19 Aug 2023
Our pilot Agnes made the entire experience amazing, from the greeting to the pre-flight briefing to the wonderful narration and music and Q&A during the flight! She even helped my 10yo niece pin her hair so it wouldn't get in her eyes. Doors off is absolutely the way to go. This one was a little pricier than the others, but totally worth it to get the absolute best experience.
ON THE MIDDLE SEAT ISSUE: there is a copilot seat up front and 3 in the back. The middle in the back was perfect for our nervous 10yo - she said it made her feel much safer and more secure. I do recommend it for younger kids or anybody that might be nervous next to an open door thousands of feet in the air with just a simple car shoulder belt holding you in, but whoever is in the middle seat should *not* be expecting to take good pics or video.
They provide a wrist strap and phone holder to make sure your phone stays secure. The headset will hold your sunglasses securely. Zipper pockets highly recommended or they can store stuff in the storage compartment - I feel like stuff easily could have worked its way out of normal pockets during the flight (constant waves of air pressure from the blades). We got *incredible* pics and video. Agnes was great at pivoting to make sure both sides got equally great views.
JACKETS: the email will recommend a light windbreaker, but the receptionist said only if you're a person that gets cold easily, and once you're strapped in you absolutely cannot take one off or put one on. We were in the 80s and I was fine without one (just a t-shirt) and very glad I didn't wear it, but the 10yo was chilly during a small portion of the flight near the cloudy caldera and probably would have worn one doing it again.
PHONE TIP: turn off the security and screen timeout on your phone during the flight - it's a hassle when you want quick pics or video. Also make sure it is near fully charged - screen-on taking video for an hour is a big drain.
Enjoy the experience of a lifetime!