There are a host of excellent airplane tours that go from Las Vegas to the South Rim. These trips are generally cheaper than helicopter flights and get you to and from the canyon in record time. Let's take a look at what's available...

Grand Canyon Airplane Tours From Las Vegas

Canyon air tours fly daily to the West Rim and the South Rim. Flight time is 25 minutes and 45 minutes to the West Rim and South Rim, respectively. Choose the West Rim for landing tours. Jet to the South Rim for extended airtime and scenery. Here's a rim-by-rim breakdown...

West Rim Air Tours

The rim is just outside the National Park's boundaries. It's managed by the Hualapai Indian Tribe and is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. All flight plans includes Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Here are this destination's best flights:

1. Air only. Exciting flight over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the canyon. Great for travelers with limited time.
2. Landing tour with helicopter and boat. The king of airplane tours. Land at rim. Descend 4,000 feet to the bottom in a helicopter. Enjoy Champagne at the base. Take smooth-water float ride on Colorado River.
3. Landing tour with Skywalk. Get VIP access to glass walkway, the bridge that lets you walk 70 feet past the edge and suspends you 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

South Rim Air Tours

This rim is in the National Park. It's characterized by incredible scenery and views. Most pictures you've see of the canyon were shot here. The South Rim is 277 miles east of Vegas. Airplanes cover the distance in a snap. Here are this rim's top tours:

The rim is just outside the National Park's boundaries. It's managed by the Hualapai Indian Tribe and is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. All flight plans includes Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Here are this destination's best flights:

1. South Rim airplane and bus. Fly to Grand Canyon Airport. Transfer to luxury bus. Go inside National Park. Experience the best lookout points. Visit Grand Canyon Village (great for food, souvenirs, and museums).
2. South Rim airplane, helicopter, and bus. Same as standard tour but comes with thrilling rim-to-rim helicopter flight. Transfer to bus and rejoin group for sightseeing in the Park.

Grand Canyon Planes

Tour aircraft were built specifically for sightseeing. They are aerodynamically designed for the smoothest flight possible and include oversized viewing windows and wings fixed to the top so you can see everything below. Cabins are large and comfortable. Seats are plush. Planes are crewed by two FAA-certified pilots and can hold up to 19 people.

All-Inclusive Tours

Flights come with:

• Box lunch
• Professional pilot-guide
• Professional driver-guide (combo tours only)

Plane trips leave in the morning. West Rim air-only tours depart throughout the day. I recommend taking a morning flight for best visibility and smooth air.

If you are booking a landing tour, don't forget to pack:

• Sun block (SPF 50)
• Hat
• ChapStick
• Water
• Long-sleeved shirt (light weight)
• Camera & extra batteries
• Running shoes

Airplane Rides: Getting a Good Deal

It's so simple a "caveman" can do it ;-) Follow these two steps to savings:

1. Book in advance. High season runs from March through November. Seats sell out fast. I recommend reserving your place at least a week in advance. People who try same-day bookings end up watching their fellow travelers take off from the tarmac.
2. Buy online. If you have Internet access, use it. The Savings are unreal. Stay away from steet-side vendors and hotel concierges. Their tours come with hefty mark-ups. Remember to print out and pack your confirmation email.

Plane trips leave in the morning. West Rim air-only tours depart throughout the day. I recommend taking a morning flight for best visibility and smooth air.

Fly the Friendly Skies

Grand Canyon airplane tours from Las Vegas are fun, comfortable way to visit the Grand Canyon. Choose between the West Rim and the South Rim. You can't go wrong. Just know that the West Rim is where you can do landing tours that include helicopter descents, boat rides, and the Skywalk. For you folks that want to see the real deal, the South Rim's got your name on it.

Have a GRAND Day!