Helicopter Tour Tipping, what to tip, when to tip and how much to tip on a Helicopter tour FAQ’s.
Let’s talk about something that can be a little awkward but is super important: tipping. It’s one of the most common questions I get. You’ve just had an amazing flight, the pilot was fantastic, and as you’re getting off the helicopter, you’re thinking, “Should I tip? How much is normal? Do I give it to the pilot?”
It can be confusing, especially when you’re in a new place. The last thing you want is to feel unsure after such a great experience. So, I wanted to put together a simple, straightforward guide to helicopter tour tipping to take all the guesswork out of it. Here are the answers to all the common questions.
Helicopter Tour Prices & Tipping at a Glance
To help you budget for your next helicopter adventure, we’ve created a simple helicopter tipping chart. Below are examples of common tour types, their estimated costs, and the customary tip amount you might consider based on the guidelines discussed in our FAQ. These examples are organized from lowest to highest estimated price to help you find a tour that fits your budget.
| Helicopter Tour Type | Group Size | Example Total Price | Suggested Tip (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Minute Harbor Glimpse A quick, budget-friendly intro flight. | 1 Person | $125 | $10 – $15 |
| 15-Minute City Skyline Tour A classic flight over a downtown area. | 2 People | $300 ($150/person) | $20 – $40 ($10 – $20 per person) |
| 30-Minute Valley Exploration A mid-length tour covering more ground. | 3 People | $750 ($250/person) | $45 – $75 ($15 – $25 per person) |
| 60-Minute Scenic Landmark Tour An extended tour over a major landmark. | 4 People | $1,200 ($300/person) | $80 – $120 ($20 per person or 10%) |
| Private Sunset Romance Flight A premium, private tour for a special occasion. | 2 People | $1,500+ | $150 – $225 (10% – 15% of total) |
| 90-Minute National Park Tour A comprehensive flight over a large area. | 5 People | $2,000 ($400/person) | $150 – $200 ($30 – $40 per person) |
| Half-Day Remote Adventure An exclusive tour with a landing, like on a glacier or remote peak. | 4 People | $3,500+ | $350 – $525 (10% – 15% of total) |
| Full-Day Exclusive Buyout A completely customized, all-day private charter for a large group. | 6 People | $8,000+ | $800 – $1,200 (10% – 15% of total) |
15 Helicopter Tour Tipping FAQ’s
1. Question: Is it customary to tip the pilot on a helicopter tour?
Answer: Yes, in most Western countries, particularly in the United States and Canada, it is customary to tip your pilot if you have enjoyed your flight. It’s a way to show appreciation for their skill, knowledge, and the safe, memorable experience they provided.
2. Question: Is tipping mandatory?
Answer: No, a tip for a helicopter tour is never mandatory. It is a voluntary gesture based on the quality of service you received. If you had a fantastic experience, a tip is a great way to express your gratitude. If the service did not meet your expectations, you are not obligated to tip.
3. Question: How much should I tip a helicopter pilot?
Answer: A good guideline for a helicopter tour tip is similar to other service industries. Tipping between $10 to $20 per person is a widely accepted standard. For a private charter or a particularly exceptional tour, a tip of 10-15% of the total tour cost is also a common and generous practice.
4. Question: Should I also tip the ground crew?
Answer: While the primary tip is usually for the pilot, the ground crew also works hard to ensure your safety and comfort during check-in and boarding. Some companies may have a tip jar at the counter that is shared among all staff, which is a great way to thank everyone. Tipping the ground crew separately is less common but always appreciated for exceptional service.
5. Question: How do I give the tip to the pilot?
Answer: The best way is to hand the tip directly to the pilot in cash after the flight. As you are deplaning and thanking them for the tour, you can discreetly hand them the gratuity. This adds a personal touch to your thank you.
6. Question: Can I add a tip to my credit card payment?
Answer: This varies by company. Some operators may have an option to add a gratuity when you pay by credit card, while others may not. It’s best to have cash on hand specifically for the tip to ensure the pilot receives it directly and promptly.
7. Question: Is the tipping etiquette different in other countries?
Answer: Yes, it’s very important to be aware of local customs. In places like New Zealand or Switzerland, tipping is not expected as staff are paid a high living wage. In these locations, a tip is seen as a bonus for truly outstanding service. In many parts of Africa or South America, a modest tip is greatly appreciated. Always research the local tipping culture.
8. Question: If we are a family or group, should we tip per person or as a total?
Answer: Calculating the tip on a ‘per person’ basis is the easiest and most common method (e.g., $10 per person for a family of four would be a $40 tip). Alternatively, you can calculate a percentage of the total tour cost. Both are acceptable ways to determine the amount.
9. Question: Does the cost of the tour affect the tip amount?
Answer: Yes, it often does. For a short, less expensive 15-minute city tour, a smaller tip per person is common. For a very expensive, multi-hour tour like a Mount Everest helicopter tour or a private heli-skiing trip, a larger tip is generally appropriate given the higher level of skill and service involved.
10. Question: What if the tour was a gift or I don’t know the full price?
Answer: In this case, the ‘per person’ guideline is the perfect way to go. A standard tip of $10 to $20 per passenger is a safe and respectful amount that will be appreciated by the pilot, regardless of the tour’s total cost.
11. Question: Should I still tip if the weather wasn’t perfect?
Answer: Yes, you should. The pilot has no control over the weather. A good pilot demonstrates their skill by providing the safest and best possible tour under the given conditions. A tip recognizes their professionalism and effort to give you a great experience despite imperfect weather.
12. Question: What if the pilot also acted as a great tour guide?
Answer: This is a key reason why tipping is encouraged. Pilots are not just flyers; they are your aerial tour guides. If your pilot provided fantastic commentary, pointed out interesting sights, and answered your questions enthusiastically, a generous tip is a great way to acknowledge their excellent work.
13. Question: Are the pilots’ salaries based on receiving tips?
Answer: In tourism-heavy regions like Hawaii, Las Vegas, or the Grand Canyon, pilots, like many in the service industry, often rely on tips to supplement their income. While they receive a professional wage, gratuities make a significant difference and are a standard part of their compensation.
14. Question: What currency should I use for the tip?
Answer: It is always best to tip in the local currency of the country you are in. However, in major international tourist destinations, US Dollars are often widely accepted and appreciated as well.
15. Question: Is it appropriate to tip the person who handled our booking or check-in?
Answer: This is less common. The primary tip is generally reserved for the pilot and the operational crew who directly ensured your safety and enjoyment during the flight experience. However, if a staff member provided exceptional help, you can certainly tip them or leave a gratuity in a shared staff tip jar if available.
So, at the end of the day, here’s the simple takeaway: while a tip is never required, it’s a very welcome gesture to thank your pilot for a safe and amazing flight. Think of it less as an obligation and more as a “thank you” for the great commentary and skilled flying that made your tour special. Don’t stress about it – just bring a little cash, and if you had a great time, show your appreciation. It really does mean a lot to the crew.
