What do you see on a 35-minute helicopter ride over Las Vegas? — featuring Jessica Arevalo

In this video: Our 6 month anniversary | Helicopter ride over Las Vegas strip | HighRoller observation wheel

Jessica Arevalo · 9 years ago

Is the doors-off flight scary?

The video shows one passenger experiencing significant fear—describing it as "the scariest thing I've ever done in my life"—while the other found it thrilling. Fear level depends entirely on your comfort with heights and turbulence.

What this video answers

  • Is the doors-off flight scary?
  • What's the difference between this helicopter tour and the High Roller wheel?
  • Can people with disabilities or mobility challenges book this tour?
  • What should I bring or wear?
  • How far in advance should I book?
🛒 Get items mentioned in this video

At a glance

Length
14 min
Channel
Jessica Arevalo
Video from
May 2017
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Couples celebrating milestones, thrill-seekers, and anyone wanting an unforgettable bird's-eye view of Las Vegas
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A Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon

This video documents a 35-minute helicopter tour over the Las Vegas Strip and Red Rock Canyon, flown with the doors off for an unobstructed aerial experience. The tour departs from a helicopter operator near the Strip and offers sweeping views of both the iconic casino corridor and the dramatic red sandstone formations of Red Rock Canyon to the west. It's an experience designed for couples, anniversary celebrations, or anyone seeking a memorable bird's-eye perspective of Las Vegas's most famous landmarks and desert landscape.

This experience suits thrill-seekers and photography enthusiasts who don't mind heights, though the video reveals that even nervous fliers can push through the fear—one passenger admits to being terrified but completing the tour regardless. It's perfect for milestone celebrations and pairs well with other premium Las Vegas activities, making it an ideal way to see the city from a perspective most visitors never experience.

What You'll See on This Las Vegas Aerial Tour

  • The full Las Vegas Strip from above, showing the casino resorts and urban sprawl in their geographic context
  • Red Rock Canyon's distinctive rust-colored rock formations and desert terrain west of the city
  • The openness and wind sensation of flying doors-off, with nothing between you and the sky
  • A complimentary stop or connection to the High Roller observation wheel afterward, the world's tallest observation wheel
  • Turbulence and wind effects that create genuine sensory intensity during the flight
  • Champagne service at the departure lounge before boarding
Featured image for the guide to Our 6 month anniversary | Helicopter ride over Las Vegas strip | HighRoller observation wheel by Jessica Arevalo

Before You Book: Essential Details About This Flight

  • Flight duration: 35 minutes total
  • Doors-off option: Available for a more immersive but windier experience; doors-on tours are also offered
  • Physical considerations: Wheelchairs can be accommodated—the video shows accessible limo service that fits mobility equipment securely in the trunk
  • Weather impact: Wind and turbulence are noticeable; sensitivity to motion sickness may affect comfort
  • What to wear: The video mentions it gets cold at altitude and wind will tangle hair, so bring a hair tie and a light jacket
  • Booking advantage: Premium card holders (Seven Star or equivalent) gain limo service upgrades; these tours fill up quickly, so book in advance
  • Add-on activities: Many packages include access to the High Roller observation wheel immediately after landing

Frequently Asked Questions About Las Vegas Helicopter Tours

Is the doors-off flight scary?

The video shows one passenger experiencing significant fear—describing it as "the scariest thing I've ever done in my life"—while the other found it thrilling. Fear level depends entirely on your comfort with heights and turbulence. Even if you're nervous, the video demonstrates you can complete the full 35 minutes and feel proud afterward.

What's the difference between this helicopter tour and the High Roller wheel?

The helicopter is a 35-minute active flight over two major landmarks with doors-off thrills, wind, and motion. The High Roller is a stationary observation wheel—a massive rotating glass pod that holds around 20–24 people, moves slowly, and offers 360-degree views of the city from a fixed position. Both are high-altitude experiences but entirely different sensations.

Can people with disabilities or mobility challenges book this tour?

Yes. The video confirms that wheelchairs are accommodated, and the tour operator provides accessible limo service with spacious trunk storage so mobility equipment doesn't need to be folded or placed on laps. Contact the operator in advance to discuss specific needs.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear layers because it gets cold at altitude. Bring a hair tie if you have long hair—wind will tangle it significantly. Avoid loose items that could fly away. Comfortable clothing that allows you to sit securely in the harness is best. The video mentions champagne is served beforehand, so plan accordingly if you're sensitive to motion before drinking.

How far in advance should I book?

The video doesn't specify exact booking windows, but given that premium card holders receive perks and the tours clearly fill up (the passengers discuss this during the experience), booking as soon as possible is wise, especially if you want doors-off availability or specific time slots.

A still from the video Our 6 month anniversary | Helicopter ride over Las Vegas strip | HighRoller observation wheel by Jessica Arevalo
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Key Terms

Doors-off helicopter
A flight where the aircraft doors are removed completely, offering unobstructed photography and a more intense sensory experience, with wind and open-air exposure.
Red Rock Canyon
A protected desert area west of Las Vegas known for dramatic rust-red sandstone formations and scenic landscapes.
High Roller observation wheel
The world's tallest observation wheel, located in Las Vegas, consisting of rotating glass pods that slowly revolve to show 360-degree city views.
Turbulence
Sudden, bumpy air movement that causes the aircraft to shake and can feel unsettling to passengers, especially those sensitive to motion.

Sources: Doors-off helicopter · Red Rock Canyon · High Roller observation wheel · Turbulence — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely helpful because it shows both the wonder and the fear honestly. Rather than glossing over turbulence or pretending it's all Instagram-perfect, it captures real reactions—terror, laughter, triumph—which helps potential fliers know exactly what to expect emotionally and physically.

What stands out most is the accessibility detail: seeing a wheelchair user fully participate in a premium Las Vegas experience, with proper equipment and service, sets an important example for tour operators everywhere. The video balances romance and adventure with authentic human vulnerability, making it feel achievable rather than intimidating. Absolutely worth watching 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 Jessica Arevalo on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

It's our 6 month anniversary! We take a helicopter ride over the Las Vegas strip and Red rock canyon! Thank you for all the love and support! XO

IG| @JessicaArevalo_
Garrett’s IG| @garrettjgreer
SnapChat| Jess_Arevalofit
Coaching/Custom meal plans| Jafwellness@gmail.com
My fashion line| www.walkinmyfashion.myshopify.com

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