Gratuity for for Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

Question

Headed to Vegas this week and booked a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour pilot (Maverick). Are you supposed to tip the pilot? If yes, how much per person? Thank you!! 😊

Answer

Yes, it is customary to tip the pilot for a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, including those operated by Maverick. Pilots are highly trained professionals who provide both safety and an engaging commentary during the flight, so gratuity is appreciated.

Here are some guidelines for tipping:

Standard tip: Most travelers tip between 15% and 20% of the base tour cost per person. For example, if your tour was $300 per person, a $45–$60 tip per person is typical.
Cash preferred: While some companies allow adding the tip to a credit card payment, cash in a small envelope is generally preferred by pilots.
Consider service and experience: If your pilot provided extra information, took great care for photos, or made the experience exceptional, tipping toward the higher end (20% or slightly more) is appreciated.

Additional tips:

Tip is usually shared among ground crew separately, but pilots typically receive the majority of individual tips.
If flying as a family or group, you can calculate per person or give a single combined tip to the pilot at the end of the tour.
Some travelers bring small bills specifically for tipping to make it easier and more discreet.

Overall, tipping the pilot is not mandatory but strongly encouraged if you were satisfied with the tour. Most guests find that 15–20% per person is standard and considered polite in the industry.