What 10 items should you bring on a helicopter tour? – What to consider.
A helicopter tour is one of the most exciting things you can do on vacation, and being a little prepared can make a great experience even better. Over the years, I’ve gotten tons of questions about what you should and shouldn’s bring with you on your flight. It’s a great question, because thinking about a few small details beforehand means you won’t be worrying about a dead phone battery, sun glare, or being too cold while you’re in the air.
Instead, you can just relax, soak it all in, and focus on the incredible views. To make it easy, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to answer all those questions. This is everything I recommend to make sure your helicopter tour is as comfortable and memorable as possible.
What to Bring on Your Helicopter Tour FAQ’s
1. Question: What are the absolute must-have items for any helicopter tour?
Answer: The most essential items are your government-issued ID or passport (often mandatory for check-in), your camera or smartphone, and a great attitude! Beyond that, a few key items can significantly enhance your experience, especially a good pair of sunglasses and a secure way to hold your phone.
2. Question: What kind of sunglasses are best for a helicopter tour?
Answer: Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended. The glare from the helicopter’s windows, the water, or snow can be intense. Polarization cuts through this glare, allowing you to see colors and details more clearly and capture better photos. A good pair can make a huge difference. You can find excellent options like these Polarized Sunglasses.
3. Question: How can I keep my phone safe, especially on a doors-off tour?
Answer: For safety, all personal devices must be secured. The best and easiest way to do this is with a neck strap phone holder. This keeps your phone accessible for photos while ensuring it is safely attached to you, which is a mandatory requirement for any doors-off flight. Consider a secure option like this Neck Strap Phone Holder.
4. Question: What’s the best camera for capturing the experience?
Answer: While a smartphone is great, a GoPro or other action camera is perfect for a helicopter tour. They are compact, offer a wide-angle view to capture the expansive scenery, and have excellent image stabilization to ensure your videos are smooth. They are small enough to be easily secured, which is vital. Check out a versatile option like the GoPro HERO.
5. Question: I have sensitive ears. Will the headset be enough?
Answer: The provided headsets are excellent at reducing noise and allowing communication. However, if you have particularly sensitive hearing or want extra peace and quiet, bringing a small pair of high-fidelity, noise-reducing earplugs to wear underneath the headset can provide an additional layer of comfort. Simple foam plugs like these Noise-Reducing Earplugs work well.
6. Question: Is it worth bringing binoculars?
Answer: Yes, they can be a great addition! While the views are vast, a pair of compact travel binoculars can help you zoom in on distant wildlife—like whales, bears, or mountain goats—or get a closer look at specific landmarks. Be sure they are small and easy to handle. A pair like these Compact Travel Binoculars are a good choice.
7. Question: Will I get cold during the flight?
Answer: Even on a warm day, the temperature at higher altitudes can be significantly cooler, and it’s always windy on a doors-off tour. It’s always a good idea to bring a lightweight windbreaker jacket. It packs small and can make your flight much more comfortable if the cabin is cool. A versatile jacket like this Lightweight Windbreaker is perfect.
8. Question: What should I do with my wallet and other small items since bags aren’t allowed?
Answer: Since large purses and backpacks must be stored in lockers, a crossbody travel bag or sling pack is an excellent solution. You can wear it to the heliport to keep your essentials like your wallet, ID, and power bank organized, then easily store the small bag in a locker before your flight.
9. Question: Will taking photos and videos drain my phone battery?
Answer: Yes, recording video and taking lots of pictures will use your battery quickly. The last thing you want is a dead phone halfway through the flight! It’s a great idea to bring a fully charged portable power bank to ensure you can recharge your devices before or after the tour. An option like this Anker Power Bank can be a lifesaver.
10. Question: I’m worried about motion sickness. What can I do?
Answer: Helicopter flights are generally very smooth, but if you are prone to motion sickness, it’s wise to be prepared. For a non-drowsy option that you apply beforehand, motion sickness patches can be very effective. It’s best to apply them as directed before you arrive for your tour. Check out these popular Dramamine motion sickness patches.
So there you have it. It’s not a huge packing list, but being prepared with these few key items – like a strap for your phone, a good pair of sunglasses, and a light jacket – really does make a big difference in your comfort and enjoyment. The whole point is to be in the moment, capturing amazing photos and taking in the view without any distractions. Now that you know what to bring, you’re all set for an incredible flight.
