What to Expect on a Helicopter Tour: Before, During, and After

Preparing for Your Helicopter Tour

Before your tour begins, you will typically arrive at the heliport or tour terminal 30 to 45 minutes early. This allows time for check-in, ID verification, and any required waivers. Most companies provide a short safety briefing explaining how to board the aircraft, how to wear your seatbelt and headset, and what to do in case of an emergency. The process is simple, efficient, and designed to help you feel confident before takeoff. Most helicopter tour operators may weigh you again prior to the flight to make sure no last minute changes are needed for flight safety and balancing the helicopter.

Helicopter Tour: Step-by-Step Experience Breakdown

Stage	What to Expect
Arrival & Check-In	Arrive 30–45 minutes early; present ID, fill out safety waiver, and confirm weight for seating purposes.
Safety Briefing	Watch a short safety video, receive a headset, learn emergency procedures, and ask any last-minute questions.
Meet the Pilot	Your pilot will introduce themselves, explain the route, and review key safety reminders.
Boarding	You’ll be guided onto the helicopter by staff, typically seated based on weight balance. Window seats are not guaranteed.
Takeoff	A smooth vertical lift-off – usually quieter and gentler than most expect. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.
In-Flight Experience	Listen to live commentary or music through your headset, take photos, and soak in the scenery. Some tours allow in-flight communication.
Landing	Return to the helipad with a controlled, smooth descent. Staff will help you disembark safely.
Post-Flight Photos	Some companies offer a souvenir photo or group picture with the helicopter. Optional but a fun keepsake.
Tipping Your Pilot	Tipping is appreciated but not required. If you enjoyed your flight, $10–$20 per person is a common tip.
Leave a Review	Help future guests by leaving a review on Google, TripAdvisor, or Viator. Mention your pilot if they were great!

Decoding the Heliport: The People You’ll Meet and What They Do

Walking into a heliport for the first time can feel a bit like entering an exclusive club, but it’s a very friendly and well-organized environment. Knowing who’s who will make you feel right at home.

• The Check-In Staff: These are the first people you’ll meet. They are the friendly faces at the counter who will check your ID, confirm your booking, and handle any payments for extra fees (like fuel surcharges). This is also where you’ll likely be weighed discreetly on a scale to help them plan the helicopter’s weight and balance.
• The Safety Briefing Officer: This person’s job is to ensure you understand all the safety procedures. They’ll show you a short video or give a live demonstration on how to buckle your harness, use the headset, and operate the emergency exits. Listen to them carefully; they are experts at making the information clear and easy to understand.
• The Ground Crew: Dressed in high-visibility vests, these are the professionals who manage everything on the tarmac. They are responsible for your safety around the helicopter. They will escort you to and from the aircraft, open and close the doors, and ensure you are buckled in correctly. Always follow their hand signals and instructions precisely.
• The Pilot: Your pilot is the captain of your adventure. They are highly trained professionals who will likely greet you before you board. They are not just flyers; they are your personal guides in the sky.

What to Wear and What to Bring

Wear dark, fitted clothing to reduce window reflections and ensure comfortable movement inside the cabin. Avoid hats, loose scarves, or oversized bags. Cameras and phones are allowed, but they should be set to airplane mode. Some tours provide lockers for personal items you cannot bring. Sunglasses are recommended, and if you plan to take photos, bring a camera with a wrist strap or secure grip.

• Dark-colored shirt (reduces glare on windows)
• ID for check-in
• Sunglasses with strap
• Closed-toe shoes
• Phone or camera (with strap if doors-off)
• Hair tie for long hair
• Light jacket or hoodie (it’s cooler at altitude)

Boarding the Helicopter

Once called for boarding, staff will guide you to the helicopter. Seating arrangements are often based on weight distribution for safety, but solo travelers and couples may still get window seats. After boarding, your pilot or crew will help secure your seatbelt and headset. Many helicopter tour operators take a photo of you before or during boarding, which you can purchase later. Doors may be open or closed depending on the tour type.

The Sensory Experience: What You’ll See, Hear, and Feel

A helicopter tour is a full sensory experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the moment the rotors start spinning.

• What You’ll See: This is the main event. Because of the panoramic, wrap-around windows, your field of view is incredible. It feels like you’re watching the world unfold on a giant IMAX screen. You’ll see familiar landscapes from a completely new and awe-inspiring perspective. The ability of the helicopter to hover and make slow passes over key landmarks gives you a much more intimate view than you could ever get from a plane.
• What You’ll Hear: Outside the helicopter, the sound of the main rotor is a powerful “whomp-whomp-whomp.” But once you put on your noise-canceling headset, that sound fades into the background. You’ll hear the calm, clear voice of your pilot providing narration, often accompanied by a cinematic soundtrack that perfectly matches the scenery. You’ll be able to communicate with the pilot and sometimes with other passengers.
• What You’ll Feel: The take-off is the most unique sensation. It’s not a rush of acceleration like in a plane; it’s a smooth, gentle feeling of floating straight up. Once you’re flying, the ride is surprisingly stable. You might feel a slight, steady vibration from the rotors, but it’s generally much less turbulent than a small airplane. The turns are slow and graceful, designed to give everyone the best possible view.

Justin’s Guide: The ‘Little Things’ That Make a Big Difference

I’ve learned that a great helicopter tour is all about the details. Here are a few “little things” you can do before, during, and after your flight to make the entire experience absolutely perfect.

1. Arrive Calm and Hydrated, Not Rushed and Hangry. Give yourself extra time to get to the heliport. Rushing and stressing before your flight is the worst way to start. Have a light snack and drink some water before you arrive, but avoid a heavy, greasy meal. A calm, hydrated body is a happy flyer.
2. Make Friends with Your Headset. Take a moment to adjust your headset so it’s comfortable. The microphone needs to be close to your mouth for the pilot to hear you. Don’t be shy about asking questions! Asking “What’s that building over there?” or “How high are we?” makes the flight more interactive and fun.
3. The “Middle Seat” Isn’t a Bad Thing. Everyone wants a window seat, but seating is based on weight, so you might end up in the middle. Don’t worry! In most modern tour helicopters (like the Eco-Star), the stadium-style seating and panoramic windows mean that even the middle seats have incredible forward-facing views. You’ll still see everything.
4. Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical safety rule. Cell phone signals can potentially interfere with the helicopter’s sensitive navigation equipment. Switch your phone to airplane mode before you even board.
5. A Simple “Thank You” Goes a Long Way. Your pilot and the ground crew are professionals who are passionate about what they do. A simple “thank you for a great flight” as you deplane is always appreciated. If you had an exceptional experience, a tip is a great way to show your gratitude.

What to Expect on a Helicopter Tour – FAQ

Question: What happens before the helicopter tour begins?
Answer: You’ll arrive at the departure site or heliport about 30–60 minutes early for check-in. After verifying your ID and weight (for seat balancing), you’ll receive a safety briefing, be fitted with a seatbelt and headset, and get any additional info from staff.

Question: Do I need to bring anything for the tour?
Answer: Bring a valid ID, confirmation email or mobile voucher, and a camera or phone (with strap for doors-off tours). Wear comfortable, dark clothing, and avoid bringing loose items or bulky bags.

Question: What is the takeoff like?
Answer: Takeoff is smooth and gradual. The helicopter gently lifts straight up, giving you a rising view of the area. It’s not like a rollercoaster – most people find it exciting and easy.

Question: What is the helicopter ride experience like?
Answer: You’ll wear a headset that provides commentary and communication with the pilot. Expect panoramic views through wide windows and a relatively quiet, steady ride, especially in calm weather.

Question: Will I get motion sickness during the flight?
Answer: Most people don’t. Helicopters fly smoothly, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking a non-drowsy medication beforehand and avoiding heavy meals before the flight.

Question: Can I take photos and videos during the flight?
Answer: Absolutely. Photography is encouraged. Just make sure your camera or phone is secure, especially on doors-off flights, where strong wind can knock items loose.

Question: What happens during a landing tour?
Answer: If your tour includes a landing – such as on a glacier, volcano, or remote beach – you’ll step out with the guide and have time to explore and take photos before reboarding for the return flight.

Question: What happens after the flight ends?
Answer: Once you land, staff will escort you back to the waiting area. You may have a chance to view or purchase photos, tip your pilot, and ask follow-up questions. Transportation back to your hotel or parking is included on some tours.

Question: Are there weight or seating restrictions?
Answer: Yes. Most companies have a passenger weight limit (often around 250–300 lbs per seat), and seating is assigned based on weight distribution. Let the tour provider know if you have concerns or need special accommodations.

Question: Will the pilot provide narration during the tour?
Answer: Yes. Most pilots are also trained guides who share fun facts, local history, and geographic highlights over the headset. You can often ask questions or request a quiet ride, depending on the tour style.