Private vs Shared Helicopter Tours: Which One Should You Book?

Understanding the Difference Between Private vs Shared Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours are typically offered in two formats: private and shared. A private tour reserves the entire helicopter for you and your group, while a shared tour places you alongside other travelers. Both options deliver stunning aerial views and memorable experiences, but they differ in pricing, flexibility, and privacy. Choosing the right one depends on your travel style, budget, and the kind of experience you’re looking for.

Beyond the Price Tag: The Feeling of a Private vs. Shared Flight

The decision between private and shared helicopter tour goes much deeper than just the cost. It’s about the entire mood and atmosphere of your experience in the sky.

The Shared Helicopter Tour Experience:
Think of a shared tour as a fun, exciting, and efficient sightseeing adventure. The vibe is often social and energetic. You’ll board with a few other travelers, all of you sharing in the collective “wow” moments as you lift off. The pilot’s narration is for the group, and there’s a sense of shared discovery as you all point out landmarks to each other. It’s a fantastic way to see the sights and feel the thrill of flight in a structured, well-paced tour.

The Private Helicopter Tour Experience:
A private tour is an intimate, serene, and deeply personal journey. The vibe is quiet, exclusive, and entirely focused on you. From the moment you board, it’s your adventure. The pilot’s commentary is a one-on-one conversation, not a broadcast. You can ask endless questions, linger over a spot that captivates you, or simply enjoy the peaceful silence with your partner. It feels less like a tour and more like you’ve borrowed a helicopter for a magical, personal escape.

Should You Choose Shared or Private?

Choose Shared If…
You’re traveling solo or as a couple
You’re on a tighter budget
You want a quick scenic experience
You’re comfortable flying with strangers

Choose Private If…
You’re proposing, celebrating, or filming
You want full control over flight time
You have a group of 3–5 people
You want guaranteed window seats and quiet

Benefits of Private Helicopter Tours

Private helicopter tours provide the most exclusive and tailored experience. You choose who comes along, making it ideal for proposals, anniversaries, family outings, or VIP excursions. These flights often offer flexible departure times, customized routes, and more time for photography or special requests. With fewer people on board, it is easier to engage with the pilot and enjoy a quieter, more personal flight.

Benefits of Shared Helicopter Tours

Shared helicopter tours are popular among travelers looking to experience the thrill of flight at a more affordable rate. While you will be flying with other passengers, shared tours follow a fixed route and still offer excellent sightseeing opportunities. These tours are well-organized and efficient, making them a great option for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who are comfortable sharing the experience with others.

Cost Comparison and What to Expect

The cost difference between private and shared helicopter tours is significant. Private tours typically start around $400 and can exceed $1,000, depending on the length and location of the flight. Shared tours, on the other hand, usually range between $100 and $300 per person. The higher price of a private tour covers personalized service, privacy, and flexibility. Shared flights deliver value and access to iconic landscapes at a fraction of the cost, though seating arrangements and tour structure may be less customizable.

Private vs Shared Helicopter Tours – Side-by-Side Breakdown

Feature	Shared Tour	Private Tour
Pricing	$150–$450 per person	$500–$2,000+ per flight (covers entire aircraft)
Seating	Assigned by weight (mixed group)	Choose your seats (everyone gets a window seat)
Privacy	No – you’ll fly with other guests	Yes – your group only
Custom Routes	Fixed routes only	Often customizable (depending on operator)
Length Options	10–60 minutes, limited flexibility	Flexible time slots and route extensions
Ideal For	Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious	Couples, proposals, special occasions, families
Booking Flexibility	Easier to find & book last minute	Requires advance planning
Photo/Video Experience	May be obstructed by others	Best angles, uninterrupted shooting opportunities

The Hidden Details: What They Don’t Always Tell You

Beyond the obvious differences, there are a few subtle but important factors to consider when choosing between a private and shared tour.

• The Weight & Balance Game (Shared Tours): In a shared tour, the operator’s primary concern after safety is balancing the aircraft. This means you have absolutely no say in where you sit. You could be a couple who gets split up, or you might end up in a middle seat. While most modern helicopters offer great views from every seat, if getting a window is a non-negotiable for you, a shared tour is always a gamble.
• The “Other Passenger” Factor (Shared Tours): Your experience can be influenced by the other people on your flight. Most of the time, this is a positive! But you could end up with a chatty group when you’d prefer quiet, or someone who leans into your shot at the perfect moment.
• True Flexibility (Private Tours): “Customizable route” on a private tour doesn’t mean you can fly anywhere you want (airspace is highly regulated), but it does mean you can ask the pilot, “Could we circle that waterfall one more time?” or “Can we spend a few extra minutes hovering over the Strip?” This level of control is impossible on a shared flight.
• The Group Size Sweet Spot (Private Tours): If you are a family or group of 4-6 people, a private tour might actually be a better value. Instead of paying per-person for a shared flight, you’re paying for the whole aircraft. Do the math—sometimes booking a private tour for your group is only slightly more expensive than buying individual tickets for a shared flight, and the upgrade in experience is massive.

Which Type of Tour Is Right for You

Deciding between a private or shared tour comes down to your priorities. If you are celebrating a special event, need more control over your experience, or want to avoid flying with strangers, a private tour is likely the best option. For travelers focused on staying within a budget, experiencing the destination, and maximizing value, a shared tour will still provide an incredible experience without the added expense.

How to Book a Private or Shared Helicopter Tour

Booking either type of tour is easy using online platforms like Viator. Listings clearly indicate whether the tour is private or shared and outline what is included. When comparing options, look at total flight time, departure location, availability of hotel transfers, and group size. Read recent customer reviews for insight into the quality and reliability of each operator. Whether booking months ahead or a few days before your trip, it helps to secure your spot early, especially during peak travel seasons.

Justin’s Guide: How to Make the Right Choice for Your Trip

Hey everyone, Justin here. I get this question all the time: “Is a private tour really worth the extra money?” My answer is always the same: it depends entirely on the moment you’re trying to create. Here’s my simple framework.

1. If the Helicopter Tour IS the Main Event, Go Private.
   Is this a surprise proposal? An anniversary celebration? A bucket-list moment you’ve saved up for years? If the answer is yes, then a private helicopter tour is 100% worth it. You are not just buying a view; you are investing in a perfect, uninterrupted memory. You cannot put a price on the intimacy of that experience.
2. If the Helicopter Tour is PART of the Adventure, Go Shared.
   Is the flight one of many amazing things you’re doing on your trip? Are you a solo traveler or a couple who just wants to see the incredible scenery from a new perspective? Then a shared tour is the smart choice. It delivers 90% of the visual “wow” factor for a fraction of the cost, leaving you more in your budget for other activities.
3. The Photographer’s Exception: Always Go Private (If You Can).
   If you are a serious photographer, a private tour is the only way to go. Period. The ability to guarantee a window seat, request specific angles, and have the pilot work with you to get the shot is the difference between a few nice snapshots and a portfolio-worthy image. For photographers, a shared tour is a gamble; a private tour is a tool.

Private vs Shared Helicopter Tours – FAQ

Question: What’s the difference between a private and shared helicopter tour?
Answer: A private tour means you and your group are the only passengers, with full control over the experience. A shared tour includes other passengers you may not know, and seating is assigned for weight balance.

Question: Are private helicopter tours more expensive?
Answer: Yes. Private tours cost more because you’re reserving the entire aircraft. However, they offer exclusive views, flexibility, and a more intimate experience, making them ideal for special occasions.

Question: What are the benefits of a private helicopter tour?
Answer: Private tours offer privacy, customizable routes, guaranteed window seats, and often allow for romantic or celebratory extras like champagne, music, or flexible departure times.

Question: What are the pros of shared helicopter tours?
Answer: Shared tours are more affordable, easy to book, and still provide amazing views with professional commentary. They’re perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups on a budget.

Question: Can I choose my seat on a shared tour?
Answer: Not usually. Seats are assigned based on passenger weight to ensure aircraft balance. Pilots try to rotate seating when possible, but window seats aren’t guaranteed on shared flights.

Question: Are private tours better for photography?
Answer: Yes. With a private flight, you can request specific angles, fly slower over key locations, or open doors for unobstructed shots if the aircraft and operator allow.

Question: Do private tours allow custom routes or longer durations?
Answer: Often, yes. Many operators allow custom routes, extended air time, or even remote landings on glaciers, beaches, or mountaintops – great for proposals, elopements, or bucket-list experiences.

Question: Can I make a shared tour feel more private?
Answer: Yes. Some operators offer semi-private upgrades, like guaranteed front seats, or you can book all the seats on a smaller aircraft to create a private experience without paying for a full-size chopper.

Question: Which type of tour is best for couples?
Answer: If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, engagement, or anniversary, a private tour is perfect. For sightseeing or first-time flyers, a shared tour is still exciting and scenic.

Question: How do I decide which type of tour to book?
Answer: Choose a private tour for special moments, photography, or personalized service. Choose a shared tour for value, social interaction, or if you’re just looking to enjoy the ride.