Summer's over and the temps are cooling down, meaning now's the perfect time for air tours of the Grand Canyon. Sure, the number of visitors at the National Park slows down during autumn, but Grand Canyon airplane tours are popular throughout the year. That means you'll still need to book your flight in advance.
Tour planes fly on their regular schedules 365 days a year except for Christmas, when the number of flights are cut back. Flights depart from Tusayan, Arizona (the site of Grand Canyon National Park Airport, at the South Rim) and Las Vegas, Nevada. From there they fly to the South or the West Rim.
Tour Options
Vegas flights head to either rim, but no South Rim departures fly to the West. South Rim flights give you about 50 minutes of airtime in the South Rim area. It takes Vegas air tours about 30 minutes to arrive at Grand Canyon West and less than 60 to reach the South Rim.
There are two main types of Grand Canyon airplane tours: air-only (also called aerial) and landing. Aerial tours are offered at both Rims. The South Rim version covers the South and North Rims and everything up to the eastern boundary of the Park. Vegas flights soar over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead in addition to the canyon.
Landing flights depart only from Las Vegas (not from Tusayan). Typically, these flights land at Grand Canyon West Airport, where passengers deplane and have up to three hours for exploration. I recommend checking out Hualapai Ranch, Guano Point and Eagle Point for starters.
One of the most popular landing packages includes VIP access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the world's largest all-glass cantilevered bridge. Other popular options include a chopper flight to the canyon bottom and a smooth-water float trip down the Colorado (make sure you book this one at least a week ahead).
Booking
I strongly urge you to book any Grand Canyon airplane tour a minimum of one week in advance. All too often, travelers hit Vegas and then try to book a tour, but they can't because they're all sold out. If they do manage to find something, it's usually only a single ticket for one of the less-desirable flights.
You won't get a better deal by booking there, either. Actually, you'll pay more that way. The best rates, deals and discounts are on the Web, but they're only available for folks who book in advance. I always buy my tickets this way, and I usually save as much as 30% off retail!
Dress Appropriately for the Weather
Autumn mornings and evenings are cooler than summer, but that doesn't mean you should dress like an Eskimo. Try layering instead. That way you'll be able to take off a layer whenever you start feeling warm. Don't forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and hat - and bring some extra water.
Wrapping Up
This article is meant to help you choose the right tour, and I hope it helps. Your first decision is to decide which Rim you prefer. You'll be seeing the South Rim if you pick one of the Tusayan air tours, but Vegas-based travelers can head either to the South or the West Rim. All South Rim flights are air-only, but West Rim visitors can choose a landing or an aerial tour. Finally, remember to book well ahead (and do it on the Internet) so you get the best rate for the tour you want.
Travel editor Kelly Kirbee is an expert on Grand Canyon airplane tours. When it comes to getting great deals on these flights, she goes here: http://www.lasvegasgrandcanyonairplane.com/coupons.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Kirbee
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