And the best way to see Sin City lit up is from above, on a Neon Night Flight Tonight to Vegas.
Which beggars the question why then have we not hovered over the city at its twinkling night-time best?
Simply because helicopter hosts in Vegas, Papillon, hadn’t got around to it.
Papillon has been flying Vegas tourists over the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon since 1965.
And I daresay most passengers who take a chopper were like our Irish loquacious party who stayed breathless throughout at the majesty of it all.
Bar for the class clown who went onto photobomb our private moments.
Papillon trumps ’em all
Vegas, of course, shines day and night with the names of the headliners shouting out at you from eye level.
Which is why Donald Trump ensured you could see his livery even from the skies.
Luxury transport is at hand from most Las Vegas hotels to Papillon’s VIP terminal.
Where you’ll board an EcoStar helicopter for a memorable flight high above the sparkling lights of the Strip and Downtown.
You’ll finish up with a 45-minute guided tour at The Neon Museum.
Queen of Neon
You’ll hopefully meet Queen of the Neon Museum Beverley, a former Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year.
And friend of Liberace which she wears as she should as a badge of honour.
The museum’s Neon Boneyard showcases more than 250 vintage Vegas signs.
With nearly two dozen reilluminated and the others dramatically lit from the ground on evening guided tours.
Jackpot
The night concludes with a tour of the museum’s North Gallery and its immersive 360-degree audiovisual spectacular, Brilliant! Jackpot.
It’s an augmented reality experience that reilluminates unrestored signs.
And it incorporates archival video and an iconic soundtrack to transport guests directly into Las Vegas’ history.
Like the tables in the casinos Vegas is al about, eh, timing.
Date with Vegas
This comes months after Covid put paid to me attending the American Travel Fair, IPW, in Vegas.
And thank you Papillon for waiting for me.
So that I can be on a Neon Night Flight Tonight to Vegas.
Up, up and away
The Neon Night Flight Spectacular is offered for $179pp every night, seven days a week, with times varying throughout the year.
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters will provide transportation to the helicopter terminal and transfer to the Neon Museum.
Guests will be responsible for their return transport following the Neon Museum experience.
