Savvy travelers know that taking a Las Vegas airplane tour to the Grand Canyon Skywalk is the quickest, most "jet-set" way to experience this incredible landmark.

Flights leave the Las Vegas area and make the 120-mile trip in 20 minutes. There are two types of tours. Air-only tours fly spectacularly over the canyon and the "glass bridge" and head back for Vegas. The other lands at Grand Canyon west, whereupon you deplane and enter the Skywalk.

Both flights include free shuttle service from all major Las Vegas Strip hotels. Landing tours include VIP Skywalk tickets, a professionally guided rim-top tour, and a barbecue lunch prepared by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. From start to finish, these air tours are less than half a day - perfect for travelers who want a quick West Rim day trip.

The fantastic thing about these flights is that they use the incredibly popular Vistaliner airplane. These large, spacious aircraft seat up to 19 people, and its aerodynamic design makes for a silky smooth ride. The "V-Liner" is climate-controlled and is outfitted with comfortable seats (lots of leg room, too!), large windows, and wings affixed to the top of the aircraft for unobstructed views.

These flights are highly regulated and safe. . Grand Canyon airspace is strictly controlled by tight FAA guidelines. Each flight is manned by two FAA-certifed pilots. Further, the Administration requires that all canyon air tours adhere to the same tough standards that charter air transportation flights must follow.

As you fly to the Grand Canyon, you'll pass Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States, historic Hoover Dam, the fabulous Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, an ancient Joshua Tree forest, and the surreal Grand Cliffs Wash. In my opinion, these "bonus" sights make these airplane tours an irresistibly good deal.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk, located on 9,000-acres of Hualapai Indian tribal lands, is a spectacular piece of modern engineering. The cantilevered structure extends 70 feet past the edge of the canyon and suspends visitors 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The deck is comprised of 46 glass panels that cost $250,000 each. Cameras and other personal electronics are banned because if dropped they can chip the glass. The Skywalk is designed to hold up to 800 people at once. Maximum occupancy, however, is 120 people.

Smart travelers know that the best price on Grand Canyon Skywalk airplane deals is on the Internet. I personally have purchased these air tours at up to 35 percent off retail. My most recent price hunt found the air-only package as low as $105 per person and the deluxe Skywalk package at $205. Prices change depending on peak travel seasons. However, if you book in advance, which I highly recommend, you can lock in very low rates.

Canyon air tours from Las Vegas to the Skywalk are a wonderful way to experience this marvel of Modern Day engineering. Their also loaded with value, get you to the West Rim quickly, and are done aboard an aircraft that's been customized from nose to tail for sightseeing. These tours take anywhere from four to six hours to complete and come with everything that's required to enjoy the Grand Canyon. If you are looking for an extraordinary canyon trip, hop a plane. Savvy Vegas travelers swear by it.