Should I buy this experience?
Who it's for
These sightseeing flights are ideal if you want to see the sights from the air, but aren’t too keen on actually flying the aircraft. It’s all about sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the amazing aerial vistas on these airborne tours. (Don’t forget, we do do
flying lessons for those who want it all!).
Who it's not for
Other than those who are too afraid of flying, we can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t delight in an aerial sightseeing tour for that unique bird’s eye view of this beautiful country we live in. Not surprising then, that these sightseeing flights are some of out most popular gifts to give.
Sightseeing flights FAQs
Are these sightseeing flights all in helicopters?
We do indeed have a full range of sightseeing flights from locations around the UK in helicopters, along with trips in aeroplanes too. Take your pick or perhaps do a tour in each!
Are the aircraft all modern?
Tours in fancy executive choppers are by far the most popular with our customers. They’re just like the ones you see the rich and famous using and they’re really quite flash. For those seeking a bit of nostalgia, we also have sightseeing flights in classic aircraft, from DeHavilland Doves to Tiger Moths.
Do these sightseeing flights operate out of main airports?
We have all sorts of departure points for you. Some depart from international airports, others are based at smaller flying club airfields. With helicopters not needing very much space at all for take off and landings, we have a quite few tours that set off from private land such as hotel grounds, country parks and estates.
How will I know what I’m looking at when I’m up in the air?
In most cases your pilot will point out the main landmarks to you as you fly. In a helicopter you’ll be equipped with a headset so you can hear the pilot talk. Other operators my give you printed maps and/or guides to mark out the main sights.
Can you guarantee I’ll see everything mentioned on the flight itinerary?
The itineraries mentioned are to give you an idea of the usual flight path the aircraft will take. Your actual itinerary on the day will depend on weather conditions and any air traffic control restrictions, but wherever you fly there’ll be lots to see!
Can you really go on a sightseeing flight over central London?
Yes! There are special flight paths specifically for single-engined helicopters called the ‘London heli lanes’. The routes generally follow the River Thames and you’ll be flying at a level well below the London Heathrow flight path. All this means you get see some of the very best sights of the capital using the official routes, all at a cruise level well below commercial jet traffic.
Have you got any cheap sightseeing flights?
We sure do. Our ‘Heli Buzz’ sightseeing flights are great for getting a taste of that bird’s eye view in a fancy chopper. You get see the immediate area around your take off spot and experience the sensation of rotary flight, all in the space of around five minutes - which, when you’re up there is quite long, especially if it’s your first time in a helicopter!
Will I still be able to see the sights if I’ve not got a window seat on the flight?
The great thing about helicopters is that everyone gets a good view as the cockpit is mainly glass. Of course, one or maybe even two lucky people (depending on the type of helicopter) get to sit up front next to the pilot, but those in the rear seats will enjoy superb views too. Same in the vintage planes, as the windows were a lot bigger back in the day - with more leg-room too.
Surely the views are the same as when you fly in a big commercial jet?
For those few minutes when you take off or come into land in your big commercial airliner, you do indeed get that ‘everything’s in miniature’ moment when you spot cars on the motorway that look like toy cars and the sea of houses below you. But then you’re cruising at 35,000ft and often above the cloud base. The advantage of all our sightseeing flights is that you cruise at much lower levels (as low as 1000ft) for the duration of your flight - so it’s fab views all the way.
How many passengers do the aircraft seat?
It very much depends on the type of aircraft operating the flights. Some executive choppers seat six passengers plus your pilot and the vintage planes are anything from tandems with just you and the pilot, to around 16 passengers with two or three crew onboard. All these sort of details are included on each individual product page.
How high (or low) will I be flying?
In general, you will be flying at between 1000 and 1500ft during your sightseeing flight. This does, of course, depend on weather and air traffic restrictions on the day.
Can I bring my camera to take photos of the sights during the flight?
Of course! Just don’t get too engrossed in taking photos to actual enjoy seeing the sights with your own eyes.
Will I need a passport for these sightseeing departures?
Technically you don’t need a passport to travel, but most operators will ask for proof of ID on signing in for your flight. Please check the full details on your voucher before travelling for your flight.
How long before my flight should I get to there?
Once booked in, your operator will give you all the details you need about your flight. In general, they ask for passengers to arrive between 15 and 30-minutes before your departure time.
Can friends and family come along to watch?
The vast majority of operators welcome spectators to wave you off, as that’s all part of the fun of these wonderful sightseeing experiences, especially when they’ve been given as a gift. Most airfields have a clubhouse with a cafe, so you can get a snack or drink whilst you wait for them to land back at base.
Will you fly over my house?
This is a question that many passengers ask. These sightseeing trips follow specific itineraries and flight paths, so unless you happen to live right underneath it, you won’t see your house. However, if you’re willing to splash the cash and go for
an exclusive sightseeing charter you will be able to discuss your flight path with your pilot.
Are there any sightseeing flights near me?
Flying experiences are our speciality and we’ve got a vast selection of sightseeing tours available for you to book directly online with us. There’s bound to be a departure point near you, as we work with operators and airports the length and breadth of the UK, with pretty much every county represented. Current sightseeing flight locations include:
- London
- Derbyshire
- Devon
- Dorset
- Oxfordshire
- Hampshire
- Sussex
- Lancashire
- Gloucestershire
- Kent
- Yorkshire
- Lincolnshire
- Essex
- Surrey
- Cambridgeshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Northumberland
- Oxfordshire
- South Wales
- West Lothian
- Renfrewshire
- Perthshire
- Stirlingshire
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