One of the most common questions I get from travelers is, "Should I book my Grand Canyon helicopter tour in advance?" My answer is always a resounding "Yes." Over and above the fact that supply can't meet demand, there are also a number of other reasons:

• Sunrise and sunset flights are often over booked. Dawn and dusk are when the canyon is at it's best, and travelers who have done some research know this only too well. Additionally, cancellations are few and far between, particularly during the high season.

• Many travelers feel that morning flights are the best, and also that they offer the most amount of flexibility.

• The air is smoother in the a.m. and visibility is at its best. Canyon weather is fickle; if there's a re-scheduling, those at the top of the queue fly first.

• The tour helicopter can only take 6 passengers at a time.

• As a result, the number of seats available is limited. Further, these aircraft require a proper distribution of weight - a passenger weighing between 275 and 300 pounds may be required to purchase two seats.

• Days are shorter in fall and winter. This too has a direct impact on seat availability. With fall and winter being the low season, most of the operators reduce the number of daily flights being offered.

• Booking in advance is cheaper. Book online in advance and you will save a huge wad of cash compared to the retail/rack rate with which you'll get slammed IF you successfully purchase a same-day flight at the heliport.

My advice to book in advance applies, whether you depart from South Rim, or whether you depart from Vegas. For Vegas travelers, helicopter tours only visit the West Rim and the Las Vegas Strip. If you also want to do the South Rim, you'll have to book a short 45 minute plane flight, after which you'll be transferred to the helicopter.

West Rim tours include:

1. Dropping down to the base. Descend 4,000 feet to the base. Deplane and explore the ancient floor. Complementary champagne will be provided. Feel free to upgrade if you would like to experience a wonderful trip on the water.

2. Grand Canyon Skywalk Land at Grand Canyon West. Access the "glass bridge," a miraculous structure that hangs 70 feet over the edge and suspends you 4,000 above the Colorado River.

3. Standard air tour. Fly over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, a Joshua Tree forest, and the Mojave Desert. U-turn over the West Rim. Upgrade to include a Las Vegas Strip flyover.

If you book a South Rim flight you'll head out over the Kaibab Plateau and into the Dragoon Corridor, before turning back as you fly over the North Rim. If you want to ultimate experience, upgrade to an EcoStar 130.

Grand Canyon helicopter tours are popular with Vegas visitors as well as Arizona visitors. If this is the type of adventure that appeals to you, make sure you book your ticket in advance. Remember sunrise and sunset seat sell out quickly. The great thing is getting to the front of the line has never been easier. Just log on to the Internet and RSVP. Once you've done that, experience the magic of the Grand Canyon the way it should be experienced. From the safety of a helicopter!