Best hour of my life-that’s how my daughter (not a little kid but a well-traveled professional) described it. While I get that her statement might be a bit exaggerated, I completely understand her feelings, even if I don’t share her newfound desire to buy a helicopter. The Grand Canyon is vast, stretching about 277 miles. Unless you spend weeks rafting on the Colorado River or embark on a lengthy hike, it’s nearly impossible to fully appreciate the grandeur and scale of this natural wonder from the ground. I usually prefer to enjoy landscapes at my own pace and don’t typically go for this kind of experience, but the Maverick tour from Tusayan left me breathless and was worth every penny (and it takes a lot of pennies to fly with Maverick). They utilize aircraft specifically designed for sightseeing, which means more windows, stadium seating, all seats facing forward, and less noise and vibration (though you’ll still need to wear the provided noise-canceling headphones). Other companies might not use these specialized helicopters. Since all companies follow the same route, your choice mainly depends on the type of aircraft they operate and the quality of the pilot. Our pilot was incredibly knowledgeable, mixing a lot of information with humor and making every effort to ensure a pleasant and relaxed experience for everyone. We had the good fortune of sitting in the front row, which definitely enhances the experience-you can request the front row, but ultimately, seating is determined by weight distribution. We opted for the longer 45-minute tour (which actually lasted closer to an hour); the price difference compared to shorter flights from Tusayan is minimal, and I see no reason why anyone would choose a shorter flight unless they’re afraid of heights, in which case they shouldn’t be on this trip. I won’t attempt to describe the sights you’ll see, as words can’t capture the otherworldly beauty of this place. It’s simple: if you’re going to the trouble of visiting the Grand Canyon and can afford the fare, take this flight! Cut costs elsewhere if you need to (you can eat anywhere) but don’t skip this flight! (I’ve regretted not taking a helicopter over the Na-pali coast on Kauai for 8 years-don’t make my mistake!) One downside: the staff at the terminal were unhelpful, bordering on rude. Our flight left 30 minutes early, and we were rushed aboard without being told until the last minute that you can’t bring much on board besides a camera and a water bottle, forcing us to make some last-minute changes. (Bring your camera instead of paying the outrageous fees for a video of your flight or a family photo.) Bottom line: Maverick isn’t great on the ground, but once you’re in the air, it’s a nearly transcendent experience.