Tour Deals - Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopters

Grand Canyon helicopter tours let you see as much of the South Rim as possible in one day. But don't over-pay for it. Travel writer Keith Kravitz shows you how to get coupons and promo codes that can save you up to 35 percent!

Need Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter promo codes or coupons? Contrary to popular belief, the companies that operate the tours have the best ones. Some up to 35 percent off! Here's how you find them and lock in that discount price.

First, you need to understand the unique but strained partnership between tour operators and the middlemen who sell their products.

Middlemen are a diverse bunch and include travel agents, hotel concierges, and in-market ticket re-sellers. Tour companies make deals with this group because it gets their product out to more people.

The agreement works like this: Tour operators provide tours to brokers at wholesale and require them to sell them at retail or higher. The "spread" between wholesale and retail is called the commission. The higher the spread, the more money for the broker.

As far as marketing is concerned, brokers can pretty much do what they want within reason. For example:

1. Bundling the tour with other offers like food, entertainment, and timeshares.

2. Guarantying seating (not possible - assigned by weight).

3. Upselling you to a higher priced tour (higher commissions).

4. Charging you their "service" 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.

Take Papillon Helicopters. They are the biggest Grand Canyon helicopter sightseeing company in the world. They're also the leader in low prices. Here are examples of them offering incredibly low promotional pricing on 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. This is the upgrade version of the North Canyon. Fly aboard a state-of-the-art EcoStar 130 (stadium seats, Fenestron quiet-flight technology, 25% larger cabin). Retails for $191. Sells online for $158.

3. The Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. Leaves from Las Vegas. 45-minute flight to Grand Canyon Airport aboard a fixed-wing Vistaliner aircraft. Lists for $458. Web promotional price is $360.

4. South Rim Bus w/ Helicopter. The other option for Las Vegas travelers. Bus departs in the morning and arrives at Grand Canyon Airport before noon. Retails for $289. Sells online for $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.

Before you book, here are some quick facts you should know about South Rim helicopter tours:

- Departures leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, located just south of the National Park's main gates.

- Flights run all year including holidays.

- Do your best to secure a flight in the morning as you may have to reschedule due to prevailing weather conditions.

- All South Rim tours take off from the South Rim/Kaibab National Forest and head directly into the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the canyon, before returning.

- The in-the-air portion of the tour is usually 30 minutes.

- Charter flights are available.

By reading this far, I can assure you that you know how to find the best promotions on South Rim helicopter flights.

But remember: 1) Always purchase your tour direct from the tour operator; and 2) book it online. Follow this simple plan and you'll see as much of the Grand Canyon as possible in one day at a price that is unbeatable.

Article Tags: Gran Anyon South, Gran Anyon, Anyon South

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR