Grand Canyon Air Tours Flying High For Thanksgiving

LAS VEGAS - Nov. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday are a set of air tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas that will let travelers feast their eyes on the National Park at prices their wallets will like.

"It's winter time so helicopter and airplane tours to the canyon are priced to move," said Keith Kravitz, owner of Grand Canyon 123, the leading provider of National Park tour and travel information. "It's a unique situation where Thanksgiving travelers can fill their plate on savings."

Air tours refer to helicopter and airplane trips from Las Vegas, NV, and Tusayan, AZ. Travelers can choose a basic air-only flight or one that lands. "Aerial tours are the cheapest option," said Kravitz. "However, if the budget permits, consider a landing trip because it will give you a more comprehensive experience."

Only Las Vegas helicopters are permitted to fly below the edge and land at the bottom at the West Rim. Such flights are not allowed at the South Rim because of environmental and noise ordinances. "West Rim flights are very unique," said Kravitz. "Nowhere else in the entire National Park can you go to the base of the canyon."

Because the West Rim is the exception to the rule, there are more flight options from Las Vegas than at the South Rim. "In addition to helicopter landing tours," Kravitz added, "there's a terrific airplane flight that includes the Skywalk as an option. It's much cheaper than the heli and has gained a real following over the years."

South Rim air tours are limited in terms of selection but big on sights. "The National Park covers more than a million acres of wilderness," noted Kravitz. "That's daunting from a tourist's perspective, but take an air tour and nearly 75 percent of the park can be seen."

The cheapest South Rim helicopter ride is 30 minutes and goes from the South Rim to the North Rim and back. The longest, which averages about 50 minutes, covers twice as much ground. "Again, to do the Grand Canyon right, take the 50-minute flight," Kravitz advised. "This is especially true for travelers who've driven up from Sedona or Flagstaff and have only a day to do the Park."

Often, however, helicopter tours are sold out at both destinations -- a situation for which Kravitz has a solution: "Morning flights in particular are prone to selling out," he noted. "Should this be the case, always opt for the airplane tour. It covers just as much ground as the longer helicopter tours but is half the price."

The reason why helicopter tours are subject to availability issues is because the cabin can only seat six people. Airplanes by contrast can hold up to 19 adult passengers. "Groups of six or more people should consider the plane option only," Kravitz said. "This way the group flies together on one aircraft, which would not be the case if a helicopter trip is selected.

As noted, Thanksgiving has become popular as a time to travel. Thus, according to Kravitz, travelers need to consider booking their flights in advance. "Try to get your trip booked as earlier as possible," he said. "The trouble spot is when you try to purchase a trip 72 hours in advance."

For more information about Grand Canyon tours, please visit:

http://www.grandcanyon123.com