The Daytime City Helicopter Tour offers visitors a unique perspective of New Orleans’ iconic landmarks. Soaring over the city, thrill-seekers can choose between a 15-mile or 30-mile flight, each providing unobstructed aerial views and noise-cancelling headsets for an immersive experience. With convenient booking and free cancellation, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking a fresh take on the city, the helicopter tour provides a chance to discover New Orleans from a whole new vantage point.
This experience made our article of New Orleans’s 4 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours.
Key Points
- Offers a 15-mile City Tour or 30-mile City and Swamp Tour, with flight durations ranging from 7-22 minutes.
- Provides aerial views of iconic New Orleans landmarks, including Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.
- Features a noise-cancelling headset and a window seat for an immersive and unobstructed experience.
- Includes a digital photo package option to capture the breathtaking aerial scenery.
- Enforces strict weight guidelines for passenger safety, with a maximum individual weight limit of 295 lbs.
Overview and Booking Details
The New Orleans Helicopter Tour offers visitors an exhilarating aerial perspective of the city. Priced from £123.48 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Depending on the tour choice, the experience lasts 8-20 minutes. Guests can choose between a 15-mile City Tour or a 30-mile City and Swamp Tour.
All passengers are weighed at check-in for safety, with individual weight limits in place. This helicopter adventure provides unparalleled views of iconic landmarks like the French Quarter, Superdome, and Lake Borgne’s swamps.
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Tour Experience and Itinerary
Starting at Messinas at Lakefront Airport, the New Orleans Helicopter Tour begins with a safety briefing before guests take to the skies.
The New Orleans Helicopter Tour begins with a safety briefing at Messinas at Lakefront Airport before guests take to the skies.
The tour offers two flight options:
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15-mile City Tour (7-9 minutes): Aerial views of Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, French Market, Bourbon Street, Central Business District, Canal Street, Caesars Superdome, and City Park.
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30-mile City and Swamp Tour (18-22 minutes): Includes City Tour sights plus views of an abandoned theme park, NASA rocket facility, and swamps along Lake Borgne.
After the tour, guests return to the Lakefront Airport.
Tour Features and Highlights
Noise-cancelling headsets provide an immersive experience for passengers, allowing them to clearly hear the tour narration by the professional pilot.
Each person enjoys a window seat, offering unobstructed views of the sights below. The digital photo package, available for $25, captures the breathtaking aerial scenery, providing lasting memories of the tour.
On-site parking convenience further enhances the overall experience. With these thoughtful features, the New Orleans helicopter tour delivers an exceptional and unforgettable way to explore the city from a unique aerial perspective.
Passenger Requirements and Restrictions
Who can participate in the New Orleans helicopter tour? There are a few key requirements to keep in mind.
Passengers can’t weigh over 300 lbs (136 kg) or use a wheelchair. The individual weight limit is 295 lbs. For groups of 2-3 people, the maximum combined weight is 575 lbs.
All passengers will be weighed at check-in for safety reasons. This ensures a comfortable and secure flight experience. The tour operator places a strong emphasis on passenger safety and adheres to strict weight guidelines.
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Individual weight limit: 295 lbs
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Maximum combined weight for groups of 2-3: 575 lbs
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All passengers weighed at check-in
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The New Orleans helicopter tour boasts an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating based on 52 reviews. Passengers consistently praise the friendly staff, smooth rides, and knowledgeable pilots.
The tour’s transportation receives a 4.8/5 rating, while the value for money scores 4.7/5. Reviewers highlight the breathtaking aerial views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and the Superdome.
Many comment on the tour’s excellent organization and safety protocols, making for a memorable and safe experience. The New Orleans helicopter tour is a hit with visitors, offering a unique perspective of the Crescent City.
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Preparing for Your Tour
Before embarking on your New Orleans helicopter tour, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
First, come prepared with the appropriate attire – dressing in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is advised.
Secondly, be mindful of the weight restrictions, as passengers exceeding 295 lbs individually or 575 lbs collectively may not be able to participate.
Finally, arrive at the Lakefront Airport with ample time to complete the required safety briefing and check-in process.
Getting to the Lakefront Airport
Reaching the starting point of your New Orleans helicopter tour at the Lakefront Airport is straightforward. The airport is conveniently located and provides ample parking for guests. To get there, you can utilize the following transportation options:
| Mode | Travel Time | Cost |
| — | — | — |
| Driving | 15-20 minutes | Free parking on-site |
| Uber/Lyft | 15-20 minutes | $15-$25 |
| Taxi | 15-20 minutes | $25-$35 |
| Public Transportation | 30-45 minutes | $1.25 per trip |
| Shuttle Service | 15-20 minutes | $10-$15 per person |
Upon arrival, you’ll find the Messinas facility at the Lakefront Airport, where the helicopter tours depart. Check-in and safety briefing will take place here before your thrilling aerial adventure.
What to Expect on the Helicopter Ride
Once passengers are checked in and receive their safety briefing, they can expect a thrilling and immersive helicopter experience over the vibrant city of New Orleans.
During the tour, they’ll don noise-cancelling headsets and enjoy panoramic views from their window seat. The knowledgeable pilot will provide live commentary, pointing out iconic landmarks like:
Passengers don noise-cancelling headsets and enjoy panoramic views, with the knowledgeable pilot pointing out iconic landmarks during the tour.
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Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
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The French Quarter and Bourbon Street
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The mighty Mississippi River and Caesars Superdome
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Abandoned theme parks and NASA facilities
After soaring over the urban core and nearby swamps, passengers will return safely to the Lakefront Airport, with memories of New Orleans from a whole new perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Number of Passengers Allowed per Helicopter?
The maximum number of passengers allowed per helicopter is 3. This is based on the individual weight limit of 295 lbs and a maximum combined weight for groups of 2-3 of 575 lbs.
Can I Bring My Personal Camera on the Tour?
Yes, passengers can bring their personal cameras on the tour. According to the information provided, each passenger has a window seat, allowing them to capture aerial views of the sights during the helicopter flight.
Are There Any Medical Restrictions for Passengers?
There are medical restrictions for passengers. Individuals over 300 lbs (136 kg) or wheelchair users cannot take the tour. Each passenger’s weight is limited to 295 lbs, and the maximum combined weight for groups of 2-3 is 575 lbs.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
There’s no minimum age requirement for the tour, but children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. All passengers, regardless of age, must meet the individual weight limit of 295 lbs.
Can I Request a Specific Departure Time for the Tour?
Yes, you can request a specific departure time for the tour. The booking system allows you to check availability and select a start time that works best for your schedule.
The Sum Up
The Daytime City Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled aerial adventure over the picturesque city of New Orleans. With the choice between a 15-mile or 30-mile tour, passengers can soak in the breathtaking views of iconic landmarks from the comfort of a window seat. Featuring noise-cancelling headsets and free cancellation, this tour provides a safe and convenient way to experience the beauty of New Orleans from a unique perspective.
📍 This experience made our list of the 4 best Helicopter Flights & Tours in New Orleans
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