scenic flight tours

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K2 Aviation

Denali flightseeing & glacier landing tours, join us on our denali flight tours, talkeetna flightseeing, explore denali, denali experience.

This route is the foundation for all of our flightseeing tours– the essential Denali experience.

$305 Per Person + $125 Glacier Landing

Denali Flyer

Our most popular tour, featuring stunning views of the 45-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier.

$370 Per Person + $125 Glacier Landing

Denali Grand Tour

See all sides of “The Great One”. View historic climbing routes and Denali’s many glaciers.

$430 Per Person + $125 Glacier Landing

Top of the World Tour

Our highest flying tour, see Denali from up to 20,000 feet, this bird’s eye view is incredible!

$495 Per Person + $125 Glacier Landing

Our highest flying tour, see Denali from up to 20,000 feet, this bird’s eye view is incredible!

Experience Denali From Above

More k2 adventures, welcome to k2 aviation.

We are privileged to share with you the incredible landscape and timeless beauty of Denali National Park. Our team takes pride in making your time with us the highlight of your trip. From our family to yours, welcome to K2 Aviation! We look forward to seeing you in Talkeetna for some flightseeing. Book your Denali flight tours online today!

Take in the Beauty on Our Denali Flight Tours!

Your Acadia Aerial Adventure Awaits

Scenic flights, we love what we do & it shows – let us show you.

See Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park the Best Way, “From Above.” With Scenic Flights of Acadia, you will gain a unique perspective of Bar Harbor, coastal Lighthouses, Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, and more. Walk-ups are welcome or call ahead to  reserve a time for you.

You will be comfortable in our high-wing Cessna 172 or Cessna 206, offering unobstructed views of the beauty below you, with an experienced Commercial Pilot at the controls. Our pilots are knowledgeable of the area and will share information on the sights, as each seat is equipped with an interactive headset making for easy conversation.

We are committed to being a good neighbor by minimizing aircraft noise. We operate the quietest airplanes providing tours near Acadia National Park and the Bar Harbor area. Our scenic flights are tailored to provide the quietest flights and exceptional views of the area.

A – Schoodic Point

$114 per person (approx. 25 minutes) This picturesque flight brings you towards Downeast Maine, flying by Hulls Cove, Bar Harbor, Sand Beach, Egg Rock Lighthouse. Then, it’s on to Winter Harbor and its lighthouse with spectacular views of Schoodic Point, Frenchman Bay, and inlets.

B – All Acadia

$144 per person (approx. 35 minutes) You will enjoy fantastic views of the whole Mount Desert Island on this popular flight as it flies around the entire perimeter shoreline, highlighting Bar Harbor, Acadia, Cadillac Mountain, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Bass Harbor then on to the beautiful cliffs, mountains, and islands along the western shore. This tour showcases three historic lighthouses.

C - Deluxe Lighthouse

$184 per person (approx. 50 minutes) See it all with this favorite flight! In addition to the beauty of the All Acadia tour of Mount Desert Island, your flight will head offshore to capture the stunning views of Schoodic Point to the east, Baker Island and the Cranberry Islands to the south, and the Blue Hill area to the west. Seven coastal Lighthouses are highlighted on your journey.

D – Historic Penobscot Bay Lighthouse Tour

$244 per person (approx. 75 minutes) This ultimate excursion will offer you stunning views of areas that few visitors witness. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Maine coast while savoring some of Maine’s best Lighthouses, shorelines, and islands. Twelve Lighthouses along with Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge are highlighted on your personalized tour. This is a must-see for Lighthouse enthusiasts and those wishing to view the Maine Coast and Islands as only seen from the unique perspective of above. Two passengers minimum for this flight.

Sept – Oct: Fall Foliage Flight!

$144 per person (approx. 35 minutes) Starting from the airport, you’ll fly along the coast to Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain before crossing Frenchman’s Bay to head inland to Tunk Mountain. From there you’ll wind through the surrounding mountains, lakes, and fields on the way back to the airport, all in the search of the best, brightest fall colors.

F - Deluxe Fall Foliage Flight

$184 per person (approx. 50 minutes) This amazing flight is for those who want to take in the best of the Acadia region along with the beautiful fall colors that the area is known for. You will see the perimeter of Mount Desert Island and the three lighthouses that surround it similar to the All Acadia tour. In addition your pilot will fly inland around the mountains and lakes which host the most brilliant colors of the area.

Customize Your Flight

For those who want to see an area, not in our standard tours, we can customize a Scenic Flight or Aerial Photography Flight. Whether it is your own personal property, a list of ‘must-see’ Lighthouses, or anything in between, let us know what you want to view from the air. We will give you an estimate of the time and cost. Call us for more information at (207) 667-6527 .

High Praise From Our Guests

See for yourself what our passengers thought about their experience with Scenic Flights of Acadia. We love what we do and it shows!

Nicholas D.

Getting to see Acadia from the sky was such a treat! They have their system down: very smooth booking service through their website, parking right by the main road, easy and fast check-in upon arrival, get on the plane a few minutes later, and off you go. Staff was very pleasant through phone and in-person interactions, helpful with my guest limited mobility… And of course, the flight was great with amazing views of the park and surroundings; the weather wasn’t too shabby either… A 5-star operation all around, definitely recommend joining for a tour if you are fortunate enough to be able to afford it.

We took the Schoodic Point Flight on a beautiful clear morning. Our Pilot was very thorough in prepping us for the flight. The headsets made for a very convenient way of communicating and needing to talk over the plane’s engine. The pilot was very engaging and pointed out points of interest. We were satisfied with our choice of the shorter flight, having been to the area several times and having some familiarity with the topography. If you are a first time, you may want to opt for the All-Acadia flight. Either way, I’m pretty sure, it will be one of the most scenic flight experiences you will ever take.

The folks at Scenic Flights were wonderful from our first call seeking reservations, their follow up in between, and our arrival at their office. The plane was clean as a whistle and ready to go when we arrived, the pilot, a consummate professional with great knowledge of the area. He provided a nice narrative of what we were seeing while not being overwhelming with talking. We have done flightseeing trips all over the world, the Acadia operation is top notch, hence they have been around for decades.

Fabulous experience in a 5-passenger seat plane. Awesome views of Mount Desert Island. Our pilot was the best! Highly recommend him and the organization. All staff were wonderful, helpful with restaurant recommendations and directions, as internet service was spotty. Definitely worth a trip! We took the All-Acadia trip.

My wife and I did this as a splurge event on our trip. We flew around Mount Desert Island and enjoyed the views. The weather was great that day and the ride was smooth.

The Most Memorable Experience in Acadia

Peak Experiences

“Scenic flightseeing with Rugged Air Tours is the ultimate vacation experience”

Choice of Tours

30 min, 45 min, and 1 hour tours

Rated #1 Activity

Maximize your vacation time

FAA Approved

Authorized under FAR Part 91

See hundreds of square miles

Rugged Air Tours lets you take in all that Colorado has to offer in a fraction of the time it would require to visit it from the ground.

Stunning views of the Great Sand Dunes National Park with the tallest and largest dunefield in North America nestled against the remote Sangre de Christo Wilderness. We operate in the San Luis Valley May – September.

Unforgettable

Bird’s eye views of Estes Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Big Thompson Canyon, the Cameron Peak burn scar, Button Rock Preserve, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Flying out of Longmont March – November.

Our flightseeing platform is a rugged Cessna 182C Skylane

Epic Testimonials

“Ten out of 10! It may be the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

“Worth every cent, a great experience that we’ll remember forever!”

“The flight was so smooth! Thank you so much for the beautiful views ;)”

Let’s maximize your next vacation experience

Whether you’re an explorer on “staycation”, or a tourist from afar, or a local native… an epic flightseeing air tour is a once in a lifetime activity. YOLO! Be rugged.

Maine Coastal Flight

Flight training bar harbor, maine kbhb, scenic flights of acadia, flight training, introductory flights, our aircraft, cirrus flight training, aircraft maintenance, aircraft management, flight planning, bar harbor, maine.

Grand Canyon Air Tours

The Grand Canyon is one of the most recognizable and breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. Discover the world-renowned sights aboard a Grand Canyon air tour with Papillon. Grand Canyon tours soar over the massive stone walls of the Grand Canyon National Park or the Grand Canyon West Rim.

Our fixed-wing airplanes are specifically designed for sightseeing and are the perfect option for individuals and groups alike. Each aircraft comes equipped with climate control and headset narration for each passenger. Worried about a language barrier? No problem. Our airplane tours offer narration in multiple languages too.

Read on to discover your perfect Grand Canyon airplane tour today.

Fly Over the Grand Canyon

Grand Discovery Air Tour

This airplane tour showcases the most incredible sights of the Grand Canyon's South and East Rims. You'll see impressive aerial views of ancient rock formations, the Kaibab Forest, and the Colorado River between the canyon walls.

From: Grand Canyon National Park over Grand Canyon

Duration: Approximately 40-45 minutes

Features: Views of Grand Canyon National Park | Views of Colorado River | Airplane

Canyon and River Adventures Tour

Experience the best of the Desert Southwest with an airplane flight over the Grand Canyon, a guided tour into the depths of Antelope Canyon, and a rafting adventure along the Colorado River and through Horseshoe Bend!

From: Grand Canyon National Park to Page/Antelope Canyon

Duration: Approximately 12½ - 13 hours

Features: Antelope Canyon | Horseshoe Bend | Airplane | Raft | Boat

Grand Discovery Rim to Sky

Explore the Grand Canyon National Park from all angles with this combo airplane tour and Hummer ground excursion. You'll see views of the canyon expanse from the sky, then travel to multiple famous lookout points on an open-air Hummer vehicle.

Features: Stand on the Edge | Airplane | Hummer

Hmm… We couldn't find a tour that fits your selection. Adjust the filters and try again.

Grand Canyon Air Tour FAQs

How much is an airplane flight over the grand canyon.

It depends. The price of each Grand Canyon airplane tour is based on a number of factors. For example, a few of the choices that will impact the price of your trip include:

• The tour destination
• The departure location
• The length of your tour
• Whether there are any additional experiences or upgrades

Seem complicated? Don't worry. The cost of each airplane tour is conveniently located next to each individual tour listing. And with Papillon, the rate we quote online is the rate you'll pay. No guesswork required.

Learn more about fare information and rules for Grand Canyon air tours.

Can you fly through the Grand Canyon?

Absolutely! We are the preferred partner of the Grand Canyon National Park and our aircraft are certified to fly the entire Grand Canyon.

Which city is closest to the Grand Canyon?

That depends on which side of the Grand Canyon you are on.

Las Vegas is the closest city to the Grand Canyon West Rim . It is located about 130 miles from the rim and takes approximately two hours and fifteen minutes to drive.

Meanwhile, the South Rim is closer to Phoenix . Phoenix is located about 230 miles from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and takes approximately three hours and thirty minutes to drive.

What other kinds of Grand Canyon tours does Papillon offer?

Papillon offers a wide range of Grand Canyon tours. Soar over the Grand Canyon National Park aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter or airplane, or embark on a ground or boat tour to get a close up of the impressive canyon landscapes. Here are just a few of the amazing types of tours available.

• Grand Canyon helicopter tours
• Grand Canyon airplane tours
• Grand Canyon bus tours
• Grand Canyon adventure tours (rafting, ATV rides, and more)
• Tours that include the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Antelope Canyon, or the Hoover Dam

Discover all the incredible Grand Canyon tours with Papillon today.

What do I need to bring on my Grand Canyon airplane tour?

• Bring your I.D. All passengers booked on a tour must have a government-issued form of identification.
• Bring a bottle of water. All passengers are allowed to bring water, however, the bottle is not allowed to be open in the aircraft
• Bring your camera. Cameras and phones are allowed and encouraged.
• Wear layered clothing and sensible shoes. If you are embarking on an air tour in October through mid-March, winter clothing is recommended.

Do you offer Grand Canyon airplane tours for groups?

We do! Our airplanes can each transport either 9 or between 17 to 19 passengers, making airplane tours the perfect adventure for groups. From conference teams to wedding parties, families and beyond, your group can experience the thrill of the Grand Canyon together.

Our teams have incomparable expertise in itinerary development and will create a convenient travel plan for even the most logistically-challenging group tours.

Please contact our groups and incentives department to learn more about customizing your groups Grand Canyon air tour.

Discover Airplane Tours of the Grand Canyon

Air Tours of the Grand Canyon National Park

Take flight in a fixed-wing aircraft over the Grand Canyon National Park. From the air, you'll gaze across the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon South Rim and straight down to the canyon floor. Capture aerial views of the Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, Confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers, Kaibab National Forest, and Kaibab Plateau aboard your first-rate airplane tour of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Discover all Grand Canyon South Rim tours .

Air Tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim

Buckle up and enjoy the remarkable aerial sights of the Grand Canyon West Rim aboard a sightseeing airplane tour. Soar over Eagle Point and Guano Point and gaze straight down to the Colorado River running along the canyon floor.

Papillon's airplanes are completely designed with our guests' safety, comfort, and sightseeing needs in mind. The soaring vantage point will allow even amateur photographers to shoot professional-level photos to cherish for a lifetime.

Similar to our Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tours , airplane tours can include essential West Rim stops at the glass Skywalk, Hualapai Ranch, and the best 360-degree lookout points that the canyon has to offer.

Learn more about touring the West Rim of the Grand Canyon

Departure Terminals for Grand Canyon Air Tours

Grand Canyon Airplane Tours from Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon is one of the most captivating landscapes in the world. Every year, millions of people travel to see the brilliant red canyon walls, the sun reflecting off of the Colorado River, and the foliage and animals that inhabit the land.

What better way to experience these magnificent sights than from the bird's-eye view from a Papillon airplane tour. Many people are surprised to learn that Las Vegas is just a short distance from the Grand Canyon. While you are in Las Vegas, take a break from the neon signs and city streets for an unforgettable aerial experience.

Discover Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon Airplane Tours from South Rim

Are you already planning a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park? Enhance your adventure with an airplane tour from our South Rim Grand Canyon terminal. By the time you arrive back at the South Rim terminal, you'll have enough photos and memories to last a lifetime.

Grand Canyon Airplane Tours from West Rim

Airplane tours launching from the West Rim of the Grand Canyon include a scenic flight over Grand Canyon West and the Colorado River. During these world-class tours, you'll also get to check out destinations like Hualapai Ranch, Eagle Point, and Guano Point.

If you're already planning a day trip to this side of the canyon, consider rounding out your adventure with an air tour for a truly unforgettable experience.

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• Scenic Flights

Maine’s Scenic Flights

If one is in awe of Maine’s abundant natural resources and incredibly varied landscape from land, imagine its expanse and beauty from a bird’s-eye view. There are several opportunities to enjoy a relaxed ride over the state’s most noteworthy landmarks with unparalleled photo opportunities and chances to spot wildlife—an experience to remember.

Scenic Flights of Acadia offers scenic tours of one of the state’s most popular destinations, Acadia National Park. Take in the most iconic places in the park and Mount Desert Island while flying above, capturing views of the lighthouses, Cadillac Mountain and downtown Bar Harbor. With four tour options with different areas of focus and durations, there is an option that suits all interests.

For the southern coast, Southern Maine Aviation’s scenic flights provide memorable aerial views of Nubble Lighthouse, Marginal Way and Perkins Cove, Walker’s Point where former President George W. Bush’s home is located, Goose Rocks Beach and Biddeford Pool.

For views of Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead, and the granite cliffs of Mount Kineo, Currier’s Flying Service , in operation since the 1980s, is known for their vintage seaplanes. Fletcher Mountain Aviation , also offering tours in the Moosehead Lake region, features a tour route showcasing Gulf Hagas, Baxter State Park and Katahdin, the end of the illustrious Appalachian Trail.

More inland beauty abounds in Rangeley, where Chickadee Aviation tours capture the mountainous and lake-filled region with the hope of spotting wildlife in the unspoiled environment and people capitalizing on the numerous hiking trails and fishing spots. No matter which corner of the state a scenic flight tours, it is an activity to commit to memory. Bring a camera, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Businesses & Organizations

Skydive new england.

Skydive New England is a full service Skydiving Center in southern Maine. We specialize in Tandem...

Phone: (207) 339-1520, 800-SKYDIVE

Website: www.SkydiveNewEngland.com

Address: 40 Skydive Lane , Lebanon

Katahdin Air Inc.

Visit Katahdin Air. A Maine company since 1946, licensed in The US and Canada, centrally located in...

Phone: 207-723-8378, 888-359-6246

Website: www.katahdinair.com

Address: Golden Road PO Box 171 Ambajejus Lake , Millinocket

Southern Maine Aviation, LLC

Sightseeing Flights of Southern Maine Flight School Aircraft Rentals Aviation Fuel 24hr 100LL

Phone: 207-324-8919

Website: Www.SouthernMaineAviation.com

Address: 199 Airport Road , Sanford

Crown of Maine Balloon Festival

The Crown of Maine Balloon Festival is a bright and sunny time here in Northern Maine!

Phone: 207 764-6561

Website: www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org

Address: P.O. Box 672 , Presque Isle

Scenic Flights of Acadia

Scenic air tours of Acadia National Park and surrounding area. We have several different flights,...

Phone: (207) 664-6000

Website: scenicflightsofacadia.com

Address: Bar Harbor Airport 112 Caruso Drive , Trenton

Scenic Flights-Airplane, Biplane & Glider Tours

Transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary "Experience of a Lifetime". View Acadia National...

Phone: (207) 667-7627

Website: www.acadiaairtours.com

Address: 968 Bar Harbor Rd , Trenton

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Fly high at maine’s aerial adventure parks, aerial experiences, watching maine's night sky.

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• Flying With Us

Book Online Or Call 800-874-4434

Scenic flight tours.

Get some friends together or make someone’s special day even more incredible by experiencing the Pacific Northwest from the air! Your group will have the plane all to yourselves for a one-hour tour of one of the areas described below. You can also create your own, and additional time can be added if you want to see even more. Whatever option you select, you won’t be disappointed!

Design Your Own!

San juan islands aerial tour.

Soar past the summit of Mount Constitution and cruise the majestic coastlines of the San Juan Islands including Orcas, Shaw, San Juan, Lopez, and Blakely Islands.

As low as $139 per person

Mt. Baker Volcano Tour

Towering 10,778 feet above downtown Bellingham, Mt. Baker is Washington State’s youngest and northern-most member of the Cascade Volcanic Arc. With eruptions recorded as recently as the 19th century, guests on this one hour tour view the active steam vents of Sherman Crater.

San Juan Islands Day Trip

The perfect island day trip! This day trip incorporates the flying portions of a spectacular scenic aerial tour plus a stop at either Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, or Eastsound on Orcas Island.

Prices start at $220 per person

A Whale of a Time

Skagit valley tulip festival.

Why not skip the crowds this year and see the tulips from the air with the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival flight tours! The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the destination events for the Pacific Northwest, held from April 1-30.

Interested? Call to schedule

Give us a call.

• Book a Flight
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• INDIAN PEAKS
• REAL ESTATE
• DENVER LIGHTS
• BACKCOUNTRY SCOUTING
• BOULDER CITY TOUR
• PRO PHOTOGRAPHY
• CREATE YOUR OWN
• OUR AIRCRAFT
• WHERE TO FIND US
• FLIGHT AREA MAP

We are not currently operating in Colorado due the extension of our season in Alaska. At this time, we do not have a restart date for Colorado flights.

All flight routes are custom-planned specifically for you

Explore the mountains and more with experienced Colorado/Alaska backcountry pilots

See Boulder County and the Rockies as you've never seen them!

Stunning aerial views of Boulder, the Flatirons, Campus, Indian Peaks, mountain towns, Eldorado Canyon, and Denver

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Choose from one of these flight options or create your own.

All flights depart from the Boulder Municipal Airport, just 10 minutes from downtown Boulder.

• Indian Peaks

You see the Indian Peaks all the time from Boulder, but have you seen the west side?

• Real Estate

Whether you're a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, show off or find your dream property.

• Denver Lights

Take a relaxing, beautiful evening flight over downtown Denver and the surrounding area.

Backcountry

A short flight is an excellent way to scout out the backcountry for hiking/backpacking, skiing and climbing.

Boulder City

See Boulder from above. A great way to entertain visiting parents and friends.

• Pro Photography

Our aircraft can safely be flown with the doors removed for unobstructed aerial photography.

• Create Your Own

Let us help you figure out exactly how to get the views and aerial perspective you are looking for.

Contact Details

Boulder Air Tours, LLC

Phone: 720-449-6980

Search Boulder Air Tours website

Suggested itineraries.

• Backcountry Scouting
• Boulder City Tour

© 2014-2018 Boulder Air Tours. Web design by Sheri Bluestein

• TN Phone: +1 865-453-6342
• NC Phone: +1 828-820-5007
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CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION

Pigeon Forge - Gatlinburg Tennessee

Asheville North Carolina

FAA & National Park Service Approved Flights

A 3rd generation family-run business, professional, experienced staff, romance packages.

Take your special someone on a tour to remember. Experience the romance of being whisked away to a country setting in your own private helicopter!

Helicopter Charters

Scenic Helicopter Tours’ charter services are designed to offer you safety, service, convenience, and versatility. We provide on-demand transportation services within 200 nautical miles of Knoxville, Tennessee. Click the button below to find out more.

2,784 Reviews

1,512 Reviews

1,046 Reviews

Our Guests Reviews

Amy u. january 2024.

Absolutely amazing experience! Loved all of it! Great views! Great photos! Memories we will always cherish!

Audrey S. January 2024

This was so fun. We seriously enjoyed the sights. I would recommend this to everyone.

John B. January 2024

We had an amazing time here! The staff is so kind and thoughtful. Would definitely go back!

Autumn O. January 2024

The staff was so friendly and we got some great pictures of the views. This was a great little date spot.

Tamara W. January 2024

If you are even just considering going on a helicopter tour, I could not recommend Scenic Helicopter Tours enough.

Scenic Helicopter Tours

Scenic Helicopter Tours has been flying over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1972. All of our flights are FAA & National Park Service approved and we show you areas few other companies can! We are also proud holders of the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for outstanding customer service. With over 50 years of experience flying helicopters over the Smokies, you can trust you will be in the best hands and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Gift a Flight

Give someone an experience they’ll remember forever! Flying over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a helicopter is simply breathtaking, so gift someone a once-in-a-lifetime ride on the best helicopter tours in the area.

Our Instagram

scenichelicoptertours (opens in a new tab)

Ready for Take Off! Our Co-Pilot of the day goes to this little guy 🚁 Share with us your adventure, tag us 🚁: @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @mypigeonforge 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

Taking your #sundayfunday & #datenight to new heights 🚁 With over 4k Reviews, we believe in helping to promote discovery and adventure! Scenic Helicopter Tours have been flying over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1972. All of our flights are FAA & National Park Service approved and we show you areas few other companies can! PS.... Surprise your Valentine with a Romantic Helicopter Experience💕🚁🌹🍷All you need is a sense of Adventure and leave the rest to us! https://scenichelicoptertours.com/romance-packages/ Share with us your adventure, tag us 🚁: @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @mypigeonforge 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

Weekend plans: friends, fun, and a heli-adventure you won't forget! Round up your crew and experience the thrill of a helicopter tour together 🚁 🗺️ Share with us your adventure, tag us 🚁: @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @mypigeonforge 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

#fridayvibes Bring the whole gang and enjoy a family-friendly adventure like no other - our helicopter tour is the perfect way to explore the Smoky Mountains together.🚁 Share & Tag us in your photos for a chance to be featured 🚁: @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @visitgatlinburg 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

Love is in the Air! 🚁 Enjoy a romantic helicopter tour this Valentine's Day and choose from one of our romance experiences! 💐Flowers 🍫Chocolates 🍷Wine 💞Making Memories Learn More at https://scenichelicoptertours.com/romance-packages/ Share & Tag us in your photos for a chance to be featured 🚁: @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @visitgatlinburg 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

Limited availability alert! Don't miss the chance to witness the beauty of Winterfest from above. Book your helicopter tour now and secure your spot. Tours run through February 18th, 2024 Stay connected for the latest events, specials and adventures, follow us at @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @pigeonforgechamber 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

The Smoky Mountains are always a beautiful site year-round! And there's no better way to take in the views than flying and seeing it all from above! ❤❄️ Share with us your adventure, tag us 🚁: @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @mypigeonforge 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a romantic helicopter tour and choose from one of our romance experiences! Starting at $99! 💐Flowers 🍫Chocolates 🍷Wine 💞Making Memories 🔗https://scenichelicoptertours.com/romance-packages/ Stay connected for the latest events, specials and adventures, follow us at @scenichelicoptertours 📍: @pigeonforgetn 🗺️: @tnvacation ...

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Call or text , 907-978-3089.

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Kenai fjords national park | harding icefield s eward | homer | anchorage |talkeetna | more, here's what people are saying about us....

Scenic Flights

Get acquainted with Kenai Fjords National Park with trips starting at 30 minutes. See glaciers, scout wildlife, get a bird's-eye view of the beauty that lies behind the mountains of Seward. Ask about our GLACIER LANDINGS and tours on the Harding Icefield!

With only a few roads and highways, an Air Taxi can help connect Alaska and get you to your next destination on time. Service to multiple locations including Anchorage, Homer and Talkeetna.

Ask about our Beach Landings!

Seward, Alaska is one of the most scenic locations in all of Alaska. Located in the mountainous shoreline off the Gulf of Alaska, Glaciers are just minutes away. Seward is a terrific destination with a wide variety of activities including fishing, hiking, kayaking, sight seeing and, of course, flying! Seward also has several great restaurants and places to stay, as well as some of the most scenic RV and tent camping. With abundant wildlife in all directions, visitors often see moose and countless eagles right from the airport! Come see what Seward is all about.

Wildlife Tours

Bears, Mountain Goats, Sea Lions, Sea Otters and Seals; you never know what you might find in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Voted by National Geographic as the most reliable National Park for wildlife viewing, we will our best to get you closer to nature on your scenic flight.

The only way to see McCarty Fjord

Go farther, deeper in to the National Park and set your sights on the only way to see the entire National Park in one unforgettable trip. McCarty Fjord is nestled at the southern-most end of Kenai Fjords National Park and is often times too far away to see in one day from Seward. Spot the tallest mountain in the Park at 6,450 ft tall, just east of McCarty Glacier, and it is unnamed. Crowned by the Harding Icefield, you will have the chance to experience just how large this 700 square-mile icefield is. Add a glacier landing for the ultimate experience!

MEET YOUR PILOT

Joey Smith, Minnesota-born, followed his dream of living in Alaska post-college and has since spent over two decades working as an Aircraft Mechanic and flying around the Fairbanks and Seward area. Joey fell in love with the Seward landscape after his first visit in 2008, and had dreamt of returning to fly the Seward skies ever since. It is now his pleasure to call himself a business owner and have the ability to share his love of flying with so many people from all over the world. He hopes to bring that passion with him on every flight. Whether it's wildlife or the spectacular scenery you're hoping to see, he'll be sure to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you..

[email protected]

Find us on Facebook & Instagram

Book Early and SAVE on summer flights to the San Juan Islands from $169 pp/ow! Book your flight!

Archive for category: SCENIC FLIGHTS & TOURS

South Sound Scenic Flight

PARTNERING WITH THE PUYALLUP TRIBE TO SERVE THE SOUTH SOUND

BOOK A SCENIC FLIGHT

SOUTH SOUND SCENIC FLIGHT

In partnership with the Puyallup Tribe, we proudly showcase the rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land that this Native American community has nurtured for centuries. Hop aboard our newest scenic flight tour! This 30-minute narrated flight adventure around the South Sound and Tacoma area will highlight a variety of landmarks set against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Rainier!

Now Flying! Book Today! Departure Terminal:    Tacoma / Ruston Way Flight Duration:   30 min. Cost:   $109 per person

TRIBAL PARTNERSHIP

The Puyallup Tribe and Kenmore Air are partnering to bring seaplane flights to South Puget Sound .

“No other Tribe in our country has an operation like this,” said the Puyallup Tribal Council, the Tribe’s governing body. “With Kenmore Air, we’re opening up Tacoma to the Northwest and the Northwest to Tacoma.”

“We are honored to work with the Puyallup Tribe and thrilled to bring seaplane service to the homelands of the Puyallup people and to South Puget Sound,” said David Gudgel, president of Kenmore Air.

Terminal Address: 3017 Ruston Way Tacoma, WA 98402 View Map

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Scenic flights around the South Sound include many of the sights that are famous in the area – but from a different perspective! Highlights include:

• Point Ruston
• Tacoma Narrows Bridge
• Chambers Bay Golf Course
• Anderson Island
• McNeil Island
• Tacoma Narrow Airport
• Pt. Defiance
• Brown’s Point

Kenmore Air Package Experiences

EXPERIENCE THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES THE PNW IS KNOWN FOR – SPEND MORE TIME DOING, LESS TIME TRAVELING

ENJOY A FLIGHT & FAVORITE PNW ACTIVITIES

Rely on Kenmore Air for transport to your favorite PNW activities – whale watching, fishing & crabbing, fly & paddle kayaking, and waterfront lodges.

HOTEL PACKAGES

Take advantage of special seasonal accommodation and flight package savings with our hotel package deals! From the San Juan Islands to Seattle, we’ve always got a fun and exciting new travel adventure!

WHALE WATCHING

Daily flights from Kenmore/Lake Washington will get you quickly to San Juan island where you’ll enjoy a three-hour cruise with a naturalist guide from San Juan Safaris.

SEA & SKY

Zip to Victoria, B.C. on a Kenmore Air flight and enjoy a scenic ferry ride back aboard the Victoria Clipper for fun mix of two great modes of Pacific Northwest travel!

FISHING & CRABBING

What’s better than having fresh fish and crab flown in? Flying in to catch that fresh fish and crab, of course, and Kenmore Air offers this truly Pacific Northwest experience in partnership with  San Juan Adventures .

FLY & PADDLE

Kayak the calm waters off San Juan Island. Take a seaplane to Roche Harbor where you’ll meet a naturalist guide who will take you on your sea kayak tour – whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a first-time paddler you’ll remember this up-close island experience!

WATERFRONT LODGES

Climb in a seaplane, grab a window seat and your adventure begins as you glide along the water, gaining speed and seeing the city you’ll leave behind during your island escape. You’ll see snow-capped mountains and unforgettable views and less than an hour after leaving the Seattle area, you’ll be gliding atop the water again and up to the dock of the waterfront lodge you’ve picked out for your getaway.

Kenmore Air Charter Flights

By land, by sea, and in style – our charter flight options can get you there.

FLY ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE

Kenmore Air can accommodate a wide range of charter flights including private beaches, waterfront lodges via seaplane , and destinations by land plane ,  including  our popular PC-12 Pilatus from Boeing Field and Seattle-Paine Field .

Contact our Kenmore Air Charters team at 866.359.2842 or at [email protected] to inquire.

View Charter Flight Destinations Map

PILATUS PC-12 CHARTERS

An absolutely beautiful aircraft that combines Swiss engineering and craftsmanship. This single-engine turbo-prop has a pressurized cabin, which allows for a higher cruising altitude. You’ll literally soar above the clouds.

• Seats up to eight passengers (6 passengers comfortably with luggage)
• Cruising speed of 300 mph
• Range of up to 1,800 miles

The PC-12’s unique design produces a remarkably smooth flying experience from takeoff to landing.

Where will you go next?

SEAPLANE CHARTERS

Available in four different seaplane charter flight options and are only flown by Kenmore Air pilots. We fly during daylight hours as per the Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which means our seaplane operations usually end just after 7 p.m.  All seaplanes are positioned back to the Kenmore Air Harbor in the evening.

• Cessna C-180 / 2 seats
• de Havilland Beaver (piston) / 6 total seats, 5 window seats
• de Havilland Beaver (turbine) / 7 window seats
• de Havilland Otter (turbine) / 10 window seats

LAND PLANE CHARTERS

Looking for a surfing trip to the Olympic Peninsula? Pack your boards and let’s go! Or maybe it’s a trip for your wedding party to San Juan Island. We’ve got you covered with our Kenmore Air land place charter flights . If you’re looking for a way to avoid ferry lines, we’ve got your ticket aboard one of our Caravans.

• Volcano Tour
• San Juan Islands

Kenmore Air Scenic Flights

Kenmore air scenic flights & tours.

A UNIQUE WAY TO SEE THE ICONIC VIEWS OF THE PNW

SEEING THE PNW FROM THE AIR

With scenic flight options for Lake Union, Lake Washington, the San Juan Islands and Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, Kenmore Air provides a scenic experience like no other! These uniquely Northwest views as well as up close and personal vantage points unavailable from the ground provide you experiences you will remember forever.

SEATTLE SCENIC

On our Seattle seaplane scenic tour , you’ll take off from our terminal in South Lake Union, one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the city with tech companies like Amazon and Google providing the horsepower for that growth. The lake sits at the heart of Seattle, serving as a reference point for four distinct neighborhoods. Seattle Center is located just to the southwest while Gas Works Park sits on the north shore at the site of the old Seattle Gas Light Company.

The Space Needle is a landmark that was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair, which was held in Seattle. At 605 feet from ground to tip, it was the country’s tallest structure west of the Mississippi when completed. The observation deck is located 520 feet off the ground, and offers a panorama view of the city skyline, the Olympic mountains to the west, the Cascades to the East as well as Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound. It takes the elevator 41 seconds to go from the base of the needle to the top.

Departure Terminal:  Lake Union Flight Duration:  30 min. Cost:  $119 per person

MT. RAINIER & MOUNT ST. HELENS

Standing at a staggering 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the Pacific Northwest’s reigning giant. It dwarfs its fellow Cascade Range peaks by more than 10,000 feet. Home to more than 36-square-miles of glaciers, Mount Rainier hasn’t had a major eruption in nearly 1,000 years. But don’t let the tranquil hillsides fool you. Scientists affirm this giant is still very much alive.

Mount St. Helens is smaller in stature. It tops out at 8,363 feet. But what it lacks in height, it has more than made up for inactivity. May 18, 1980 – its massive eruption became the biggest in modern history. Its plume rose 15 miles high and the mudflow created from its collapsed dome stretched to the Columbia River. Today, the ecosystem on the hauntingly beautiful slopes thrives as old-growth forests once again take root and wildflowers bloom.

Witnessing these two volcanoes is a quintessential Pacific Northwest moment. And, there’s no better view than from a Cessna Caravan on our Volcanoes scenic flight tour .

Departure Terminal:  Boeing Field Flight Duration:  2 hr. Cost:  $298 per person

SAN JUAN ISLANDS SCENIC

An archipelago is the fancy way to refer to a group of islands, and the San Juans are composed of 172 different named islands and reefs that sit between Anacortes, Wash., and Vancouver Island, which is part of British Columbia. All told, there are 408 miles of shoreline on the islands, the most of any single in the United States. Our San Juan Islands scenic flight tour will provide an incredible perspective, allowing you to see exactly why Orcas Island is known for hiking (it’s the hilliest) while Lopez is best for biking (it’s the flattest). You’ll find four lighthouses located on the San Juan Islands, but not a single stoplight.

Four of the islands in the archipelago are accessible by ferry, but our scenic tour will give you a glimpse of the entire region, which sits at the intersection of three different waterways. The Strait of Georgia is to the North, the Strait of Juan de Fuca is located to the West with the Puget Sound located to the south. The collective region is known as the Salish Sea. The islands were first charted in 1791 by a Spanish explorer, however, the fossil evidence shows that hunting was occurring on the islands more than 6,000 years ago. The islands are also home to three different orca pods who live in the Salish Sea region with more than 80 in the local population.

Departure Terminal:  Kenmore / Lake Washington Flight Duration:  1 hr. 45 min. Cost:  $279 per person

LAKE WASHINGTON SCENIC

On our Lake Washington scenic flight tour , you’ll start at Kenmore Air Harbor on the northern tip of what is the second-largest lake in the state. This is where Kenmore Air started in 1946 with three friends from high school working on a single floatplane in a garage on the site of an old shingle mill. From there you’ll head South to Seattle, taking in the iconic sites of the Space Needle, the floating houses along Lake Union, and Husky Stadium.

To your West, you’ll fly over Fisherman’s Terminal in Ballard, and over the famous locks, connecting Lake Washington and Lake Union to the Puget Sound. On a clear day, enjoy fantastic views of Mt Rainier to the South and Mt Baker to the North. The best way to experience the Pacific Northwest is from a Kenmore Air floatplane. Book your adventure today!

Departure Terminal:  Kenmore / Lake Washington Flight Duration:  25 min. Cost:  $109 per person

Hop aboard our South Sound scenic flight tour for a stunning aerial treat! In partnership with the Puyallup Tribe, we proudly showcase the rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land that this Native American community has nurtured for centuries. This 30-minute narrated flight adventure around the South Sound and Tacoma area will highlight a variety of landmarks set against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Rainier!

The Puyallup Tribe and Kenmore Air are partnering to bring seaplane operations to South Puget Sound.

Learn more about this partnership.

Departure Terminal:  Tacoma / Ruston Way Flight Duration:  30 min. Cost:  $109 per person

VISIT SEATTLE | TAKING FLIGHT

Conrad – opera singer, Dallas native, and first-time visitor to Seattle – takes you along on a picture-perfect flight over Lake Union, Elliott Bay, and downtown on a Kenmore Air seaplane.

Conrad was one of eight real travelers who experienced the sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes of Seattle in the series, “Seattle First Takes.”

Victoria Seaplane Terminal

Victoria seaplane terminal.

EXPERIENCE THE QUAINT, OLD-WORLD STYLE OF THIS PICTURESQUE CITY.

Piece of history, place of beauty

Fitting that a city named for an English queen bears the architectural legacy of her nation. Victoria provides a glimpse of the Old Word as epitomized by the afternoon tea served at the Empress Hotel. Arriving by seaplane affords you a better view than aboard any boat and gets you there in less than half the time. Step off the plane, onto the dock at the Seaplane Terminal, and clear customs in the shadow of the Parliament House.

Victoria is absolutely lovely with a compact downtown where you’ll find history mixes easily with modern trends. Classic pubs serve pints at one corner with a craft brewery open nearby. Parks, museums, and even castles are all found within the city with incredible hiking opportunities available just outside of it.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Flights to canada.

Arrive at check-in prepared with the following documents:

• Passport Book
• Travel visa | eTA (foreign passports)

FLIGHTS TO THE U.S.

• Travel visa | ETSA (foreign passports)

Floatplane service

Year-round service to the Victoria Seaplane Terminal from either Kenmore Air Harbor or Lake Union. Our fleet includes six-passenger de Havilland Beavers and our larger Otters. Looking for something more personal? The Cessna 180 is a two-passenger floatplane that is a most economical charter option. Sorry, no complimentary baggage storage on-site.

Accommodations

There is a wide range of lodging accommodations available from upscale hotels to cozy B&Bs to historic inns and everything in between. Tourism Victoria provides a   great index of options  as does the  Victoria B.C. Chamber of Commerce.

A walk around downtown will show why Victoria has been described as being more English than England. If you want elegance, there’s tea at the Empress Hotel. For a more casual afternoon, there’s a thriving pub scene. History buffs can tour the castles or if you’d prefer more natural beauty, Victoria has a well-earned reputation as the City of Gardens because of its ideal growing climate.

Lake Washington Scenic

Lake washington scenic flight.

FROM LAKE WASHINGTON TO ELLIOTT BAY

START YOUR SCENIC TOUR WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

A floatplane is the perfect way to see all the different ways in which Seattle is a city on the water. In fact, 41 percent of the city’s total area IS water.

This flightseeing tour starts at Kenmore Air Harbor on the north shore of Lake Washington. From there, you’ll head south to the University of Washington and its lakeside stadium and then on over to the Puget Sound to see Shilshole Bay and Discovery Point.

Your flight adventure includes music and narrated highlights about Seattle before returning to the Kenmore/Lake Washington Seaplane Terminal.

Departure Terminal:    Kenmore / Lake Washington Flight Duration:   25 min. Cost:  $109 per person

LAKE WASHINGTON

You’ll start at Kenmore Air Harbor on the northern tip of what is the second-largest lake in the state. This is where Kenmore Air started in 1946 with three friends from high school working on a single floatplane in a garage on the site of an old shingle mill. There are three floating bridges that cross Lake Washington, separating Seattle on the west from the Eastside communities like Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland.

SEATTLE’S SIGNATURE LANDMARK

San juan islands scenic, san juan islands scenic flight.

SEE WHAT MAKES THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS SO SPECIAL

THE BEST WAY TO SEE THE SAN JUANS IS FROM ABOVE

We’ll provide the breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, and you’ll get a tour that is unbelievably beautiful and unmistakably Northwest in one of our Kenmore Air seaplanes.

This tour is narrated, and you’ll see why a seaplane is the best way to see our corner of the country as you take-off from our Kenmore/Lake Washington terminal and head out to the San Juan Islands. Just like every trip with Kenmore Air, the view is always included…

Departure Terminal:    Kenmore / Lake Washington Flight Duration:   1 hr. 45 min. Cost:   $279 per person

SAN JUAN ISLANDS

An archipelago is the fancy way to refer to a group of islands, and the San Juans are composed of 172 different named islands and reefs that sit between Anacortes, Wash., and Vancouver Island, which is part of British Columbia. All told, there are 408 miles of shoreline on the islands, the most of any single in the United States. Our scenic tour will provide an incredible perspective, allowing you to see exactly why Orcas Island is known for hiking (it’s the hilliest) while Lopez is best for biking (it’s the flattest). You’ll find four lighthouses located on the San Juan Islands, but not a single stoplight.

DEEP HISTORY

Mt. Rainier/ Mount St. Helens

Mount rainier & mount st. helens.

Fly Face-to-Face with Two World Wonders

The Volcano Tour offers a peak experience

This incredible 90-minute scenic flight tour from Seattle flies you around Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens getting you up close and personal with Rainier’s 25 glaciers – the largest collection of permanent ice on a single US mountain south of Alaska. From your window seat aboard our 9-passenger Caravan wheel-plane, you’ll also have the perfect vantage of Mount St. Helens’ 2-mile wide crater. Make sure to look closely…. she’s often steaming.

Departure Terminal:    Boeing Field Flight Duration:   2 hr. Cost:   $298 per person

MOUNT RAINIER

Witnessing the towering peak of Mount Rainier is a quintessential Pacific Northwest moment. And, there’s no better view than from a Cessna Caravan.

MOUNT ST. HELENS

About the flight tour.

This incredible 90-minute scenic flight tour from Seattle flies you around Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens getting you up close and personal with two of the Pacific Northwest’s biggest volcanos!

Seattle Scenic

Seattle scenic seaplane tour.

THE BEST WAY TO SEE SEATTLE IS FROM ABOVE

SEE THE EMERALD CITY SHINE BELOW YOU

In Seattle, you can do more than live near the water, you can actually live on it in one of the houseboat communities on Lake Union. That’s where your Scenic Seaplane Tour starts, gliding across the surface of the lake and up into the air where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the University of Washington, and its lakeside football stadium. It’s then on over to Elliott Bay where you’ll see the city’s dramatic skyline and Seattle’s professional sports stadiums. Everyone gets a window seat on this 30-minute sightseeing flight!

The Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour is a uniquely Northwest way to see this world-class city. You get to enjoy the unique thrill of flying off the water and soaring over one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The flight ends just like it began, gliding across the water of Lake Union right in the heart of the city for an experience you’ll remember forever.

Departure Terminal:    Lake Union Flight Duration:   30 min. Cost:   $119 per person

START IN THE HEART OF SEATTLE

You’ll take off from our terminal in South Lake Union, one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the city with tech companies like Amazon and Google providing the horsepower for that growth. The lake sits at the heart of Seattle, serving as a reference point for four distinct neighborhoods. Seattle Center is located just to the southwest while Gas Works Park sits on the north shore at the site of the old Seattle Gas Light Company.

OUR CITY’S SIGNATURE LANDMARK

'Flightseeing': Get a helicopter tour right from your cruise

S KJOLJUNGEN FJORD, Greenland – Zodiac rides, kayaks, paddleboards and e-bikes have long been part of the activities on expedition cruise ships.

But passengers on high-end ships are now asking for more expensive toys to play with – namely onboard submarines and helicopters.

Seabourn, Viking and Scenic are three cruise lines that recently added submarines to some of their expedition ships. The latter also has onboard helicopters complete with helipads on its two “ultra-luxury yachts” – Scenic Eclipse I and Eclipse II.

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Watching the scenery in a remote polar region slowly glide by from a ship’s deck can be captivating. Experiencing it at speeds exceeding 100 mph from the skies above is downright exhilarating.   

Indeed, a 30-minute “flightseeing” helicopter ride over a glacier and remote ice sheet in eastern Greenland was one of the highlights of my recent 12-day Arctic cruise on the Scenic Eclipse II, a 220-passenger ship that made its inaugural voyage in April. 

Bring the bikini, leave the kids: 4 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

Here's what it costs to take a helicopter ride on a cruise

The Eclipse II’s sister ship, Scenic Eclipse I, debuted in 2019. It has a sub and two helicopters. The Eclipse II also has two helicopters – a sub will be brought on board in October, in time for its Antarctica sailings that begin in early December. The oceangoing ships are two of the newest additions to the Australia-based cruise line’s fleet, which also includes 15 riverboats.

Scenic bills itself as offering its passengers “all-inclusive luxury.” Sightseeing tours, all specialty restaurants, drinks, gratuities and airport transfers are included in the fare, which can exceed $1,000 per person per day, depending on the itinerary and choice of cabin. 

Submarine and helicopter rides are optional add-ons that cost more. A lot more.    

A half-hour helicopter ride costs $795 per person. Sub rides cost $350-$795, depending on the region and if it’s a 20- or 40-minute dive. 

Despite the hefty price tag, Jason Flesher, Scenic’s director of Discovery Operations, says the helicopters and subs have proven to be “extremely popular” with passengers.

“We have many guests fly and dive multiple times during their voyage,” he says, adding that the excursions “give our guests the full perspective of their surroundings.” 

Over half of the ship’s 140 passengers signed up for helicopter rides on my sailing. Our pilot, Pascal Fischer, told me that on Antarctic sailings, the percentage of passengers taking helicopter rides usually hovers around 80%.

“You can go 20 miles from the ship, and the world looks totally different, especially in places we go like the Arctic and Antarctica,” says Fischer. “You may even see places that no human ever saw before because we are in such remote areas.”

Exploring Greenland by cruise ship and helicopter

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a semiautonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s three times the size of Texas, yet its population is only 56,000, making it the least densely populated territory in the world.   

You can’t get much more remote than eastern Greenland, where few cruise ships go, and there are only a handful of tiny fishing settlements. We saw no other signs of human civilization during our four days exploring that region.  However, we did see plenty of blue and humpback whales, seals and other marine life. 

On the gloriously sunny 50-degree day of my helicopter ride, the Eclipse II was anchored in the Skjoljungen Fjord in southeastern Greenland. I walked up to the ship’s helipad at the stern on Deck 8 – one floor above where I had eaten breakfast that morning in the Yacht Club restaurant – for a 10-minute safety briefing.  

Three fellow passengers and I were fitted with lifejackets and given noise-canceling headphones so we could hear Fischer’s descriptions of what we would be seeing during the flight. We were then escorted to one of the Eclipse II’s two $3.5 million Airbus H130 helicopters. Each helicopter can carry a maximum of six passengers and a pilot. I was in the middle seat but still enjoyed unobstructed views of the remote landscape.

We flew over the magnificent Thrym Glacier and then banked west between jagged peaks for a look at Greenland’s pristine ice sheet, which covers about 80 percent of the territory. With the noise-canceling headphones, the 40-mile trip was surprisingly tranquil and smooth. Never have 30 minutes passed by so quickly. 

As we landed back on the ship’s helipad, I wondered why the Eclipse II needs two helicopters instead of just one.  Fischer explained it’s primarily for safety reasons.

53 days at sea: You can spend two months exploring Japan, more for $8K on this cruise

“It could be you get a warning light that tells you you have to land now. And then you land. So we have a second helicopter that can pick up the passengers and bring them back to the ship,” says Fischer, who has been flying helicopters for 25 years, including seven years as an air ambulance pilot in Arizona. 

Additionally, the second helicopter helps ensure that every passenger who wants to fly has the opportunity. On a busy day – when the weather conditions are ideal for flying – Fischer says the two choppers can carry up to 96 people.  

“Normally, we are able to fly everyone who wants to go, unless we have a cruise that lasts 10 days, and we just have 10 days of bad weather,” says Fischer. “It’s not often that we aren’t able to fly everyone who wants to fly.”

As helicopters are so new on ships, the cruise lines are still figuring out how best to integrate them with on-land activities. For instance, Scenic recently started offering excursions that take passengers on helicopter rides to go skiing, hiking, fishing, or – in Mediterranean ports – play a round of golf. 

A helicopter excursion in Antarctica takes passengers to see 5,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island – a spot only accessible by helicopter. 

Some cruises also offer submarine rides

Scenic’s two submarines, named Neptune I and Neptune II, carry six to eight passengers plus a pilot. The U-Boat Worx sub on the Eclipse I is capable of submerging 984 feet, although it typically dives only about one-third of that depth for safety reasons and a better viewing experience. 

The Eclipse II will have a Triton sub, capable of submerging 600 feet. The cruise line says the battery-powered subs don’t emit hazardous substances and pose no danger to aquatic life.

Fittingly, the Eclipse II was christened in June by Kathy Sullivan, a geologist and oceanographer who was the first American woman to complete a spacewalk for NASA. She’s also traveled to the deepest depths of the ocean, earning her the title “World’s Most Vertical Person.”

We started the cruise in Reykjavik, Iceland, the world’s northernmost capital city, before sailing across the Denmark Strait to the southeastern coast of Greenland.  

Four days were spent exploring the region’s many fjords, glaciers and icebergs up close on eight-passenger Zodiacs driven by members of the ship’s 17-person expedition team, consisting of naturalists, botanists, marine biologists and a historian. The Eclipse II then transited the Prince Christian Sound in southern Greenland before cruising along the territory’s west coast. There, we visited Nuuk, Greenland’s largest town (population 20,000). 

All told, we covered 2,600 miles during the voyage.

It’s not easy to get to Greenland as there are no direct flights to/from North America. To get home at the end of the cruise, we took a four-hour Air Greenland flight from Kangerlussuaq Airport to Copenhagen for an overnight hotel stay before flying home to the U.S. the following day.

Needless to say, while the jets that took us home flew much higher and faster, they couldn’t come close to matching the thrill and excitement of a helicopter ride over one of the most remote places on the planet.  

Cruising Greenland and Iceland

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours:   www.scenicusa.com .

Visit Greenland: www.visitgreenland.com .

Dan Fellner of Scottsdale is a freelance travel writer. Contact him at  [email protected]  or visit his website at  DanFellner.com .   

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Flightseeing': Get a helicopter tour right from your cruise

Transportation | Woman sues American Airlines over in-flight…

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Transportation

Transportation | woman sues american airlines over in-flight incident with ‘uncontrollably drunk’ seatmate.

Heading home after a guided food-tour excursion in Mexico with her girlfriends, Gretchen Stelter settled into her window seat in business class on American Airlines and began editing a book manuscript for her new job.

The 42-year-old editor, worried about a fast-approaching deadline, said she hoped her open laptop and the AirPods in her ears would discourage the chatty passenger next to her. When her plan failed, Stelter said, she “gave up” on work and made small talk with the man during their two-hour flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Chicago.

But according to Stelter’s pending lawsuit, American Airlines employees failed to protect her from what happened next: Her seatmate, who ordered two double vodka sodas, became “uncontrollably drunk and loudly sexually harassed” her. He also grabbed her buttocks as she moved to exchange seats with a sympathetic passenger, the complaint alleges.

Stelter’s lawsuit, filed in Cook County in late May, also alleges American Airlines employees “victim-shamed and blamed” her in the hours and days following her Oct. 29 ordeal.

A spokesperson for the Fort Worth-based carrier declined to comment Friday, citing the pending litigation.

The suit is the latest in a series of recent public relations headaches for the airline.

Federal authorities said a former American Airlines flight attendant attempted to record a 14-year-old girl last September while she used a lavatory and that he was in possession of recordings of four other minors. Some of the girls’ families have sued the airline. The man pleaded not guilty last month to attempted sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.

Also last month, three Black men sued the carrier alleging discriminatory behavior after they and other Black passengers were temporarily removed from a January flight over a complaint of “offensive body odor.” In a June 18 letter to his employees, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom called the incident “unacceptable” and pledged several actions to improve diversity and inclusion. Isom said he also has spoken with NAACP leaders, who had threatened to issue a travel advisory against the carrier.

In a Tribune interview, Stelter said she had a long day of travel on Oct. 29 after enjoying a nine-day vacation in Mexico with several girlfriends. Traveling alone, she began her journey at 6 a.m. in Oaxaca; her itinerary included stops in Mexico City and Dallas-Fort Worth, where she boarded American flight 1551 to O’Hare.

She planned to drive from Chicago to the home she shares with her husband in Madison, Wisconsin.

Stelter said she “splurged” on a business-class seat so she’d have more space to tackle the manuscript from a romantic fantasy series she was editing for her new job at a Naperville-based publishing house. She said the man directly next to her in 3B – the aisle seat – ordered a double vodka soda and struck up a conversation.

“It was pretty clear right away that he wanted to chat,” she said. “He just kept talking.”

Stelter said the conversation began innocuously enough with chitchat about their lives, their trips and even the writings of Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Her seatmate was speaking coherently at first, Stelter said.

About one hour into the flight, the man ordered a refill of his drink, according to the suit. Stelter, who had finished her soft drink, decided to order an alcoholic drink as well, she said.

“He was not slurring, and he did not start off being inappropriate,” she said. “It definitely escalated the more he was served alcohol.”

Stelter said she grew increasingly uncomfortable as he complimented her appearance, complained about his girlfriend and said he wished the woman was more like her. Stelter, who was wearing her wedding ring, said she politely rebuffed him, telling the man she was “happily married.”

He called himself “stupid” and told himself to “shut up,” the lawsuit said, but still persisted.

The complaint alleges two flight attendants were nearby when the man “made vile, offensive, and harassing comments” to Stelter, saying he was going to perform a sex act on her, using crude language, and that he would “wear her down” and “f−−−” her.)

Stelter said she consistently told him “no” and asked him to stop talking and to stop drinking.

“Honestly, I was trapped,” she told the Tribune. “I was in 3A. He was in 3B. My only way to get out of that seat was either to have some sort of help or to clamber over him, giving him full access to parts of my body that I did not feel like giving him access to.”

Other passengers took notice, including a man seated directly in front of Stelter in 2A who summoned a flight attendant after he inquired if Stelter was OK and she told him she wasn’t, according to the lawsuit. Her seatmate told the employee he was just “having fun,” and Stelter said the flight attendant took “no action to protect” her.

“He walked away, allowing the assailant to keep the alcohol (that) was left in his glass as well as the bottle of vodka then remaining in plain sight on his tray table,” the complaint said.

Stelter said the man’s harassing behavior continued throughout the flight. He told her they “were going to party,” repeatedly touched her hair, and tried to hold her hand and kiss her, according to the lawsuit, and began spitting on the floor.

Stelter’s complaint alleges two flight attendants in the business-class section of the plane witnessed much of the man’s behavior and failed to help her despite her complaints that he was harassing and touching her and that he was going to be sick. The lawsuit acknowledges they did warn the man to stop touching other passengers; Stelter also mentioned in an interview that they gave him water and offered assistance to the bathroom.

Feeling trapped, Stelter said she tried to de-escalate the situation by responding to the man calmly but firmly, drawing on her training from working part time with a rape crisis center.

“I think I was in a little bit of shock that no one was helping me,” she said. “I wanted to curl into a ball and be as tiny as possible because I didn’t want to be touched anymore.”

Shortly before landing, the male passenger in 2A offered to trade seats. The lawsuit alleges Stelter’s “assailant” grabbed her buttocks as she stepped over him to leave the row, while the two flight attendants stood nearby. She said he continued to verbally harass her through the gap between the seats.

Upon landing at O’Hare, the lawsuit said, passengers were asked to remain seated as police removed the man from the plane after they determined he was “too drunk to move safely.” Stelter said emergency medical personnel later removed him from the airport on a stretcher.

The lawsuit alleges airline gate agents “chastised and blamed” Stelter during a conversation immediately after the flight and suggested she hadn’t done enough to stop his behavior. She filed a complaint on American’s website the next day. Four days after her flight, she received a “form email in response,” the lawsuit said. At her request, a customer relations employee called her.

“After explaining that she had alerted the American flight attendants to the assailant’s behavior and they had not taken any action in response, the American customer relations employee yelled at and blamed (Stelter) for the incident, leaving (her) in tears,” the lawsuit alleges.

A few days later, Stelter said, a member of the airline’s executive team called and acknowledged the previous employee had not handled the situation properly and promised someone with their global investigations team would be in touch. She said that never happened.

Stelter said she has been in touch with the FBI and signed a complaint against the inebriated passenger. Her attorneys, Deanna Pihos and Benjamin Blustein, said they are unaware if he is facing criminal charges or a civil penalty. He is not named in the lawsuit.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported a sharp spike in passenger unruliness in 2021, leading to a zero-tolerance policy that replaced warning letters with monetary fines. There were 5,973 unruly passenger incidents that year, according to the FAA. The number of incidents dropped to 2,455 in 2022, 2,075 in 2023, and 915 cases in 2024 as of June 9, with 106 of those incidents connected to drinking.

Last month, the FAA filed a federal lawsuit to collect a nearly $82,000 fine from a San Antonio woman who tried opening an American Airlines cabin door mid-flight in July 2021 and was eventually restrained with duct tape.

In January, a passenger on an American Airlines flight out of Dallas-Fort Worth was accused of assaulting a flight attendant and later kicking a police officer. And in March, an intoxicated passenger on an American Airlines flight to Tampa was removed when he was accused of threatening to “take this plane down.”

Once an avid traveler who said she has lived in Australia, became engaged in Paris and visited such far-flung destinations as London, Fiji, Ireland, New Zealand and Italy, Stelter said the ordeal has left her mostly grounded by anxiety, panic attacks and other emotional distress.

She accepted a voluntary demotion at her full-time job and has been unable to fill her shifts as a part-time on-call advocate for rape survivors, according to her lawsuit.

“That’s one of the hardest things about trauma,” she told the Tribune, “when it takes away from you something you love.”

Stelter said she is suing for damages, lost earnings and to send a message to American Airlines to improve its employee training to better handle in-flight incidents and passenger complaints.

“I was retraumatized at every step instead of being listened to and supported,” she said. “It was just a complete failure at every turn to do anything to protect me or to validate me. Had someone at some point said, ‘I’m so sorry that this happened to you,’ and then they had handled it in that way from then on, it would be a very different situation.”

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All Airplane Tours from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most widely-visited cities in the world - and not just for the chance to gamble. The city offers countless options in fine dining and high-end shopping, along with tropical pools and renowned shows at every casino-resort. Between admiring the vast variety of architecture, watching the magnificent fountain shows, riding outdoor roller coasters, or simply people-watching, it is likely impossible to experience everything in just one visit to the Las Vegas Strip. However, the biggest attraction in the area is not covered in glitter or illuminated by flashing lights. Beyond Las Vegas, through the Mojave Desert, the massive stone gorges of the Grand Canyon have been evolving for millions of years. Plan a day away from the delightful chaos of the Las Vegas Strip and let Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines show you the magnificent canyon.

Soar across the expanse of the Mojave Desert to the Grand Canyon's West Rim in a first-rate aircraft. Sights of the Hoover Dam, the glittering waters of Lake Mead, and the Colorado River are just outside the cabin windows.

The most popular tour to the Grand Canyon with an added helicopter ride! This is one of our passengers' favorite Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. Only from the air can you really see the beauty and scale of the Grand Canyon.

Enjoy a roundtrip flight from Boulder City, Nevada to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Stunning views await at multiple scenic overlooks during a 2-hour guided tour on an open-air Hummer.

Grand Canyon West is the home of the world famous Grand Canyon Skywalk and hosts a variety of other canyon rim activites.  Using the convenient hop-on/hop-off shuttle service guests can experience the Skywalk, tour the Native American Village exhibit, visit the western town, or visit Guano Point (nearly 360 degree canyon view).

Discover the mystique of the ancient Hualapai Tribe at the Grand Canyon West. You'll see the unique vistas on an exciting airplane tour, wander the canyon's edge on foot, or even visit the Native American Cultural Village.

With our Grand Canyon Skywalk Experience tour, walk on air and experience freedom like never before as you step onto the glass bridge extending out over the Canyon at 4,000 feet above the ground.

Discover the most unique views of the canyon from the air, land, and water! Fly via airplane to the West Rim, where a helicopter will take passengers a mile down to the canyon floor for a boat ride down the Colorado River. Ample time is provided to see the canyon views from the rim, as well.

Whether you have an entire day available or just an afternoon to spare, experiencing the Grand Canyon can easily be integrated into your plans. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines offers a spectrum of tours from Las Vegas to multiple canyon rims and can suit any time frame, group size, or activity interest. The  Highlights Air Tour  offers sights of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the West Rim of the canyon in just 4 hours. Guests can also take their time on the  Grand Canyon Connoisseur Tour with Helicopter , a 9.5-hour excursion of the canyon's South Rim, providing aerial views by both airplane and helicopter. Additionally, guests who are looking for ground-only tours can join a  South Rim Bus Tour  and find beautiful desert sights (along with the Hoover Dam) on their way to the canyon. Tours can also be upgraded and customized to include helicopters, boat rides, Jeep and ATV tours, and more.