Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour worth booking?
Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour is a 0.2-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $210 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (6)
- Duration
- 0.2 hours
- From
- $210 per person
Take to the skies and experience Chicago from an entirely new perspective on this extended helicopter tour showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and waterfront views. The flight begins near the Chic
What you get
About this experience
Take to the skies and experience Chicago from an entirely new perspective on this extended helicopter tour showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and waterfront views. The flight begins near the Chicago Fire Practice Facility before heading over Chinatown, where colorful architecture and historic streets create a striking aerial view. From there, you’ll pass McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, stretching along the lakefront and highlighting the scale of Chicago’s downtown footprint. Continuing north, you’ll fly over Northerly Island and Soldier Field, followed by the heart of the Museum Campus, where the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium sit against the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Grant Park comes into view next, often called Chicago’s front yard, leading to an aerial look at Millennium Park and the unmistakable curves of The Bean.
What's included
Included
- Fuel Surcharges & Fees
- Pre-Flight Safety Briefing
- Photo Opportunities
- Lockers
- Helicopter Flight
- Live Pilot Commentary
Not included
- Gratuity
- Transportation / Hotel Pickups
- Personal Bags & Carry-Ons
- Parking Fees
What you'll see and do
Chinatown
A historic Chinese-American neighborhood on the South Side known for dim sum, restaurants, and the ornate Chinatown Gate.
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The largest convention center in North America, hosting major trade shows and conventions along the lakefront.
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Wintrust Arena
A multipurpose arena near McCormick Place on Chicago's South Side, home to DePaul Blue Demons basketball and the Chicago Sky (WNBA), also hosting concerts and events.
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A peninsula and nature park south of Soldier Field, home to walking trails, prairie habitat, and an outdoor concert venue.
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Soldier Field
Historic lakefront stadium and home of the Chicago Bears, known for its iconic colonnades.
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Field Museum
A natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, including "Sue" the T. rex, and global cultural exhibits.
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Adler Planetarium
Chicago's planetarium and space museum, the first in the Western Hemisphere, with sky shows and astronomy exhibits.
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Lake
The vast Great Lake forming Chicago's eastern border, central to the city's recreation and skyline views.
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Grant Park
Downtown Chicago's lakefront park, home to Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and major festivals like Lollapalooza.
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Cloud Gate
Nickname for Cloud Gate, the reflective stainless-steel sculpture in Millennium Park and a top photo spot.
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Lake Shore Drive
The scenic boulevard runs along Lake Michigan, connecting the city's lakefront neighborhoods and parks.
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A luxury high-rise hotel and residence on the Chicago River, one of the tallest buildings in the city.
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Navy Pier
A historic pier on Lake Michigan with rides, restaurants, shops, and the iconic Centennial Wheel.
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The Art Institute of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., located in Grant Park, is renowned for its collection, including Impressionist works, American Gothic, and the iconic lion statues guarding its entrance.
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John Hancock Center
An iconic 100-story skyscraper on North Michigan Avenue, officially renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue, known for its distinctive X-braced facade and the 360 CHICAGO observation deck with panoramic city views.
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360 Chicago Observation Deck
An observation deck on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center (875 N. Michigan Ave.), offering panoramic skyline views and TILT, a thrill attraction that tilts visitors out over Michigan Avenue.
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Magnificent Mile
The upscale stretch of Michigan Avenue known for high-end shopping, dining, and architecture.
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North Avenue Beach
A popular lakefront beach near Lincoln Park, known for its ship-shaped beach house and volleyball courts.
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Lincoln Park
A large lakefront park on the North Side featuring trails, gardens, a zoo, and beaches.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
A free, historic zoo within Lincoln Park, home to a wide variety of animals.
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Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
Iconic skyscraper now officially named Willis Tower, long the tallest building in the U.S. and a Chicago landmark.
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Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
Park in the parking lot and walk in our front door.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Park in the parking lot and walk in our front door.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Fly Heli
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
❤️
All was good great experience
via Tripadvisor
Rush Flying Experience
I purchased our tickets through Groupon and scheduled our flight online for Saturday, July 18. The day before our flight, I called to ask how cancellations would be handled due to the hazy, smoky air from the Canadian wildfires. Unfortunately, the representative wasn't able to answer my questions, which left me feeling uneasy before our experience even began. On the day of our flight, the facility was very crowded and appeared to be running behind schedule. Our 7:45 p.m. flight didn't depart until around 8:05 p.m. While I understand delays can happen, communication would have been appreciated. My biggest concern was the seating. We were unexpectedly placed in a helicopter with another family, making a total of six passengers plus the pilot. It felt extremely cramped. I was squeezed into my seat, and my seat belt wouldn't even buckle properly. I immediately requested to be moved to another helicopter because I did not feel safe. The boarding process felt very rushed, and safety should never feel like an afterthought. Overall, the helicopter ride itself was enjoyable, but the lack of communication, delays, overcrowded seating, and the rushed boarding process made the experience much more stressful than it should have been.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the detailed feedback, and I'm glad the flight itself was enjoyable despite everything leading up to it. A few things I want to address directly. On the phone call, I apologize that we couldn't give you a clear answer about the smoke conditions, our phone lines aren't staffed 24/7, so depending on when you called, you may have reached someone without access to that information. That's still on us to fix, and I'll flag it so callers get a better answer going forward. On the 20 minute delay, I'd compare it to a restaurant reservation, the booked time is a target rather than a guarantee, since weather and prior flights can push things back. That said, you're right that a heads-up in the moment would have gone a long way, and I'll pass that along to the front desk team. On seating, shared versus private is selected at checkout, so if you booked shared, that's what placed you with another family. But I want to separate that from the seatbelt issue, a seatbelt that won't buckle properly isn't a "shared vs. private" question, it's a safety issue regardless of seating configuration, and it should never have made it to boarding. I'd like to look into that specific aircraft and how boarding was handled that day. If you're open to sharing more, please fill out the "Letter to the Owner" form on our website with your flight details and I'll follow up personally.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour cost?
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Prices start at $210 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour take?
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Plan for about 0.2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.
Is Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 0.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chicago Helicopter Tour: Loop Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chicago?
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Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
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May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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