It was my and my gf's first time in a helicopter and I surprised her with this experience for our 3 year annivesary. She was ECSTATIC when we rolled up and saw all the planes (she initially thought I booked a jet...). Nonetheless the helicopter experience is even cooler than a jet cause you get the best views especially if you sit up in the front.
We waited about 15-20 minutes in the lobby after we called the tour guide to come get us. I believe our tour guide's name was Jeffrey (pilot from Hawaii) and he was attentive and efficient the entire time.
I initially thought the 15 minute experience would be too short but it's honestly perfect cause you start feeling a bit queezy after the 15 minutes. From start to finish (debriefing, safety measures, signing paperwork) it was about 40 minutes altogether.
Again, AMAZING time and would definitely recommend this for first timers to experience a one-in-a-lifetime view of Long Beach's bay.
(We also got to fly over the Grand Prix as it was happening which was insane).