HOW TO BOOK A HELICOPTER FLIGHT IN DUBAI
If you are in Dubai and want a unique experience, consider booking a helicopter tour in Dubai.
Dubai is best seen from above. While the view from the “Top of Burj Khalifa” is probably the most iconic, it is not the only way to have great views of Dubai. Actually, one of the best views to have is…from a helicopter!
However, before you book your tour, you should know a few things so that you can enjoy the flight over Dubai to the fullest. Find out about the best heli flights in Dubai, how to book, what to know, and more tips.
While my dream was always to book my first helicopter ride over Manhattan, it was actually Dubai where I took my first flight.
Please find out about my tips for booking a tour!
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How to Book a Dubai Helicopter Flight
So, here is how to book your help flight in Dubai and more.
Where to Book a Helicopter Flight in Dubai
I booked my helicopter tour through GYG – a booking site I often use, along with another called Viator. I hardly ever book via the tour operator’s homepage, as I feel better knowing that I have GYG to help me if I have any issues with the tour.
Click here for the Get Your Guide Ticket prices. The process of using and booking via them is easy. Just click on the link, add the number of participants, and the date of the flight. You can then choose a time. Then you process and pay online. You will get a confirmation email (or sign up with them and have your tickets etc., all in your account saved).
Choose a Helicopter Tour Operator
There are two main operators you can book flights with – HeliDubai or Atlantis – The Palm. Personally, I did not have any preferences but based on prices and availabilities. If you stay on the Palm, then choose Atlantis as a starting point. If you have limited time in Dubai, I would plan my day in advance and add places nearby to visit. HeliDubai is located near the Mall of Emirates, so you can easily combine it with a trip there.
Choose a Tour / Prices of a Helicopter Flight
You have to choose a tour, and prices depend on the flight length.
- The minimum flight length is about 12 minutes; other popular routes take 15, 17, 20, or 25 minutes.
- The cheapest Dubai helicopter flights are around 150€.
While these routes sound extremely short, you can see quite a bit in that time…but yes, whatever time you opt for, you will probably feel like it is too short anyhow.
I booked via HeliDubai. The shorter the flight, the lower the price, as I mentioned, but you can also book the ultimate VIP heli flight, so you do not have to share the helicopter with other passengers.
Here are my experiences with HeliDubai:
Review HeliDubai
HeliDubai is located between Madinat Jumeirah and the Mall of Emirates (one of the most popular malls).
After booking, you will receive a confirmation via email with detailed (and very complicated) directions and an e-ticket (no need to print it).
How to Get to HeliDubai
I took a taxi from the Mall of Emirates. Getting there by bus seemed a bit complicated and, after reading the directions, I thought it would take forever to find it, so I was in a rush.
If you are there way too early, you could use the time to visit the Dubai Police Museum, located just next to the Police Academy (and is also free).
City Sightseeing also has a bus stop at the Police Academy.
Arrival at HeliDubai / Things to know before your flight
- You need to be there at least 60 minutes before your flight departure, which is when, as they say, the gate closes.
- While I am not sure if that is true, it is definitely pretty boring to wait for almost an hour for your flight to depart. There is no wifi or anything, so take something with you to kill time.
- There are lockers for your bags.
- There a short safety briefing (where the important security aspects are explained, which takes about 5-10 minutes).
- You also get weighed as the seating order depends on the passengers’ weight. The helicopter needs to be balanced, so you will not choose your seat unless you have a private heli to yourself. This was also the main issue I had with the flight: If you sit in the front seat, you are lucky; the side seats in the back are probably fine, too; but if you have to sit in one of the two middle seats, you can see through the front window, but not so well to the left or right.
- I was seated next to the pilot (being not so skinny can pay off, especially if the other passengers are small).
- You can bring your mobile (unless it is a Samsung Galaxy 7), and you can use cameras (no professional lenses, though).
Flying over Dubai
If you are lucky and get to sit next to the pilot (as I was), you will have the best views. It seemed like the people in the back enjoyed the tour as well, though.
The views of the Palm (when doing a 12-minute ride, you will not get to fly directly over it), Burj al Arab, and especially Burj Khalifa were incredible.
The pilot is there to answer any questions you have, but most likely, you will be busy enjoying these unique views…
Conclusion: Is a Helicopter Flight in Dubai Worth it?
A helicopter ride in Dubai is a great way to experience the city from above and make lasting memories.
However, 12 minutes is quite short, and while I do not necessarily think that it has to be a 20-minute flight to see a lot. A 15 or 17-minute ride would probably be best. This way, you can sit back and soak in the views while also having enough time to take images and videos.
However, the prices are quite high – it is not a crazy amount of money for me, but it is quite some money for me, given that it is just 12minutes of fun. So, if it is a bucket-list item, I think Dubai is a great place to visit. I enjoyed my trip and would love to do more helicopter flights in the future. But prices might stop me because there are many other great options to see Dubai from above.
It is definitely a great thing to do, and I surely do not regret that I went on that tour.
