Tour companies who specialize in aerial guides operate airplane tours. Some companies only operate small airplanes specially designed for touring, while other companies also offer helicopter, bus or combination tours. Airplane tour companies offer tours that vary in size, route and price. Most airplane tour companies also offer special charter services and customizable routes for individuals or private parties who wish to have a more exclusive, personalized experience.
Lasting anywhere from fifteen minutes to an entire day, Grand Canyon airplane tours are a great way to explore new terrain from thousands of feet in the air. Airplanes designed for tours are smaller than commercial aircraft, and they can sit anywhere from two to twenty people. Great for large families and groups, an airplane tour can be one of the most memorable experiences on a vacation or office retreat.
Advantages of Grand Canyon Airplane Tours
- Aerial tours are ideal if you have little time for sightseeing- you can view a week’s worth of sights in an afternoon by plane.
- Even if you’re not a professional photographer, you will appreciate the unique photo opportunities that an airplane tour provides.
- If you’re traveling alone, an airplane tour gives you the ability to meet new friends with similar interests.
- When considering family vacations, an airplane tour is an exciting excursion that everyone in the family will enjoy- and remember.
- Because airplanes take less gas than helicopters, airplane tours can be more economical than helicopter tours.
Disadvantages of Airplane Tours
- Although you gain a unique topographical perspective of the area by plane, it’s hard to get a good sense of the region without being on ground.
- If you are traveling alone, you never know who will be sitting next to you- from an amiable businessman to a sobbing toddler; it’s really the luck of the draw.
- Some smaller tour planes do not have bathrooms, which can definitely be a consideration for longer flights.
- Airplane tours are not for the faint of heart, or for the faint-of-stomach: strong winds can make a little plane shake more than larger aircraft, which can intimidate passengers who are not accustomed to flying.
Who Should Fly and Who Should Stay Grounded
Individuals who suffer from motion sickness should not take an airplane tour- for their own comfort and that of the other passengers. People who have a deep fear of flying should probably opt for a bus tour. Women who are more than thirty-five weeks pregnant should not fly in airplanes, and those with cardiovascular or heart problems should avoid air travel. While babies and small children can travel in planes, a small tour plane can be challenging for scared toddlers and crying babies- not just for the little ones, but also for the other passengers onboard.
People who enjoy extreme sports and high-energy, challenging situations will enjoy the dramatic heights that aerial sightseeing can provide. An air tour can be a valuable bonding experience for couples and families, and individuals who are traveling alone can connect with other likeminded adventurers.
