For lots of travelers, aerial tours are the best way to see the Grand Canyon. Some people are pressed for time or don't want to be away from Vegas for more than a few hours. Others just want to see as much of the canyon as they possibly can. Still others just enjoy the magnificent birds-eye views from overhead. But no matter why people take Grand Canyon air tours, they're a great way to explore the region and they cover lots of ground.

Aerial Tours

You can take aerial tours of either main rim - the West Rim or the South. You can also choose between a helicopter and an airplane for your Grand Canyon air tour (you could also do both - how cool would that be?). Keep in mind, though, that because of the distances involved, chopper tours originating in Vegas fly only to the West Rim - the South Rim is beyond their range. Airplanes can fly farther than helicopters, so you can take a plane tour out of Vegas to either rim.

In my opinion, West Rim aerial tours are much better in the morning than in the afternoon - especially during the summer months. Most mornings, the air at the West Rim is smooth and crystal-clear. Besides getting incredibly hot in the summer (when temperatures at the West Rim regularly reach more than 100 degrees), haze, minor air turbulence and thunderstorms can develop almost every summer afternoon. They make early morning (before noon) Grand Canyon air tours at the West Rim your best bet, whether you go by plane or helicopter.

A morning aerial tour will give you better visibility and a flight that's much smoother than in the afternoon. It also won't get canceled or postponed because of those pesky summer afternoon thunderstorms. Of course, the haze that decreases visibility in the afternoon can also make sunset Grand Canyon air tours glorious: the particles in the air causing the haze also diffract the sunlight, producing gorgeous colors.

South Rim

Grand Canyon air tours of the South Rim by helicopter only fly out of Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona, not far from the Rim's main gates. It's a different story with South Rim plane tours because airplanes have a greater range. They fly out of Vegas and Grand Canyon Airport. Summer heat and haze aren't as much of a problem during South Rim aerial tours because the rim is at a much higher altitude.

The specific rim and type of aerial tour you choose will depend on your interests, starting point and budget. Planes can fly to either rim from Las Vegas and these aerial tours are quicker than helicopter flights. Helicopters departing from Vegas are limited to the West Rim unless you arrange your own transportation to Grand Canyon Airport. That means most Vegas-based travelers interested in Grand Canyon air tours by helicopter stick with West Rim tours.

The West Rim offers lots of excitement. Among other sights and experiences, that's where you'll find the fabulous Grand Canyon Skywalk, helicopter landing flights that take you down to the canyon floor, and smooth-water river rafting. South Rim aerial tours (either by chopper or by plane) aren't allowed to fly below the rim or land on the bottom, but most take you on an exhilarating flight through Dragoon Corridor - the canyon's deepest and widest section.

Clothing

What to wear really depends on what time of the year you decide to fly. As mentioned earlier, summers at the West Rim are especially hot. In this case, I'd pack a hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, sun block, ChapStick and a pair of sturdy running shoes (ladies, please don't show up in heels). South Rim during summer time is temperate because the destination elevation is 6,000 feet plus (believe it or not but nights are so mile that none of the cabins at Grand Canyon Village have A/C!). Regardless, I'd still bring along everything I just listed for the West Rim. And remember to bring water! The Arizona sun is hot and you need to stay hydrated.

Canyon winters can range from mild to extreme. I say prepare for something in the middle. The most effective way is to dress in layers. That way you can take off or add on clothing based on temperature and physical exertion. Further, I'd wear a hat/beanie, gloves, a medium-weight jacket, pants and a pair of shoes with good grip. It can and will snow at South Rim so monitor the situation via your hotel's front desk or online if like me you bring along an iPad or a laptop computer. Lastly, bring water. Even though it's cooler, you will work up thirst and in most cases the sun will be bearing down on you so stay hydrated.

Reserve your canyon air tours at least a week or two in advance. In fact, the further out you can book your tour, the better. I continuously receive email or get hit up in chat by travelers asking me if it's best to purchase their seats last minute or when they arrive at the destination. I strongly advise against that for several reasons. First, air tours are very popular and regularly sell out. Chances are strong that you won't get on the aircraft or you'll get a flight you don't want. Second, you'll pay more. Tour operators will in nearly all instances charge you a premium if you book within 24 hours of departure. It's a trick they picked up from the commercial airlines, and it's one that we as savvy travelers should accept as part of the game.

Deals

Getting a good deal is not dependent on how many sites you visit or how much time you spend online. In fact, it's the inverse. What I'm trying to say is that you that the great deals are right under our noses. Where, you ask? On the tour operator's website. I know it sounds counterintuitive but it's absolutely true. I now get helicopter or airplane tours for up to 35 percent off simply by visiting my favorite vendor. It's fast, simple and effective. I recommend that you do this as well if you are interested in cutting to the chase so your time can better be spent on other aspects of your trip (like haggling over room rates!).

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Make It a Grand Day!