What do you see on an amazing Los Angeles helicopter tour? — featuring Inselvideo

In this video: Discover LA AMAZING Los Angeles Helicopter Tour

Inselvideo · 9 years ago

Is a helicopter tour safe?

Helicopter tours over Los Angeles are operated by established companies following strict FAA safety regulations. All aircraft are regularly maintained, and pilots are highly trained professionals experienced in scenic flight operations. Safety briefings are mandatory before every flight.

At a glance

Length
8 min
Channel
Inselvideo
Video from
Feb 2017
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Adventurous LA visitors who want a comprehensive aerial perspective of the city.

What this video answers

  • Is a helicopter tour safe?
  • What's the best time of day to fly?
  • Will I get motion sickness on a helicopter tour?
  • Can I choose where I sit in the helicopter?
  • How much should I budget for a helicopter tour?
Reads the guide aloud in your browser — free, no account.

What to Expect from This Los Angeles Helicopter Tour

This video documents an aerial helicopter tour over Los Angeles, offering viewers a bird's-eye perspective of one of the world's most iconic cities. The tour showcases the sprawling urban landscape, famous landmarks, and striking geography that define LA from above—a vantage point most visitors never experience. If you're drawn to scenic flights, love photography and cinematography, or want to see LA's scale and beauty in a way that ground-level touring simply cannot match, this helicopter tour review gives you a genuine sense of what the experience delivers.

The video is aimed at travelers considering whether an aerial tour suits their LA itinerary, as well as those curious about what the landscape looks like from a helicopter's altitude. Whether you're a first-time visitor wanting a comprehensive overview of the city or a repeat traveler seeking a fresh perspective, this tour captures the appeal of seeing LA's neighborhoods, coastline, and surrounding terrain all in one flight.

Highlights You'll See on the Route

  • Expansive views of Los Angeles's urban sprawl and neighborhood layouts from altitude
  • Recognizable landmarks and iconic cityscape features that define the LA skyline
  • Coastline and ocean views, showcasing LA's relationship to the Pacific
  • The surrounding geography, including hills and terrain that frame the metropolitan area
  • Aerial perspective on the scale and scope of one of America's largest cities
Featured image for the guide to Discover LA  AMAZING Los Angeles Helicopter Tour by Inselvideo

Practical Details Before You Book Your Flight

  • A helicopter tour provides an entirely different perspective than ground-based sightseeing and is best experienced on a clear day for optimal visibility
  • Tours depart from established helicopter operators in the LA area; booking in advance is strongly recommended, as spots fill up quickly during peak travel seasons
  • Wear comfortable clothing suitable for being seated in a helicopter cabin; layers are often a good idea since temperatures can vary
  • Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the views—the aerial perspective is the main draw, and many people make photography central to their experience
  • Arrive early for your scheduled flight to complete safety briefings and weight distribution procedures standard to helicopter operations
  • Tour duration and specific routing may vary depending on weather conditions and the operator's flight plan

Common Questions About LA Helicopter Tours

Is a helicopter tour safe?

Helicopter tours over Los Angeles are operated by established companies following strict FAA safety regulations. All aircraft are regularly maintained, and pilots are highly trained professionals experienced in scenic flight operations. Safety briefings are mandatory before every flight.

What's the best time of day to fly?

Early morning or late afternoon flights often provide the clearest visibility and most dramatic lighting for photography. Midday sun can create harsh shadows and haze. Avoid flights during heavy overcast or poor weather, as visibility makes the experience significantly less rewarding.

Will I get motion sickness on a helicopter tour?

Most people tolerate helicopter flight well, especially on smooth-air days. Sitting forward and focusing on distant scenery rather than the ground below helps. If you're prone to motion sickness, speak with the operator beforehand; they may offer suggestions or seating adjustments.

Can I choose where I sit in the helicopter?

Seating is typically assigned by the operator based on weight distribution and safety requirements. If you have a strong preference for a window seat or specific vantage point, mention it when booking, and the team will do their best to accommodate you.

How much should I budget for a helicopter tour?

The video doesn't specify pricing, but LA helicopter tours vary widely based on flight duration, group size, and operator. Research multiple providers and book early—demand is high, especially in tourist season, and early bookings often secure better rates and availability.

A still from the video Discover LA  AMAZING Los Angeles Helicopter Tour by Inselvideo
See all las vegas videos →
Check Tour Availability

Key Terms

Helicopter tour
A scenic flight in a small aircraft that offers passengers elevated views of landmarks and landscape below.
Aerial perspective
The view and understanding of geography, landmarks, and scale as seen from the air rather than ground level.
Visibility
The clarity of the atmosphere and distance one can see, which directly affects the quality of a scenic flight experience.
FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. agency that regulates all aircraft operations and safety standards.

Sources: Helicopter tour · Aerial perspective · Visibility · FAA — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video effectively shows why aerial tours have become such a popular LA experience. Watching the city unfold from above conveys a sense of scale and geography that no ground tour can match, and the video's focus on actual landmarks and coastline gives you confidence in what you'll actually see.

The strength of this content is its honesty about the helicopter experience itself—no exaggeration, just a genuine showcase of the views and the city layout. If you're on the fence about whether to splurge on a helicopter tour, this video makes a compelling case. I'd recommend watching it before you book.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Years on the front lines of helicopter tour coordination — not as a travel blogger, but as the person responsible for making every guest experience go right. Managed 2,000+ cruise guests weekly as Shore Excursions staff aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii Personally coordinated with helicopter tour operators to confirm age, weight, and safety requirements.

Video by Inselvideo on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Latest Helicopter News

How videos are chosen here

Every video on Helicopter Tour Videos is hand-picked and reviewed by Justin — nothing is added automatically. Each one gets an original written guide and an honest rating: ⭐ 1 out of 2 means a good video worth your time, and ⭐⭐ 2 out of 2 means a great one we would recommend to anyone. The videos belong to their creators — every page links back to the original channel so you can subscribe and support them.

Contact us