Revenge Travel and Inflation Pump
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Prices Higher
(Hang in there... Help is on the WAY!)
I've been in the Grand Canyon helicopter business for nearly two decades. During that time, I've seen a lot. But lately, it seems like the challenges are mounting. I'm specifically referring to COVID when we had to decommission nearly our entire fleet and institute new health protocols. Thank God that's behind us. However, you can't get comfortable. And this time, it's "revenge travel" and inflation.
Somebody Fix these Prices, Please
I agree. Prices are high. Can I do anything about it? I try. My efforts include telling people about specials and promotions (yes, they still exist). I even help them directly where I'm in a better position to discount certain tours further to get closer to their budget. It's still true that MOST of the best deals are online. That said, there's still some wiggle room if I handle the booking over the phone and do it manually. Not all the time, but most of the time, I can squeeze out additional savings.
Let's stand back for a moment and understand why tour prices are what they are, shall we? First, wages have gone up, from customer service representatives and administrative staff to pilots and ground crew. And by up, I mean WAY up. I personally don't have a problem with this, as our crew needs to make a living, and raises are one way to 1) keep our experienced people in the organization and 2) ensure our employees have a good quality of life (they shop at the same supermarkets we all do, and it's INSANE how much cereal, red meat, and diapers cost!).
Operational costs are out of this world as well. Jet fuel by the gallon has skyrocketed. So has flight insurance, especially when you have to properly insure each aircraft to be a tour operator (we don't scrimp on this!). Helicopter parts and service recently jumped 35% in price. And if you're a homeowner, you can relate to this: our property taxes decided to spike.
Don't get the impression that I'm complaining. I'm not. This is the cost of doing business during this time of sticker shock (for the record, I paid $21 for a lox bagel in NYC this summer!). It's simply to show why helicopter tour prices are what they are. Certainly, the high costs of inflation will level out. But the damage is done. Or is it? I don't have a crystal ball, but my instincts tell me there's more government spending ahead. Will that tickle inflation (and prices) upward? It's anyone's guess.
Is there a way to get a jump on this? I believe there is. Earlier, I mentioned promotions and phone calls (I can be reached at 702-530-8687 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST). There's also the tried-and-true tactic of 1) booking online and 2) booking as far in advance as you reasonably can. I can't overemphasize these simple acts, especially on our most popular tours like the sunset bottom-landing and the 50-min. South Rim flyover. As a matter of fact, this applies to all our bottom-landing tours. By getting to the front of the line with an early booking, you will save.
Caution: AI in Use
This is SO true for summer travelers. June, July, August, and September are our absolute busiest months. Tours sell out, and prices go up and slightly down based on demand and how the pricing algorithm interprets booking and sales data (yes, AI is here!). It's a bit of a different story if you plan to travel in the fall and winter months. January and February are the cheapest months. October and November are the most temperate, but book ahead if you plan to be here during Thanksgiving week. Spring months are busy, so it's best to book those in February and March before the rush.
Helicopter tours are the #1 way to experience the Grand Canyon. It's always been like this since I've been in the business. I don't foresee this ever changing. Sure, prices fluctuate, and helicopter rides are NOT the cheapest option, but they are the BEST option. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, helis are the ONLY way to go. I hope to see all of you at the Canyon and welcome you as our guests. It would be a total pleasure to get you airborne above the best of the seven natural wonders of the world (the ENTIRE world!).
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Make it a GRAND day!
