Although they're not the least expensive way to see the Grand Canyon National Park, helicopter tours do offer the best views. Because of the cost, it's important to choose an operator with a friendly cancellation policy. This will protect you in the case that your plans change.
You might be surprised at how lax most travelers are when it comes to checking terms and conditions of tours that they've booked. When a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon can cost $300 per head, this is particularly unsettling. Sure, reading terms and conditions isn't exactly the most exhilarating way to spend your time, but doing so is hugely important.
If you're thinking about booking a tour, make sure that you look out for information around 48-hour cancellation notices. Some operators will allow a 100% refund when you to pull out of your tour two days before the departure date.
Planning for the unexpected by checking terms and conditions could prevent you from losing the money that you've already put down for your ticket.
Beware Same Day Bookings
Anyone familiar with my guides to booking air tours to the Grand Canyon will know that I recommend bookings are made at least two weeks prior to the day you plan to fly. The best idea is to book your flights as soon as you've confirmed your hotel reservations. This will prevent you from being tempted to make a same day booking.
The reason that I'm against same day bookings, is that these last minute bookings come with no protection. If anything unexpected happens, if you wake up late, or even if you can't catch your ride on time, you'll be left $300 (or more) out of pocket, with no recourse available. So while you can probably understand why the tour operators can't refund in these situations, considering they kept a seat available for you, it's much better just to avoid same day bookings altogether.
Cancellations due to No-Fly Weather
It's not often that the southwest experiences extreme weather that would prevent flights, but it is still a remote possibility. Don't be concerned if your flight is cancelled due to weather, because all operators will offer you a full refund, or an option to reschedule if you can fit it in to your trip.
Book Early with Confidence
If you play things smart, you will find helicopter tour cancellation policies to be more than reasonable. When you think about how easily these tours sell out, it makes sense to book early, and it also explains why operators can't refund you on a last minute booking.
Remember that if you want to secure your seats, book well in advance. This is especially important if you're travelling with a group.
When you book air flights leaving from Vegas you will be able to choose from both air and landing tours. These flights will take you over famous landmarks like the colossal Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
If you're departing from the South Rim in Arizona, the tours available are air-only. The lack of landing tours at the South Rim is due to rules set by the FAA and the National Parks Service. Despite this, one of my favorite tours sets out from the South Rim. It's a 50 minute helicopter ride that takes you over almost 75% of the Grand Canyon National Park. You can take a 60 minute plane flight directly from Vegas to Arizona
Summary
Whether you choose to take a landing flight from Vegas, or a 50 minute tour from the South Rim, a Grand Canyon air tour is something you won't forget. Remember that cancellation policies can usually work out in your favor, as long as you're booking in advance. Steer clear of same day bookings, and if you need to cancel your advance booking, make sure you do so 48 hours before takeoff to claim your full refund. Also keep in mind that you'll never lose money in the event your tour is cancelled or postponed due to weather.
See you at the Canyon!
Martin Wynn
