Takeaway

If you visit Las Vegas you will notice constant helicopter traffic overhead around the Strip for what seems like all day and night.  The City Lights helicopter tours around the Strip are very popular amongst Papillon and Maverick being the primary competitors in this market.  Both companies use the same type of helicopter and fly the same flight path.  The biggest differences are the flight times and transportation options.  Maverick starts their flights before sundown while Papillon only flies after sundown.  Maverick only offers hotel transfers on one flight time while Papillon offers hotel transfers for every flight time.  Maverick has flights that go until 11:30PM while Papillon flies no later than 10:00PM. Our recommendation is to choose whichever company has a flight time that works best for you however Papillon is less expensive and has more transportation options than Maverick.  It is generally less expensive to get a taxi or rideshare from a hotel to the helicopter terminal than using the tour hotel transportation.  We compare the same tour without transfers below.

Takeaway

Both Papillon & Maverick are located close to the Las Vegas Strip so if you opt to arrange your own transportation to the airport you can save at least $20 per person with Maverick and $30 per person with Papillon.  Maverick is located directly across the street from the historic Welcome to Las Vegas Sign which many plan to visit anyway during their visit to Las Vegas.  Maverick offers a lower price flight for one flight time (the early 3:30PM flight) however their other flight times are $10 more per person than Papillon.  Both companies use the same type of helicopter and fly the same flight path.  Maverick starts their flights before sundown while Papillon only flies after sundown.  Maverick has flights that go until 11:30PM while Papillon flies no later than 11:00PM. You will save money by flying Papillon on this tour option unless you opt for the early Maverick flight.

Each helicopter company has unique flight options available for special events in Las Vegas

Takeaway

This is a unique alternative to the City Lights tour with twice as much flight time and much more scenery as it covers not only the Las Vegas Strip but also Red Rock Canyon with a landing overlooking both Red Rock and the entire Las Vegas valley.  This tour was originally created by Sundance Helicopters before Covid shutdowns caused Sundance to close operations in Las Vegas.    Maverick is now the exclusive provider of this unique tour.