Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Flight

helicopter

Duration
10-15 minutes in the air; about 1.5 hours hotel to hotel when transfers are included (Papillon VIP After Dark)
Price
from $99 per person, flight only, no hotel transfers (Papillon Strip Highlights); a fuel surcharge may apply at check-in
Departs from
Terminals just off the south Strip: Papillon at 5060 Koval Lane; Maverick at 6075 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Age policy
No minimum age at Papillon or Maverick. Under 2 on a parent's lap; 2 and up need a paid seat; Maverick requires under-18s to fly with a parent or guardian. ID for 18+.

About

Strip helicopter flights are short sightseeing loops over Las Vegas Boulevard. Both operators here fly from terminals just south of the resort corridor. Maverick's is at 6075 S. Las Vegas Blvd., near the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Papillon's is at 5060 Koval Lane.

The route runs the length of the Strip to Downtown and back. Papillon lists the Luxor pyramid, Allegiant Stadium, New York-New York, T-Mobile Arena, the Bellagio fountains, the Paris Eiffel Tower, the High Roller, the Sphere and Downtown's neon. Maverick lists Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Wynn, The STRAT and Circa.

The flight itself is 10 to 15 minutes. Total time depends on whether you take the operator's hotel transfer. Papillon flies the Airbus EC130 ECO-Star. Maverick flies Airbus helicopters with leather theater-style seats and wrap-around glass.

What to expect

Arrive at the terminal ahead of time. Maverick asks non-Grand Canyon guests to check in at least 30 minutes before departure and calls boarding 15 minutes before. Everyone is weighed, and seats are assigned for weight and balance, so you cannot pick a seat and your group may be split. Papillon offers a front-seat upgrade for $30 if one is available.

Maverick's aircraft seat up to six guests and have wrap-around glass. The pilot gives a safety briefing, then flies north over the Strip to Downtown and returns the other way. Photos and video are welcome, but flash must be off. Papillon's After Dark package adds a champagne toast before boarding and a ride back to your hotel afterwards.

Who runs it

Several companies run this tour from Las Vegas. These are the published terms on each company's own site; we don't rank them or earn anything from them.

  • Papillon - Las Vegas Strip Highlightsfrom $99 per person 路 about 10-15 minute flight 路 Flight only; you get yourself to the 5060 Koval Lane terminal
  • Papillon - Vegas VIP After Dark Helicopter Tourfrom $129 per person 路 about 1.5 hours hotel to hotel; 10-15 minute flight 路 Hotel-to-hotel transfer from most Strip and Downtown hotels, champagne toast, narrated flight
  • Maverick Helicopters - Vegas Viewsfrom $139 per person (Maverick says prices vary by season and demand) 路 about 10-12 minutes 路 Flight in an Airbus helicopter with up to 6 guests, pilot safety briefing; departs Maverick's Strip terminal

Good to know

  • Papillon's $99 Strip Highlights does not include transport; you must get to the Koval Lane terminal yourself. The $129 After Dark version includes hotel transfers.
  • Weight: Maverick's limit for Las Vegas flights is 300 lb per person, with an extra seat required above it. Papillon charges for an extra seat at 300 lb or more.
  • ID: bring an original REAL ID-compliant license or passport if you are 18 or older. Copies and phone images are refused.
  • Cancellation: no changes or refunds within 72 hours at Papillon or Maverick.
  • Selfie sticks and extending camera poles are banned in and around Papillon aircraft. Maverick asks for flash off to avoid window reflections.
  • Papillon sells flights on the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve for the fireworks.

Questions about Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Flight

How long is a Strip helicopter flight?

About 10 to 15 minutes in the air. Papillon lists 10 to 15 minutes for its Strip flights, and Maverick lists about 10 to 12 minutes for Vegas Views. Papillon's After Dark package with hotel transfers runs about an hour and a half from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

It depends on the product. Papillon's Strip Highlights flight is sold without transfers, and you make your own way to its terminal at 5060 Koval Lane. Papillon's Vegas VIP After Dark includes hotel-to-hotel transfers from most Strip and Downtown hotels. Maverick's Vegas Views page names its Strip terminal as the departure point and does not mention hotel transport.

Can I choose where I sit?

No. Both operators weigh passengers at check-in and assign seats to balance the aircraft, and Maverick says your party may not sit together. Papillon lets you request a front seat, charging $30 only if the upgrade is confirmed at check-in.

Can children fly?

Yes. Papillon says it has no age restrictions. At both operators, children under 2 can ride on a parent's lap, and children 2 and older need a paid seat. Maverick requires passengers 17 and under to fly with a parent or guardian and asks for a passport or birth certificate for lap infants.

Is the flight private?

Not by default. Maverick's Vegas Views flight carries up to six guests and is shared unless you buy every seat when booking. Papillon's helicopters also hold up to six passengers, and it offers a private-aircraft option on some tours for an added price.

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