on such a trip I'd love to know.

Originally posted by DWiles
read the fine print what ever company you go with. I have been reserching this for little while and cant find the tour I like. many of the "heleicopter" tours from Vegas include a stint by plane or even coach. in some cases the helicotop is being used as an elevtor to gey you from rim to river and back and no evidense of a tour. The helecopter only tour don't seem to gim you any time at the rim to enjoiy the views.

I ideally would like helicopter from Vegas to rim. A couple of hours at rim to sight see. Helicopter down to river, tour of canyon and back to vegas. If any one has been on such a trip I'd love to know.

Not been with Maverick but is more like it? I've heard Maverick are very good too.

http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/indianterr.html

[mitchja]

I always use HeliUSA. Always been spot on. Worth pointing out that there are pictures of SRB doing some promos with them in their waiting area. Must be OK if SRB has worked with them.

Regards

We used papillon last year and they really messed up with the bookings... twice!!!

However they definitely made up for the muck up - v good. Happy to explain by PM.

I hear Maverick are also good.

Originally posted by oxmatt
We used papillon last year and they really messed up with the bookings... twice!!!

However they definitely made up for the muck up - v good. Happy to explain by PM.

I hear Maverick are also good.

Totally messed up for us this year so would never use them again [:(!] PM me if you want to know the ins and outs of a very stressful visit to the GC.

Claire

We used Papillon when we stayed at the Canyon in 2005 and they were really good.

However, we used Maverick this year from Vegas to fly to and get married in the Canyon and they were awesome! Wasn't half as crowed as Pappilon and the people there were great, plus the helicopters were more comfortable and got a better view. I would give them a try.

Thanks for all the answers and advice - I must say, Maverick are starting to look like the choice for me.. [y]

Will report back afterwards!

Have just come back this morning from a trip to the canyon with Sundance -proper limo pickupand return (which arrived when it said it was going to) and all in all excellent value for money (picnic included also).Still pretty busy here in Vegas with all the operators so if you're limited to a particular day/time in mind to go I'd suggest you make your reservations soon (particularly if wanting to go at the weekend).
Julie

I too did a Grand Canyon trip on the 9th November, surprised I dod not see you Julie(LOL). I went with Papillon. Despite an early start, we were picked up on time and the flight and views were excellent. Would recomend. The price seemed reasonable too compared to the other companies.

I 2nd Julie's comments about booking in advance if you are date specific.

WOW!

Went with Maverick and had an awesome time yesterday. 1.30pm pickup from the hotel, and the short transfer to their office on the west side of mccarran airfield. A pleasant 'check-in' and flight briefing, and off we went in a roomy, comfy helicopter.. on a beautiful sunny day in Las Vegas.

The flight headed out over hoover dam, lake mead, etc, and then on to the Canyon. A flight over, around and in the canyon, before landing in a deep section near the river.. 30 minutes on the ground with champagne, snacks, etc, before we took off again.

Then we flew north/north-west over some more stunning scenery, and landed again at a re-fuelling station. The time now was around 4.30, so the sun was setting as we flew back to Vegas. We came into Vegas from the north, over downtown.. the sky now dark, and the lights of Vegas absolutely stunning. We then flew southwards down the strip giving a lovely view of the city, including the Bellagio fountains in full swing as we passed overhead! Then a smooth landing, and driven back to the hotel by 6pm.

The company was superb - the pilot excellent (good fun and knowledgeable too.) The experience was tremendous, with the views just indescribable. The helicopter records a high-quality video feed from a front mounted camera, so we've ordered the DVD.

A massive [y] for the company/experience, and huge for whole day. Pricey, but worth every dollar.. no question.

Originally posted by FV75
I too did a Grand Canyon trip on the 9th November, surprised I dod not see you Julie(LOL). I went with Papillon. Despite an early start, we were picked up on time and the flight and views were excellent. Would recomend. The price seemed reasonable too compared to the other companies.

I 2nd Julie's comments about booking in advance if you are date specific.

Shame to have missed you!! You'd have spotted me at 100 yards -I'm the one breathing fire.....[}:)] See you're off to Orlando In Jan too!!:D:D

Mavereck are the best by far

Maverick are by far the best - not the cheapest but quality and great choppers
Look out for ofers you can save a packet

Well I've nothing to compare them too, but I can't see how my experience with them could have been any better...

Didn't see any offers before we booked, but when we phoned, we were quoted about 10% under website prices.