Best Helicopter Rides in Chicago

Chicago is among the most visited cities in the United States and, if it has earned that position, it is because of the many attractions and sites of interest that can be found here.

In the so-called Windy City, as in other large cities in the United States, it is common to see helicopters flying over its skyscrapers... And, not necessarily the police or a news crew, but tourism has found an interesting and very attractive alternative to see the city from another perspective. Whether it's a flight at sunset, with open doors or even in the middle of a fireworks show... Here I tell you more about the experience of flying in this city.

Chicago' s classic aerial tours fly over the downtown area and the margins of Lake Michigan, where the most famous attractions are located. Tours are offered with schedules throughout the day and every moment has its special charm. In this post I tell you more about some of the most popular tours: the ones that take place at sunset and the night ones. You will see why.

To a lesser extent, there are also flight options over other sectors of the metropolis, where natural scenes stand out on the horizon and the more adventurous can dare to travel with the doors open or even take command.

1. A tour over the "Windy City" under the golden sunset

A time of day that many advocate is the best time to fly over Chicago is sunset.

Photography experts themselves back this up, calling it "the golden hour." This time before the sun says goodbye is an ideal time, as enough light is captured to get the best colors in a shot. And why not take advantage of this when you're looking for the best views at about 400 m above sea level?

Observing the various attractions such as the Willis Tower, the Aquarium Shed, Soldier Field and many areas on the fringes of the vast Lake Michigan in the setting of the sunset will fascinate you.

Flying at sunset can be an ideal time to observe the day-night transition of the city, capturing the best images of both moments.

2. Join the party from above

With fireworks shows at Navy Pier taking place every week in some months of the year(between May and September), Chicago helicopter rides take the flying experience to another level.

That's right! Tours are organized exclusively for flying amidst the nighttime festivities that light up the city. Got a special reason to celebrate in the air? Consider this option. It will be a gift to rememberfor a lifetime.

These tours will also take you to observe some typical night scenes of the city, such as the docks, the huge skyscrapers and stadiums. These tours combine the experience of observing the city and enjoying the bustling party from the heights (by the way: don't worry, you will have headphones at your disposal to cancel the noise).

3. Discover other neighborhoods and...With an open-door option?

In Chicago, there are other options to fly over the city beyond the classic tours. Some companies offer other circuits to the northwest neighborhoods of the city, with a route of semi-urban landscapes, natural scenes and protected areas.

In some of these tours, there is the option of flying with the doors open. If you are one of the most adventurous and choose this option, get ready to live an even more exciting experience when you notice that there is nothing between you and the wind currents, between the image and the lens of your camera. An experience that will increase your adrenaline doses, don't you think so?

However, you should know that the experience of flying with the doors open is not for everyone. It is a noisy flight (uncomfortable for some) in which, in addition, you are exposed to the wind that in certain seasons can be very cold.

In the same way, if you feel very nervous about the idea of a flight with the doors open... Why spend an unpleasant time? You will enjoy better if you feel safe and more comfortable in an enclosed helicopter.

4. Flying and... Piloting?

If you are an aviation enthusiast and are interested in touring Chicago in a different role than a typical passenger, this tour is for you.

With the assistance of experienced instructor pilots, on this particular tour you will have access to the controls and learn everything it takes to fly a Vietnam War helicopter.

If you take advantage of this experience, you'll be well on your way to entering the world of aviation. On the other hand, if you decide to switch seats and relax as an observer, of course you can! Let the pilot continue his flight while you take in some scenic views of Chicago's northwest neighborhoods.

The different Chicago helicopter tour companies offer reservations during the course of the day, starting at approximately 11 am and ending at 10 pm.

There are several companies that offer these services. Virtually all of them follow strict safety standards and certifications for safe and comfortable flights. The companies depart/arrive from different terminals, either owned or rented. All companies require the passenger to arrive 30 minutes before departure, so if the terminal is close to your hotel, it will be much better.

Among the most used terminals are: Chicago Vertiport (1339 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA) and, Chicago Midway Signature terminal (5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, USA).

Other company runways are located at 2420 S Halsted, Chicago IL 60608 and 905 W Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg IL 60193.

To book, you will need to contact the company directly (via online or phone), keeping in mind two important points:

• Which route and schedule to choose: this will be one of the strongest points in your decision. What do you want to see: the basics of the city or see the natural landscapes of the suburbs?... Fly in the daytime? At nightfall? In the middle of a fireworks party?.... Or, how about a more intense adventure with open doors? Evaluate this carefully so that you can choose the most appropriate tour for the experience you want to live.
• Shared or private service: this will be an important factor that will be reflected in the price of your flight. If you choose to share the flight with other passengers outside your group, you will save a few euros... But if you want to make an amorous proposal in the middle of the tour, think well if you want to have strange witnesses accompanying you.

In the case of the classic flight tours over the city of Chicago, these have an approximate price of between 145 and 240 euros per person for shared flights. For private flights, the costs at first glance are much higher: from 625 to 1,268 euros. However, this cost is for a flight of 1 to 6 passengers, or up to 454 kg of cargo capacity. So, if you and several companions sign up for the experience, the cost of the tour is compensated.

Most of the service providers do not differentiate the prices between doing the tour at one time or another, however, there are companies that do increase the cost during sunset by up to 30 euros compared to the early hours of the day. Could it be because of the exceptional advantages of the "golden hour" photography? Or perhaps... The romanticism and tranquility that flying at this time of day inspires? I wouldn't know. But if you have a choice, I would recommend you to choose this time for your flight as your first option.

For a flight in the middle of the fireworks show: , companies require that you contact them in advance to request more information and details of these tours. These flights have significantly higher prices compared to other regular city tours, but if you are looking for a special and unforgettable experience, this tour will not let you down.

For flight tours in other suburbs of the city (open door option or the introductory piloting tour), the price is from 585 euros and up to 3 passengers can go on the tour.

The regular times of these tours are from 8 to 30 minutes. The shortest tours that can be taken are the sunset tours, although they also have the option of a longer tour.

The fireworks tour can last between 20 and 30 minutes.

The tours in the northwest suburbs of the city last 30 minutes.

The must-see sights that tours over the city cover are the iconic Willis Tower, the Navy Pier, with its famous Centennial Ferris Wheel and the sightseeing boats operating on the great Lake Michigan.

Other attractions included depending on the tour are Wrigley field, which if you are a baseball fan you will recognize immediately, the Shed Aquarium, Millennium Park and the Field Museum. The latter is one of the best museums in Chicago and, by the way, I recommend a visit.

Soldier Field, the Adler Planetarium and the various "beaches" on the banks of Lake Michigan are other sights that can be seen on this type of tour.

In the tours over the northwest neighborhoods, where nature and semi-urban scenery is the dominant scene, Fox River and Barrington Hills are part of the landscapes that can be seen on these flights.

The urban design of the city of Chicago has a special charm to be observed from the heights.

With several examples included in the list of the tallest buildings in the United States, a huge fresh water reservoir with recreation and leisure areas, world-famous sporting venues and a lot of movement by land, water and air, flying over this city is a very attractive and recommendable option for tourism.

It is true, a helicopter tour is not an option that is among the most affordable attractions to do on vacation, but if you have the chance to do it in Chicago, do not think twice. It is an experience that leaves anyone enchanted.

If you are going to take a helicopter tour over the city of Chicago, it is important that you take into account some considerations.

• Strictly follow flight safety rules and regulations: this is paramount. Boarding any aircraft requires the attention and participation of all passengers to make the flight as safe as possible.

By the way, if you were in doubt about open-door flights, yes, they are very safe. However, as in all flight situations and in any type of aircraft, it is essential to follow the safety instructions to the letter.

Boarding free of alcohol and other substances and following all safety directions during the flight are just some of the basic rules on all these tours for safe travel.

• Final considerations: If you are looking to have a guaranteed window seat, it is best to book a private tour.

Bring your passport, as some companies may ask for it before boarding (check what other requirements are necessary according to each company).

On daytime flights, wear dark clothing to reduce excessive glare on the windows.

If you are prone to motion sickness, don't forget to take the necessary medication before the flight. And don't forget to arrive at least 30 minutes early!