Savvy travelers know that taking a Las Vegas airplane tour to the Grand Canyon Skywalk is the quickest, most “jet-set” way to experience this incredible landmark.
Flights leave the Las Vegas area and make the 120-mile trip in 20 minutes. There are two types of tours. Air-only tours fly spectacularly over the canyon and the “glass bridge” and head back for Vegas. The other lands at Grand Canyon West, where you deplane and access the Skywalk.
Both flights include free shuttle service from all major Las Vegas Strip hotels. The all-inclusive landing trip comes with Skywalk tickets, BBQ lunch, and guided rim-top tour. From start to finish, these air tours are less than half a day – perfect for travelers who want a quick West Rim day trip.
Flights are conducted aboard a customized Vistaliner airplane. These large, spacious aircraft seat up to 19 people, and its aerodynamic design makes for a silky smooth ride. Comfortably climate-controlled, the “V-Liner” features plush seats, lots of leg room, and over-sized windows that are perfect for picture taking.
These tours are safe. The airspace above Grand Canyon is strictly controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Each flight is manned by two FAA-certified pilots. Moreover, the FAA requires all canyon sightseeing tours to operate under their rigid rules for charter air transportation flights.
En route to the Grand Canyon West, these airplane tours fly over Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the U.S., Hoover Dam, the new Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, a 900-year-old Joshua Tree forest, and the majestic Grand Cliffs Wash. For my part, these “bonus” sights make these airplane tours an irresistibly good deal.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, located on 9,000-acres of Hualapai Indian tribal lands, is a spectacular piece of modern engineering. The glass walkway takes you 70 feet past the canyon’s edge and lifts you 4,000 feet over the Colorado River. The deck is made up of 46 specially made glass panels that carry a price tag of $250,000 each. Cameras and other personal electronics are banned because if dropped they can chip the glass. The Skywalk is designed to hold up to 800 people at once. Maximum occupancy, however, is 120 people.
If you want the best price on air tours to the Skywalk, shop the Internet. I personally have purchased these air tours at up to 35 percent off retail. My most recent price hunt found the air-only package as low as $105 per person and the deluxe Skywalk package at $205. Prices change according to peak travel seasons. However, if you book in advance, which I strongly suggest, you can lock in very low rates.
Las Vegas Grand Canyon Skywalk airplane tours are a great way to experience the “glass bridge.” Flights are cheap, quick, and flown on one of the most awesome sightseeing aircraft plying the skies today. These tours take anywhere from four to six hours to complete and come with everything that’s required to enjoy the Grand Canyon. If you are looking for the most unique way to experience the canyon, take one of these Skywalk air tours. Smart travelers swear by it.
Travel writer Keith Kravitz rates and reviews Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his top 3 Grand Canyon air tours to the Skywalk…
