What to Wear for Helicopter Tours: Complete Outfit & Safety Guide
Figuring out what to wear on a helicopter ride often sounds simpler than it actually is. Most people know they want to be comfortable, but once you factor in weather, wind, safety rules, and photography, the details start to matter.
A helicopter tour is not the same as a regular sightseeing activity. You are stepping into a compact cabin, flying at altitude, and often dealing with changing temperatures in a short span of time. Wearing the right clothes helps you stay comfortable, move around easily, and pay attention to the experience instead of little things that bother you.
This guide tells you what to wear for a helicopter ride in a way that makes sense and doesn’t seem too complicated, especially if it’s your first time flying.
Table of Contents
Why What You Wear on a Helicopter Tour Matters
The clothes you wear on a helicopter ride determine more than just how comfortable you are. What you wear can affect your safety, how easy it is to move around, and how relaxed you feel once the flight starts.
Comfort in a compact cabin, essential safety rules, and weather or altitude considerations
Helicopter cabins are compact by design. Space is shared, and movement is limited once seated. Clothing that feels fine on the ground can feel restrictive or awkward in the air.
Safety is another factor. Wearing fits that include loose accessories, have flowy fabrics, or unstable shoes is not recommended. To mitigate any potential risks stemming from clothing choices, operators have to follow strict guidelines, and what you wear on a helicopter ride is one of them.
The weather and the altitude of your trip are also important. The temperature can drop a little as you go up, even on short flights. Big windows can make the sun feel stronger, especially on daytime flights. When you remember these things while getting dressed, the whole process goes more smoothly.
What to Wear for a Helicopter Ride (General Guidelines)
If you are not sure what clothing options would be ideal for your helicopter tour, you can refer to these general tips below:
Choose Comfortable & Secure Clothing
Comfort should always come first, but not at the cost of safety. Avoid clothing that is overly tight or overly loose. Tight outfits can restrict movement when getting in and out of the helicopter. Clothes that are too loose can flap in the wind or feel uncomfortable to carry when you sit down.
The vast majority of flights are fine with fitted jeans, travel pants, or something similar. They stay put, let you move around easily, and also offer protection from the sun and wind.
An easy trick to keep in mind is this balance, and rest you’d be good to fully enjoy your first helicopter ride.
Layering Is Key for Any Destination
One of the smartest ways to pick what you will wear on your helicopter trip is to consider layering your outfit. Why so? Depending on the altitude of your flight and the location of your tour, there can be temperature drops in the cabin, or it can get a bit warm too.
Additionally, say you have a long flight; it is always recommended that you have some options to layer yourself. How can you layer what you wear? Read below:
- You can opt for a base layer that lets air in, like a t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt.
- You can use thin outerwear, such as a jacket or breathable sweater, as a middle layer.
- Finally, add an outer layer if the season or location requires it, especially in cold areas or near bodies of water.
When you layer correctly, it helps keep you warm in cooler air at higher elevations, and you can remove layers if you start to feel too warm.
What to Wear Based on Weather Conditions
We are sure you’d be thinking, “Okay, I can layer. But if I already know the weather conditions, what should I wear then?”
Weather plays a critical role when it comes to your clothing choices; read below to find out what you can wear on your helicopter tour based on different weather settings.
Light-Colored Clothes or Dark-Colored Clothes?
For the best pictures and enhanced visibility during your helicopter tour, we recommend wearing dark-colored clothing.
Dark colors help reduce window reflections, ensuring clearer, reflection-free photos.
On the other hand, lighter colors tend to reflect on the helicopter windows, which can show up in your photos and spoil your shots.
However, remember that in the summer, dark-colored clothes can absorb more heat due to the sunlight coming through the windows, so be sure to balance comfort with visibility.
For flights in Warm Weather
For trips to warmer places or in the summer:
- Pick fabrics that are light and let air flow through them.
- Don’t use heavy materials that hold in heat.
- Think about using light coloured clothes as they would reflect the sun’s glare, ensuring you are comfortable.
Stay cool on those hot flights and snap sharp window pics. You can pair light, breezy fabrics with smart layering options that don’t trap sweat.
Flights in the Cold or Winter
When it’s cold outside or in the winter:
- Instead of wearing one heavy piece, think about how to layer.
- Put on a layer that won’t blow too much in the wind.
- Wear long pants to stay warm and comfortable.
When you are in the air, cold air can feel sharper, even on short flights. This is where layering lets you be flexible without adding weight.
Best Footwear for Helicopter Tours
When it comes to choosing what to wear in a helicopter ride, most people usually overlook the footwear. However, it plays a really critical role considering safety and overall comfort during the trip.
- Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended. Laced shoes, trainers, or light hiking shoes provide stability during boarding and landing. They also stay secure in windy conditions.
- Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or loose footwear. In open-door helicopters, footwear can be blown off by the wind, creating safety concerns.
- Proper shoes, such as running shoes, sneakers, or a good pair of sports shoes, help you feel steady and confident throughout the experience.
Accessories to Bring on a Helicopter Tour
If you’re wondering what to wear on a helicopter ride you would be surprised to know that having a few simple accessories can make a noticeable difference during your helicopter tour, especially when it comes to comfort and visibility.
Sunglasses are one of the most useful items to bring along. Bright light at altitude can feel stronger than expected, and glare from water, buildings, or snow can be distracting. A secure-fitting pair that does not slide easily works best inside the cabin.
Sunscreen is another small but important addition. Even though you are inside the helicopter, large windows and increased exposure at altitude can make sunlight feel more intense, particularly on longer flights.
If you have long hair, keeping it tied back helps during boarding and while seated. It reduces distractions and keeps things more comfortable, especially on windy days.
Cameras and phones are usually allowed on board. On open-door flights, operators often require devices to be secured with wrist or neck straps.
Important:
You can take your mobile or camera onboard the helicopter. If it is an open helicopter, the operator insists on securing your cameras or cellphones with a wrist or neck strap to ensure its safety.
Accessories & Clothing to Avoid
What you leave behind is just as important as what you bring. Some things that can make the flight less safe or uncomfortable once it starts are mentioned below:
It’s best to stay away from:
- Hats that don’t have chin straps
- Wraps or scarves that are loose
- Big bags, rucksacks, or briefcases
- Jewelry or accessories that are loose
- Items that can fall, droop, or include umbrellas
These things can move, catch the wind, or fall while boarding or flying. Most helicopter tour companies have lockers or secure storage at the heliport, which makes it easier to travel light and not worry.
Keeping extras to a minimum makes the flight smoother and cuts down on distractions.
Related Read
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- Experience the Thrill of Doors-Off Helicopter Tours
- Enjoy Breathtaking Views with Sunset Helicopter Tours
My boyfriend has booked a helicopter tour, and he says it will be a date. Can I wear heels for the ocassion?
Gabriela
Wearing heels for a helicopter tour might not be the most practical choice. Helicopter tours often involve getting in and out of the helicopter, possibly walking on uneven terrain or helipad surfaces. For safety and comfort, it’s usually better to wear flat, comfortable shoes that provide good grip and stability. You can always bring along the heels if you plan to go somewhere after the tour!
This is helpful information to know what to wear to be comfortable and prepared for a helicopter tour!