Once in a lifetime experience! The absolute best way to see and experience the Grand Canyon! Could not recommend more! One bit of advice would be to not eat before like I did 🙈 Thank you to our great pilots! We had an incredible time!
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (08:00‑11:00) for calm air; Mar‑May & Sep‑Nov for mild weather
Open
Closed now · 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Price Range
$$–$$$
Parking
Free parking at Grand Canyon National Park Airport terminal
Ideal For
Climate-controlled terminal lounge, complimentary hotel shuttle (Tusayan), free Wi-Fi in terminal, gift shop & restrooms, multilingual audio narration (16 languages), noise-reducing headsets, large sightseeing windows, on-site customer service desk, free on-site parking
Stay Type
Overnight Stay Available
Amazing experience. The views were extraordinary. Everyone on the flight got a window seat. Check-in was easy.The Pilot/Co-Pilot were incredibly nice and knowledgeable. One teenager asked to exit the plane before we took off and it was handled professionally and with empathy. Truth be told – the pilots handled it better than the teen's family!The best way to see the Grand Canyon.
What an experience. Extremely bumpy ride, but very enjoyable. Generally, planes are 10-20 people capacity. Pilots are great, very well trained and handled the flights so well.You get the best view of the Grand Canyon from the top. Colorado River was so clear. One must not miss the experience.
Amazing experience. The Pilot/Co-Pilot were incredibly nice and knowledgeable. The plane was very nice. The views were extraordinary. Price was extremely reasonable. Everyone on the flight got a window seat. Check-in was easy.Absolutely the best way to see the Grand Canyon. Wouldn’t hesitate to go again or recommend.
Amazing experience!!! We flew out of the Grand Canyon airport at 6:00AM to Paige, AZ. Our pilot Zach was very friendly and explained the route that we were flying. He pointed out sites along the flight there and back. The van ride to lower antelope canyon and horse shoe bend was short and both sites were beautiful. Highly recommend this tour. Definitely something we will remember forever.
Why Visit Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines
Fixed‑wing flights give you sweeping, bird’s‑eye views of the Grand Canyon, Colorado River and Kaibab National Forest in as little as 25 minutes. Every passenger gets a window seat, multilingual narration and noise‑reducing headsets.
Highlights
Panoramic Aerial Views of the canyon’s South & North Rims, Dragon Corridor and Zuni Corridor.
Year‑Round Departures from Grand Canyon National Park Airport with complimentary hotel shuttles.
Family‑Friendly Flights (children 2+ welcome) using high‑wing De Havilland Twin Otters and Cessna Caravans.
Description
Founded in 1967 by John and Elizabeth Seibold, Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines has grown into the world’s largest fixed‑wing air‑tour operator. Now part of the Papillon Group, the carrier flies more than 300,000 passengers a year in a fleet of 16 Twin Otters and Cessna 208 Caravans specially modified with oversized windows for sightseeing. Tours range from 25‑minute North Canyon flights to all‑day excursions linking Las Vegas, Page and the Grand Canyon. In‑flight narration is offered in up to 16 languages, and every seat is a window seat. Safety briefings, experienced pilots and an FAA‑approved maintenance program underpin its sterling safety record.
History
1927
First commercial Grand Canyon air tour launched by Scenic Airways (predecessor).
1967
John & Elizabeth Seibold restart operations as Scenic Airlines in Las Vegas.
1977
Company acquires rights to turboprop‑convert Cessna 402/414 aircraft.
1983
Introduces upgraded Twin Otter fleet for sightseeing comfort.
1994
Sold to SkyWest Airlines; continues rapid expansion.
1999
Begins scheduled service between Las Vegas and South Rim.
2000
Named one of Las Vegas’ most influential businesses.
2007
Purchased by Grand Canyon Airlines; re‑branded Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines.
2009
Opens 30,000 sq ft terminal at Boulder City Airport.
2017
Celebrates 50 years of continuous air‑tour operations.
2023
Adds fuel‑efficient Cessna 208B EX Caravan to fleet.
Features
Climate-controlled terminal lounge
Complimentary hotel shuttle (Tusayan)
Free Wi-Fi in terminal
Gift shop & restrooms
Multilingual audio narration (16 languages)
Noise-reducing headsets
Large sightseeing windows
On-site customer service desk
Free on-site parking
Getting There
Car: From Grand Canyon Village, drive south on AZ‑64 for 7 mi / 11 km; turn left on Airport Rd. Shuttle: Seasonal Tusayan Park & Ride stops at the airport. Hotel Pick‑Up: Complimentary shuttles from most Tusayan hotels (pre‑arrange when booking). Air: Fly directly into Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN); the terminal is adjacent.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Book 2
3 weeks ahead for peak season seats.
02Be prepared
Arrive 30 min before departure for check‑in and safety briefing.
03Local tip
Wear dark clothing to reduce window glare in photos.
04Save time
Motion‑sensitive? Request a forward seat and consider medication.
05Stay connected
Bring a valid photo ID for all passengers 18+.
06Good to know
Weight limits apply; advise airline if over 300 lb / 136 kg.
07Be prepared
Infants under 2 fly free on a parent’s lap.
08Local tip
No large bags; carry‑on cameras and small personal items only.
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive before my flight?
Check‑in opens 30 minutes before departure; arrive no later than that.
Are flights child‑friendly?
Yes. Children aged 2‑11 receive discounted fares; infants under 2 fly free on a parent’s lap.
Is the aircraft wheelchair accessible?
Limited. Passengers must climb 3‑4 steps; staff can assist with transfers—contact the airline in advance.
Do I get a window seat?
Yes. Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat on all tours.
What luggage can I bring?
Small personal items only; no large backpacks or suitcases.
Can I use my camera?
Absolutely—phones, DSLRs and GoPros are welcome (no drones).
What if weather cancels my flight?
You may reschedule or receive a full refund.
Are pets allowed?
No Pets allowed on Air Tours.
