What to wear for helicopter tours?

A helicopter tour is an unforgettable experience, so it’s important to wear practical and comfortable clothing to fully enjoy the ride. In this article, we’ll share essential tips on what to wear to stay warm, cool, and comfortable throughout your flight.

A helicopter tour is a memory of a lifetime, and you don’t want to spend your time in the air worrying about being too hot or too cold.

That’s why it is essential to wear comfortable and practical clothing to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.

What’s ahead

Accessories to avoid

Dress up for the season

When preparing for a helicopter tour, dressing in layers is key to adapting to changing temperatures.

Helicopter cabins can feel cool, but temperatures vary based on the destination and time of day.

Summer can be tricky—you don’t want to overdress, but you should be prepared for temperature drops as you ascend, especially with the onboard temperature control.

A full-sleeved shirt is always a smart choice, as it protects against windburn or sunburn, particularly on longer flights.

In winter, layering is essential to stay warm while exposed to colder temperatures in the air. Here’s a simple layering guide

Base Layer: A comfortable t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt.

Middle Layer: A light jacket or sweater.

Outer Layer: A windbreaker or light coat for extra warmth.

No matter the season, wearing long pants or jeans is recommended for comfort and protection during the flight.

Dressing appropriately ensures you stay comfortable throughout the ride, regardless of the weather conditions.

Related: Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Flying

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 summer, dark-colored clothes can absorb more heat due to the sunlight coming through the windows, so be sure to balance comfort and visibility.

Best Cloths for Helicopter Tour
Image: Divescotty.com

This is a call you must take – what will it be? 

Related: Know How Long to Wait After Scuba Diving Before Flying

Loose-fitting clothes or tight-fitting ones?

Neither. 

For helicopter tours, it’s important to avoid wearing loose clothing like skirts or dresses.

Flowing outfits can catch the wind, especially on open-door helicopters, making them uncomfortable and unsafe.

Instead, opt for jeans or fitted pants, which won’t flap around in the wind and will keep you more comfortable during the ride.

Jeans and Fitted Pants are Best for Heli Tour
Image: Gurutours.co.za

Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes because getting in and getting off the mechanical bird could become difficult. 

Related: Discover Why Helicopter Tours Make an Excellent Gift

Best footwear for heli tours

Best Footwear for Heli Tour
Image: Untappedcities.com

It is better to avoid open-toed sandals or flip-flops because they can come off quickly. 

In some cases, tourists have lost their footwear in mid-air because of the wind in open-door helicopters. 

We recommend laced shoes, trainers, or hiking boots.

Good footwear also ensures better footing during boarding and disembarking.

Related: Experience the Thrill of Doors-Off Helicopter Tours

Accessories to bring along

Since you will be higher up in the air, and the helicopters have massive windows, you will get exposed to a lot of natural, bright light. 

Even though you’re inside the helicopter, the sun’s rays can be strong at higher altitudes.

To avoid getting sunburnt, carry along some sunscreen. 

For the same reason, you also need to get your sunglasses. They help reduce glare and improve visibility while enjoying scenic views.

While traveling in a helicopter, hats are a strict ‘No’ because they can fly into the helicopter’s rotor system and damage them, thus putting everybody’s life in danger. 

You can always wear a hat to the Heliport and leave it in the locker when you board the helicopter. 

Note: It is advisable to keep long hair pulled back.

Related: Enjoy Breathtaking Views with Sunset Helicopter Tours

Accessories to avoid

To ensure the safe operation of the helicopter, certain personal items are not allowed onboard. You can bring these items to the heliport but must store them in a locker before boarding the chopper.

Most helicopter tour companies recommend avoiding the following items:

  • Backpacks
  • Bags and Purses
  • Books
  • Loose Keys
  • Loose Jewelry
  • Hats Without Chinstraps
  • Scarves
  • Umbrellas

By following to these guidelines, you’ll contribute to a safer and more enjoyable helicopter tour experience.

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.

Go ahead and book your helicopter tour

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Researched & Written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

3 thoughts on “What to wear for helicopter tours?”

  1. My boyfriend has booked a helicopter tour, and he says it will be a date. Can I wear heels for the ocassion?

    Gabriela

    Reply
    • 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!

      Reply

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