Could there possibly be anything more exhilarating than touring the Grand Canyon aboard a helicopter? It's an unforgettable experience! Time is of the essence in securing your seat aboard the aircraft with Spring Break 2014 just around the corner. Grand Canyon Helicopters is an all the rage destination for Spring Break and fill up quickly. Don't keep your feet stuck to the ground because you don't book your getaway today!

Two areas are utilized for Grand Canyon helicopter tours: West Rim departures are based out of the Vegas metro area, and South Rim tours leave from Tusayan, Arizona at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Because of the distances involved, Vegas flights don't visit the South Rim, and no Arizona flights go to the West Rim. Helicopter tours are not available between the West and South Rims.

Due to stringent FAA regulations South Rim Grand Canyon helicopters are unable to land, and do air-only tours. The closest land experience you can participate in with regards to South Rim is the added 4x4 sunset National Park tour.

South Rim

The two versions of air-only South Rim tours provide a 50 minute flight for a leisurely look, or a 30 minute short flight. Either one is terrific, especially if you book a tour that uses an EcoStar 130 chopper. On the short tour, a flight is made from the South Rim to the North Rim and back. It includes what I think is the coolest place in the whole National Park ? Dragoon Corridor, which is the widest, deepest part of the canyon.

If you are feeling adventurous, spring for the extended flight to fill your need. The extended tour also circles the South and North Rims, but adds the bonus of the East Rim so that you can experience Imperial Point, the Painted Desert, and Zuni Corridor.

You will be able to choose an air-only or a landing tour if you opt for the West Rim. Air-only tours are cheaper and give you a great taste of the West Rim's highlights.

Landing Trips

That being said, I suggest popping for one of landing tours if you can swing it. They give you a more comprehensive experience because you'll see the canyon from the air and from the ground. I also think they're a better value even though they cost more than air-only Grand Canyon helicopters.

The price of a landing tour includes the services of a professional guide, free Strip hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch and all Park fees. Additionally, landing tours offer a chance to add in a Colorado River rafting trip, a flight down to the Canyon base for a unique picnic, and/or Grand Canyon Skywalk passes.

With the extreme demand of Grand Canyon Spring Break tours, it is advisable to book one to two weeks in advance. That is the best way to make sure you get the date and flight time you want. Outrageous costs will await you if you try and schedule a same-day booking, so avoid them when possible.

In Summary

Make sure to book your tour online, because that's where the deals are. For the best pricing go directly to the tour companies and avoid third-party sites like Travelocity, Expedia, or Orbitz. Complete your entire purchase transaction on the tour company's website and you'll get a special online discount. I realized up to a 30% savings by booking directly with the tour company and so could you!