Las Vegas helicopter tour: what to expect and what to bring
Before the flight
Most tours collect you from your Strip hotel by shuttle and bring you to a private helipad just south of the Boulevard. You check in, watch a short safety briefing, and step on a scale — operators weigh every passenger to balance the helicopter and assign seats, so wear something you do not mind being weighed in. Arrive a little early; the schedule runs tight around departures.
What to bring
- Photo ID — required to fly; a passport or driver’s licence.
- A light jacket or layer — the cabin can be cool and the canyon floor cooler than the Strip.
- Sunglasses — the desert glare is strong, especially by day.
- A camera or phone — with a strap or secure pocket; you do not want it loose by an open window.
- Closed-toe shoes — comfortable for the canyon-floor landing.
Wear dark, non-reflective colours if you want clean window photos. Bright clothing reflects in the curved glass and can spoil your shots of the Strip or the canyon.
During the flight
You will wear a headset to hear the pilot and, on many tours, a soundtrack. The helicopters have wide windows and most seats get a good view; on a landing tour the pilot points out Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the canyon as you go. The ride is generally smooth in the morning and can be bumpier in afternoon desert wind — if you are prone to motion sickness, book an early slot.
Book a Grand Canyon landing tour
Ready to fly? The Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour includes hotel pickup, the briefing, the flight and the canyon-floor champagne — everything handled from your hotel door and back.
Good to know
There are usually weight policies and a comfort surcharge for heavier passengers; check when booking. Leave large bags at the hotel, as cabin space is limited. Pregnant travellers and those with certain medical conditions should check with the operator first. See the full rundown of restrictions, rules & safety, or more planning in the complete guide.
Bucket list
Best value
Hoover Dam
Red RockFrequently asked questions
What should I bring on a Las Vegas helicopter tour?
Photo ID (required to fly), a light jacket or layer, sunglasses, a secured camera or phone and closed-toe shoes. Leave large bags at your hotel, as cabin space is limited.
Why do they weigh you before a helicopter tour?
To balance the helicopter and assign seats safely. Every passenger steps on a scale at check-in; some operators apply a comfort surcharge above a certain weight.
What should I wear on a Las Vegas helicopter tour?
Dress in layers — the cabin can be cool and the canyon floor cooler than the Strip. Dark, non-reflective colours photograph best through the curved windows.
Is hotel pickup included on a Las Vegas helicopter tour?
On most tours, yes — a shuttle collects you from your Strip hotel and returns you afterwards. Check your confirmation, as a few budget flights meet at the helipad.
Do Las Vegas helicopter tours make you feel sick?
Most flights are smooth, especially in the morning. Afternoon desert wind can make light helicopters bumpier, so if you are prone to motion sickness, book an early departure.