Coupon Quest – Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tours
by
Keith Kravitz
Need Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter promo codes or coupons? Believe it or not, the companies that operate the tours have the best ones. Some up to 35 percent 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.
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 is straightforward: Brokers get tours at wholesale prices and must 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.
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. Promising special seating (impossible – helicopter seating is dependent 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. North Canyon Tour. Basic South Rim flight. Leaves from Grand Canyon Airport. Flight takes you to the North Rim and Back. Lists for $169. Web promotional price: $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.
No broker I researched comes close to Papillon’s online deals. Similarly for Maverick and Sundance, the other big companies that form the helicopter tour market triumvirate. It’s clear to me: Tour operators want your travel dollar. Buy from them and you’ll be rewarded with deep discounts.
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.
– 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.
– Typical South Rim flights start over the Kaibab Plateau and beeline into the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the Canyon, before looping back at the North Rim.
– Flights last around half an hour.
– 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.
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.
Ready to get a great deal on a helicopter tour? Travel expert Keith Kravitz posts the newest coupons at
grandcanyonhelicopters.org/south-rim-coupons.html
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Coupon Quest – Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tours
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