I guess I'm biased, but in my opinion everyone planning a Vegas trip should consider one of the air tours offered on Grand Canyon helicopters. There are air-only and landing versions, but I much prefer the latter. These are the reasons why:

Las Vegas is just 120 miles away from the West Rim. It takes around 45 minutes to fly there in a helicopter.

Flights leave from the Vegas Strip and the airfield at Boulder City, a suburb that's about a 30-minute shuttle ride away. Tours that leave from the Strip cost more because you have to pay for the convenience of the close airfield. You get another added perk for the additional cost too because the tours that depart from the Strip use a limo to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

At the Bottom

Tours on Las Vegas helicopters offer a variety of activities. One of the most popular ones lands on the bottom of the canyon. That's something you can only do at the West Rim (federal regulations effective at the South Rim prohibit landing on the bottom there) and every West Rim helicopter tour begins at Las Vegas. That's why this particular tour is so popular and the fact it comes with a Champagne brunch and time to explore the area on foot is an additional plus. You'll be able to walk right up to the shoreline of the Colorado River!

The sunset helicopter tours are very popular too. You are treated to a magnificent view of the sun melting into the canyon as the lights spring to life in Vegas.

3-in-1

Overall, one of the best tours you can take is the one called the "3-in-1" tour. On this tour, you get to fly to the canyon floor, float down the Colorado River, and time to explore the top of the rim for about 2 1/2 hours. But because it also comes with VIP access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, I call it the "four-in-one" tour. This tour gives you a little of everything the West Rim has to offer.

Landing tours are all-inclusive, meaning the price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off (shuttle van for Boulder City departures; limousine for Strip takeoffs), the services of a professional guide, lunch, and all applicable Park fees and taxes.

Since you spend time on the ground on a landing tour, don't forget to dress appropriately. The West Rim is quite hot during the summer. I suggest wearing shorts, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, sunglasses and a hat with a brim. Bring some water and your sunscreen too.

Summing Up

When you're in Vegas, choose one of the fun tours on Las Vegas helicopters mentioned above. If your heart is set on seeing the South Rim, then take an airplane or bus there where you can transfer to a chopper for the tour. Keep in mind that the Boulder City flights are cheaper, but the tours that include limo service leave from the Strip. Here's hoping we see each other in the air!