Seeing the Grand canyon has been on our bucket list. 10 years ago, we would have tried to do the hike. We weighed the price for this trip, versus likely not getting back here anytime in the next 10 years and missing it. We went for it. It was worth it.
Accurate description online, and in trip advisor. Easy booking process online. Follow-up to confirm by phone was easy and quick. They send a shuttle for pickup. We were at the top of the strip, and were the first pickup, and last drop off. There were 2 more pickups before going to their departure location, south of the airport. Would have been much quicker shuttle ride if the last 2 to be picked up were not 15 min late. Don't be late. Shuttle ride back was 10 minutes quicker and we had 2 additional stops.
Their hub location is big enough to handle at least 75, maybe 100 people departure. Their staff inside was pleasant and efficient. Restrooms inside this building. Snack shop and souvenirs shop as well. They have couches and chairs to sit in while waiting. They call you by name (loudly) to come up and verify the booking, and assign you a group number. Our helicopter was an EC-130 now called an A-130. We had 6 passengers and a pilot.
Our pilot was Simon. He called our group number, and we all quickly met with him and we went right out to the departure pad to our waiting helicopter. Some brief instructions and a few pics and we were off.
You get a great appreciation for the topography going out and coming back; the mountain ranges and their incredible steep rise, as well as the expanse of the desert. Hoover Dam flyover was awesome, better than our road trip out to see it earlier in the week. As you approach the canyon, you also appreciate the immensity by air and Simon was good at adding to that knowledge.
The entire trip in the air was smooth, fun and visually great. The best part of the flight was the drop down into the canyon for landing. You follow the canyon, inside of it, as you make your way to their own specific landing zone, which is pretty deep in the canyon, maybe 800-1100 feet above the river. The approach is an incredible view, worth filming it, if possible, on your phone. Landing/lunch spot was pretty big. 4 copters were together in our landing zone. Plenty of space to walk and hike around for pics and views. Lunch was few small snacks and water and champagne, on picnic benches with umbrellas. Some really great views of up/down the canyon and the Colorado River. Recent snow and rains had made it brown.
The return trip has a fuel stop in it. Another 5 minutes to get out and walk around. You switch seats on the first leg of return trip, and also after refueling, so everyone gets a shot at the front 2 seats. May not always work that way depending on weights of passengers.
All take-offs and landings very smooth, and a very well informed pilot, 9+ years doing this. Simon was truly professional and pleasant and easy to talk with. We were very grateful. We had a great flight, safe flight, and got great video and pictures. Bucket list item checked off.
If your experience is as good as mine, its customary for gratuity. Think about it - 2 takeoffs and 2 landings, completely safe, and awesome visuals and commentary. Don't be cheap.