New Orleans: Daytime City Helicopter Tour

Traveling through New Orleans often means wandering its lively streets, soaking in the jazz, and sampling its iconic cuisine. But if you’re looking to see the city from a fresh angle, a helicopter tour can be a real highlight. We’ve taken a close look at this Daytime City Helicopter Tour to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What really stands out is the breathtaking aerial views of landmarks like Jackson Square and the Superdome, as well as the chance to glide over the swamps. Plus, friendly, knowledgeable pilots make you feel safe while sharing fun facts about the city’s sights. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the cost — at $131 per person, it’s not exactly budget-friendly, but many find the experience to be a solid value given the views.

This tour is especially well-suited for travelers who love a mix of scenery and storytelling, or those wanting a memorable way to see New Orleans’ iconic landmarks from above. If you’re into sightseeing from a bird’s-eye view, this is likely to appeal. However, it’s not ideal if you’re sensitive to heights or traveling with very young children, as the tour isn’t geared toward families with small kids or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning views of major landmarks like Jackson Square, the French Quarter, and the Superdome.
• Two flight options: a quick 7-9 minute city tour or an 18-22 minute combined city and swamp experience.
• Every seat is a window seat, ensuring optimal viewing for all passengers.
• Informative narration from experienced pilots enhances the experience.
• Convenient location at Lakefront Airport, just 15 minutes from the French Quarter.
• Fairly flexible options with small group sizes and private tours available.

Once you arrive at the Lakefront Airport, just a short drive from the French Quarter, you’ll check in and be weighed to ensure the helicopter’s safety and balance. The check-in process is straightforward, and the staff is friendly, which sets the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

After boarding, you’ll be fitted with noise-cancelling headsets—a small but appreciated detail, especially considering the helicopter noise. The pilot will give you a brief overview of what to expect, and then you’ll lift off, soaring over the city and possibly the swamps if you choose the longer option.

The 15-Mile City Tour

This shorter option provides about 7 to 9 minutes of flight time over New Orleans. You’ll fly over some of the city’s most iconic sites, including Jackson Square, where the historic St. Louis Cathedral stands tall. You’ll also get a good view of Bourbon Street, the French Market, and the bustling Central Business District.

The flight continues over the Caesar’s Superdome, a true symbol of the city’s sports culture, and over City Park, home to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Bayou Oaks golf course. Flying over these areas gives you a unique perspective that you simply can’t get from ground level.

The 30-Mile City and Swamp Tour

For those wanting a longer, more diverse experience, this option combines a city tour with a trip over the swamps along Lake Borgne. With approximately 18 to 22 minutes of flight time, you’ll see all the sights from the city tour but also get a taste of Louisiana’s famous bayou landscapes.

Notable sights include an abandoned theme park, a NASA rocket building facility, and the swamps that are integral to the region’s identity. On the way back, the helicopter passes the Chalmette Battlefield and follows the Mississippi River back to the airport.

What Makes This Tour Special

• Every seat is a window seat, meaning no one is left staring at the back of someone else’s head.
• Your pilot’s narration adds a layer of context, making the experience not just about the views but also about understanding what you’re seeing.
• The ability to choose between a short city flight or a combined swamp and city tour means you can tailor the experience to your available time and interests.

The check-in process is smooth, with friendly staff welcoming you. The on-site parking is convenient, and the departure location at Lakefront Airport is easy to access from most parts of the city.

Once airborne, the view of the French Quarter from above is genuinely striking. You’ll see the St. Louis Cathedral, the colorful French Market, and the vibrant streets of Bourbon Street from a perspective that makes the city’s charm even more apparent.

Flying over City Park offers a lush, green contrast to the urban landscape, and the sight of the Superdome from above is an experience that sticks with many travelers. The pilot’s narration is engaging but not overbearing, making it a good balance of education and entertainment.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Longer Tour: Swamps and More

If you opt for the City and Swamp combo, you’ll leave the city behind briefly to fly over the Bayou. The view of the swamps along Lake Borgne reveals a different side of Louisiana—mysterious, tranquil, and a little wild. You’ll also pass by Chalmette Battlefield, adding a historical element to the flight.

Authenticity and Authenticity

From genuine reviews, many travelers praise the knowledgeable pilots. One reviewer mentioned, “Our pilot/guide was fantastic! She was knowledgeable and made us feel safe.” Others appreciated the stunning views and said the experience was “beautiful and smooth sailing.”

The fact that each passenger gets a window seat makes a significant difference in the overall enjoyment, especially if you’re like us and want unobstructed viewing.

At $131 per person, the price falls into the mid-range for helicopter tours, especially considering the short duration. However, most reviews agree that the quality of the experience—the views, the narration, and the convenience—is worth the price. Several mention how it’s a “great experience” and highly recommend it for those wanting a memorable sightseeing highlight.

The inclusion of taxes and fees and the provision of noise-cancelling headsets add to the perceived value. The option to reserve and pay later also allows some flexibility, which is helpful if you’re trying to plan your trip around other activities.

The Downsides

The main drawback is that the flight duration is quite brief—around 8 to 20 minutes—so if you’re expecting a full hour or more, this might feel a little underwhelming. Also, the cost might be a stretch for budget travelers.

Another practical consideration is the weight limit—each passenger can weigh up to 295 pounds, with the total group not exceeding 575 pounds. This is standard for helicopters but worth noting if you’re traveling with larger individuals.

Lastly, not suitable for kids under a certain age, as the tour is geared toward individual adults or small groups, and some may feel the experience isn’t designed for young children or those with mobility restrictions.

This helicopter experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a quick but impressive overview of New Orleans’ landmarks. It’s also well-suited for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a memorable highlight during their trip.

If you’re passionate about photography, the views from above will give you excellent photo opportunities. Conversely, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer ground-based sightseeing, this might not be the most practical choice.

Those who enjoy storytelling and local insights will appreciate the pilot’s narration, which adds context to the stunning visuals. However, if you’re sensitive to heights or get nervous in small aircraft, you might want to think twice.

This Daytime City Helicopter Tour offers a spectacular way to see New Orleans from a perspective most visitors never get. The combination of stunning views, friendly, knowledgeable pilots, and the option to extend into the swamp makes it a well-rounded experience.

While the brevity and price might be points to consider, many travelers find that the memorable sights and stories make it a worthwhile splurge. It’s especially suited for those who want a special, photo-worthy highlight that complements their city exploration.

If you’re after a unique perspective of New Orleans and are comfortable with a quick flight, this tour could be exactly what you need to turn your visit into something unforgettable.

• How long is the helicopter tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the option you choose.

• Where do I meet for the tour?
  The meeting point is at Lakefront Airport in the Main Terminal, in the same building as Messina’s runway cafe.

• What’s included in the price?
  The tour includes noise-cancelling headsets, narration from your pilot, a window seat for each passenger, on-site parking, and all taxes and fees.

• Can I see the swamp from the helicopter?
  Yes, if you select the 30-mile City and Swamp tour, you’ll fly over Lake Borgne and the surrounding swamps.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  The tour isn’t specifically designed for children, and the experience is best suited for adults. It’s also not recommended for those over 300 lbs or with mobility issues.

• How many people are in each helicopter?
  The tour generally offers small groups, with private or small group options available, making the experience more personal.

• What should I bring?
  Just bring a valid ID (passport or other) for check-in. No mention is made of other gear, so dress comfortably.

• What happens if the weather is bad?
  If weather conditions are unsafe, your flight will be canceled, and you can reschedule or get a full refund.

• Is there an option to buy photos?
  Yes, digital photo packages are available for $25.

• Can I book this tour and pay later?
  Absolutely, you can reserve now and choose to pay later, providing flexibility in your planning.

If you’re looking for a memorable way to see New Orleans from above, this helicopter tour offers a nice balance of scenery, storytelling, and convenience. Just keep in mind the brief flight time and price, and you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: