Great Coupons - Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tours
Need Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter promo codes or coupons? Surprisingly, the companies that operate the tours have the best ones. Some up to 35 % off! Here's how you find them and secure that discount price.
The key to getting the best deal is to understand the very odd relationship between tour operators and the middlemen who represent them.
Examples of middlemen include travel specialists, hotel concierges, and locally based ticket re-sellers. Tour operators contract these folks in order to get their products in front of more people.
The agreement is straightforward: Brokers get tours at wholesale prices and have to sell them at a suggested retail price. In actuality, the broker is free to sell the ticket at the highest price he can get as long as he doesn't go below retail.
Brokers are also free to market tours as they see fit. Instances of this include:
1. Packing the tour with other promotional offers like food, timeshares, and entertainment.
2. Promising special seating (impossible - helicopter seating depends upon weight).
3. Persuading you to purchase a more expensive tour (means more commission).
4. Add their own service and handling fees.
How do you avoid these pitfalls? Purchase your tour direct from the tour company, which has a real financial stake in making sure you are happy with your flight.
Papillon Helicopters is an excellent example of a tour operator. It is recognized as the largest Grand Canyon sightseeing company on the planet. It is also renowned as offering the highest-quality tours at the lowest price. Here's proof from their website:
1. The North Canyon. Classic South Rim trip. Departs from Grand Canyon Airport, and flies over the canyon to the North Rim and back. Retails for $169. Sells online for $133.
2. The Majestic. Upgrade version of the North Canyon Tour, but conducted aboard a luxury EcoStar 130, which features stadium-style seating, panorama windows, and quiet-flight technology. Lists for $191. Web promotional price is $158.
3. Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. There are no direct helicopter flights from Las Vegas to the South Rim. You've got to board a fixed-wing airplane and take a 45-minute flight to the South Rim. Retails for $458. Sells online for $360.
4. The South Rim bus with helicopter tour. Limited to Las Vegas travelers. Bus leaves in the morning and arrives at South Rim before lunch. Lists for $289. Web promotional price is $190.
I've researched the Internet and to date have yet to find a broker that can beat Papillon's prices. Same for Maverick and Sundance, Papillon's main competition. The key thing I learned is that tour operators want your business, and, if you buy direct from them, they'll reward you with huge price cuts.
As you consider which tour is best for you, here are a few things about South Rim helicopter tours you should know:
- Departures leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, located just south of the National Park's main gates.
- Tours run year round including holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- Take a morning flight. Gives you time to reschedule due to weather. It's also when you get the best visibility.
- All South Rim tours take off from the South Rim/Kaibab National Forest and head straight to the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the canyon, before returning.
- Flights last around 30 minutes.
- Private charters are available
By reading this far, I can assure you that you know how to find the best promotions on South Rim helicopter flights.
And remember: Buy direct from the tour operator and book it online. Let these basic steps guide you and you'll get a quality helicopter tour at a ridiculously low price.
The key to getting the best deal is to understand the very odd relationship between tour operators and the middlemen who represent them.
Examples of middlemen include travel specialists, hotel concierges, and locally based ticket re-sellers. Tour operators contract these folks in order to get their products in front of more people.
The agreement is straightforward: Brokers get tours at wholesale prices and have to sell them at a suggested retail price. In actuality, the broker is free to sell the ticket at the highest price he can get as long as he doesn't go below retail.
Brokers are also free to market tours as they see fit. Instances of this include:
1. Packing the tour with other promotional offers like food, timeshares, and entertainment.
2. Promising special seating (impossible - helicopter seating depends upon weight).
3. Persuading you to purchase a more expensive tour (means more commission).
4. Add their own service and handling fees.
How do you avoid these pitfalls? Purchase your tour direct from the tour company, which has a real financial stake in making sure you are happy with your flight.
Papillon Helicopters is an excellent example of a tour operator. It is recognized as the largest Grand Canyon sightseeing company on the planet. It is also renowned as offering the highest-quality tours at the lowest price. Here's proof from their website:
1. The North Canyon. Classic South Rim trip. Departs from Grand Canyon Airport, and flies over the canyon to the North Rim and back. Retails for $169. Sells online for $133.
2. The Majestic. Upgrade version of the North Canyon Tour, but conducted aboard a luxury EcoStar 130, which features stadium-style seating, panorama windows, and quiet-flight technology. Lists for $191. Web promotional price is $158.
3. Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. There are no direct helicopter flights from Las Vegas to the South Rim. You've got to board a fixed-wing airplane and take a 45-minute flight to the South Rim. Retails for $458. Sells online for $360.
4. The South Rim bus with helicopter tour. Limited to Las Vegas travelers. Bus leaves in the morning and arrives at South Rim before lunch. Lists for $289. Web promotional price is $190.
I've researched the Internet and to date have yet to find a broker that can beat Papillon's prices. Same for Maverick and Sundance, Papillon's main competition. The key thing I learned is that tour operators want your business, and, if you buy direct from them, they'll reward you with huge price cuts.
As you consider which tour is best for you, here are a few things about South Rim helicopter tours you should know:
- Departures leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, located just south of the National Park's main gates.
- Tours run year round including holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- Take a morning flight. Gives you time to reschedule due to weather. It's also when you get the best visibility.
- All South Rim tours take off from the South Rim/Kaibab National Forest and head straight to the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the canyon, before returning.
- Flights last around 30 minutes.
- Private charters are available
By reading this far, I can assure you that you know how to find the best promotions on South Rim helicopter flights.
And remember: Buy direct from the tour operator and book it online. Let these basic steps guide you and you'll get a quality helicopter tour at a ridiculously low price.
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