this was an amazing experience and i would not do an Alaska cruise without including this experience. the process was smooth and the pilots were awesome. we would definitely go back and do it again.
It is a great experience, however I would like others to know that this is a 45 min experience and not 2.5 hours. The flight is 15 mins each way and we spent MAYBE 15-20 mins on the glacier. So it was more like 45-50 mins. It is a 20 min drive to the airport each way and about a hour of standing around, getting fitted for their ice boots and watching their safety video. So in my opinion this is BY FAR the priciest flight I have ever taken for what I got.
I have flown over LA and the Grand Canyon and both times I was given a flight time that matched the time spent in the aircraft on the actual trip.
The most disappointing thing through was I brought my 2 sons, and it was their first flight. Our guide, Pete, lacked any knowledge of the area and had NO personality. He flew the helicopter and landed and talked to us briefly about a few things on top of the glacier, but had no technical knowledge. He didn't attempt to talk to us at all...it was awkward. So to break the ice I asked Pete if he ever sees whales and he responded by telling me he didn't care about the whales. I asked a second question and was told he would talk about the glacier when he landed. Other flights I have taken the pilots talk and point things out along the way... He did none of that and flat out told us he wasn't from the area and doesn't know it that well... He did offer to take pictures of the 6 of us which was nice.
This is one of those excursions that make your trip outstanding! Everyone one that took the helicopter to the Icefield walk said it was the highlight of their trip. I agree with other reviewers...a must do excursion.