Enjoy a view of the Chicago skyline from a helicopter, with the extra thrill of a “doors off” flight experience during the summer. Learn interesting facts about the city’s history.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 45 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Private group

Highlights

Create memories that will last a lifetime with this “bucket list” experience
Experience picturesque panoramic views of Lake Michigan
Hover around Chicago’s most iconic landmarks
Learn about the rich architecture of Chicago and Frank Lloyd Wright
Experience a thrilling “doors off” helicopter flight experience in summer

Full description

Enjoy spectacular views of Chicago from an MD500 helicopter. This helicopter flight over Chicago covers all the important highlights of the city from McCormick Place and Soldiers Field in the South to Wrigley Field in the North.

Depart from Schaumburg Regional Airport and see some of Chicago's highlights including the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Building, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan with its beaches and picturesque shoreline.

Also see the Chicago River, Grant Park, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and Museum Campus. Make sure you also look out for Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, and the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks both play. This is a private helicopter experience for 1 to 3 passengers. Travel in complete safety with a professional pilot who will provide you with live commentary through noise-canceling headphones. In the summertime, have the added thrill of the doors being able to be off during the flight.

Includes

45-minute helicopter flight
Live in-flight commentary from a professional pilot/guide
On-site parking
On-site lockers for storage
Noise-canceling headsets
Photos in front of the helicopter
Taxes and fees

Tips

Not suitable for

Children under 3 years
People over 300 lbs (136 kg)

Meeting point

Enter the main airport building and walk downstairs to the passenger waiting area. Your pilot will meet you there about 5-10 minutes before your scheduled departure. You should have received the pilot's cell phone number in an email prior to your arrival. If traveling by public transport to the airport, it takes about an hour by train from Union Station in Downtown Chicago. Take the MD-W Line (Milwaukee West Line) towards big Timber. Please call the pilot and they will meet you at the station.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

Hats
Bags

Know before you go

Gear/equipment and helicopter are sanitized between use. Pilots are required to regularly wash their hands
Purses and scarves are prohibited in the helicopter and must be placed in storage
At the request of the group, the doors can be put onto the helicopter
Weather cancellations will be rescheduled at your convenience and for your safety
Large group tours can be accommodated with multiple flights
Tips are not included

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 41 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
4.9/5
Value for money
4.6/5

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A wonderful experience, thank you! We were lucky to have a perfect sunny, clear day, and a great pilot. Sara was very personable and explained things about the helicopter as well as giving us a fabulous tour over Chicago. Booking was easy and we were contacted prior to the flight with instructions on where to go and contact details.

July 4, 2022

Unfortunately due to weather we couldn’t fly over the city of Chicago directly,. The pilot was knowledgeable, friendly and informative. Great experience. Smooth ride. We did not receive any type of email prior to the flight to confirm however, which made me a little nervous. Overall a wonderful experience that we would highly recommend. The older Vietnam war bird also made it special.

June 21, 2021

This experience was worth every penny! View beats any other way of taking in the city, especially at night and the pilot and co-pilot were very friendly and helped make our experience worth it! I highly suggest a night time flight, and also make sure you have a great camera too!

November 8, 2020

Chicago: 45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight for 1-3 People

Chicago: 45-Minute Private Helicopter Flight for 1-3 People

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