How do you make a Las Vegas trip even more interesting? How about joining a Grand Canyon air tour to the West Rim? These flights are fun and fast and offer a host of upgrades that appeal to travelers of all ages and interests.

Tours begin with the classic air tour and go up from there to include tickets to the Skywalk Grand Canyon, a helicopter ride to the base of the canyon, a smooth-water float trip on the Colorado River, or a perfunctory stop at Hoover Dam. Here's a closer look at these West Rim airplane tours:

Air Tour

The fastest way to enjoy the canyon. Flies over the West Rim. Below, you'll see such sights as Guano Point, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Eagle Point, the river, and the Hualapai Indian village. This flight is great for group charters.

Skywalk Grand Canyon

Cruise to the West Rim and land at the local airstrip. Get your VIP Skywalk tickets from the pilot. This structure will take you 70 feet past the edge and suspend you 4,000 above the Colorado River. Explore the top of the rim and the authentic Hualapai Indian Village.

Chopper/Pontoon Boat Ride

Starts with a 4,000-foot helicopter descent to the bottom of the canyon. Enjoy a Champagne toast. Explore the ancient canyon floor. Option includes thrilling boat ride down the famous Colorado River.

Historic Hoover Dam

This is the classic air trip with an exterior and interior tour of iconic Hoover Dam. Spectacular views of the new Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge. Objects of interest include bronze sculpture from the 1930's. There's a bronze astrological chart from the same period as well.

Airplane tours include free shuttle pick up and drop off at all major Las Vegas hotels. Flights with Skywalk, helicopter, boat, and Hoover Dam add-ons come with lunch and professional pilot-guides. Prices start at $105.

Flights are done using the famous Vistaliner. These airplanes, which can seat up to 17 passengers, are custom-built for sightseeing and feature over-sized windows, plush seats, large cabins, and an aerodynamic design that results in exceptionally smooth flights.

It takes an airplane 25 minutes to go from Las Vegas to the West Rim. En route, you will see Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, a 700-year-old Joshua Tree forest, the Mojave Desert, and the Grand Cliffs Wash. In my opinion, these sights are an incredible bonus and makes the price of these air tours that much more of a deal.

To get the best deal, book your trip on-line. Tour operators offer the most generous discounts, some up to 35% off! Buying online is secure and safe. I book all my travel by doing this and have never had any issues. Be sure you print out your trip confirmation and/or voucher prior to arriving in Vegas. Also, book your flight at least one to two weeks in advance.

Canyon airplane tours to the West Rim are a great way to experience this incredible natural wonder. Flights can be customized to include a helicopter tour to the bottom, a float trip down the Colorado River, a walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, or an interior/exterior Hoover Dam tour. To get the best deal, book online. Then tuck that confirmation email into your luggage and get ready to fly your way into the heart of the this Seventh Natural Wonder of the World.