The Splurge of a Lifetime: Flying to EDC Las Vegas with Maverick Helicopters

Why Fly to The Electric Sky

Flying to arguably the best music festival in the World via helicopter is not just the ultimate convenience but it is one of the best experiences of your life. Flying to EDC with your best friend is walking on air to your rave. It is not “like walking on air” it is literally walking on air to the best rave on planet Earth.

This “feeling” hinges on of course that you agree that EDC is the best rave in the World and that you have been to at least one EDC before. If you always do Camp EDC then this blog is not going to be as relevant for you but perhaps someday you will not camp and you would like to hear about it.

The round trip flight to EDC is of course very expensive, hence why the experience is a splurge although if you can afford to fly all three days then good for you! Goals!

However, for me it has always been a splurge for Day 3 - flying in style for your last day of this epic rave. I have always treated my rave bae (including friends) to a roundtrip flight which has always been a truly exhilarating experience to surprise someone with this gift. Coincidentally, it has also been their first helicopter ride on each occasion which makes it even more special.

For many years, Maverick Helicopter tours did not raise their roundtrip price to EDC but in 2024 they did and it cost $1,000 roundtrip to/from EDC Las Vegas.

How it Works

It would be a dream to fly all three days to EDC Las Vegas but alas it is very expensive and invariably you are not going to EDC solo so you may not find a friend who wants to fly either. That said, there is no question that if you are going to fly once out of the 3 days of the festival then it has to be for Day 3; the last day of the festival.

The support staff at Maverick’s is super friendly and really makes it easy to book your flight. They will send you a PDF for your reservation to complete and then will charge the full cost to your card. The cancellation policy is also very fair and helpful in case something changes a few days before EDC Las Vegas.

The parking lot for Maverick’s is nearly across the street from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on S Las Vegas Boulevard and south of West Russell Boulevard.  This is important to note because where you decide to stay on the Strip should take into account how easily you will want to be able to get to Maverick’s on Day 3.

If you are not driving, then of course by drive share will be easy but it is nice to know that there is ample parking and perfectly fine to leave your car here overnight.

Best Flight Time to Choose

There is no question that the 6:30pm flight time is the best to get for your outbound flight to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This will give you plenty of time to take amazing golden hour pictures and videos on your flight and no need to rush entering the Speedway.

Leaving

When you arrive outside Maverick Helicopters you will go through a very friendly and quick security check. Once inside the building, you will find a lively and fun atmosphere with a DJ, of course, and complimentary alcoholic beverages - along with plenty of Red Bull energy drinks.. You and your guest will check-in and your weight will be taken.

You will then be assigned a flight number and you will have about 15 minutes to relax and let the excitement truly begin to take flight. There are two or 3 seats in the front and 4 seats in the back row.

When your pilot enters from the flight deck they will call your flight number and you will proceed to follow him to the chopper. You will see that you are now just past the Las Vegas International Airport runway number one left; closest to Las Vegas Boulevard.

You will have time to video record your walk to the helicopter and as your Captain explains a few safety measures. All pictures will be reserved upon arrival at the Speedway which is much more photogenic than at the airport.

On the topic of pictures, you will have just about as much time as you need to snap pictures in front of your chopper upon arrival; this is why it is key to take a 6pm or 6:30pm latest flight out.

Regarding, possible weather conditions. Even in winds as high as 25 mph, Maverick Pilots will continue to fly. They are truly incredible pilots and unless it is gusting to 45 mph then you should be good to go with your flight. All of the Artists and crew fly on Maverick so they have to get them there. That said, keep your eyes peeled for your favorite artists because you never know who is flying out early to hang out with Pasquale and friends.

A Flight You Will Never Forget

Well, I pretty much summed it up above in the opening paragraph. If EDC Las Vegas is your 1st or 2nd favorite EDM music festival, then taking a helicopter to it is nothing short of 12 of the best minutes of your life. Granted, I have an additional little secret that makes my flights even more over-the-top but that I can’t share; although I did share it with Pasquale Rotella when we hung out at Insomniac Headquarters.

I think it goes without saying that depending on your weight it is ideal to sit in the front seats. There is enough room for 2 people and you truly feel like you are flying to your personal Rave Atlantis.

Arrival

After touching down, you will have plenty of time to take pictures of you and your friend or rave bae in front of the chopper and of course the pilot will take pictures of you two as well. The feeling is pure exhilaration. I can’t even describe it. You have to do it at least once in your life. I will note that this “feeling” is truly for the die-hard ravers out there who love EDC Las Vegas to the fullest; it is in other words your favorite thing.

When you leave the helicopter pad you will have the opportunity to sit under the tents to collect yourself and have a red bull while you or your friend uses the air-conditioned restroom trailers that they provide for Maverick guests. You will then be ushered to their luxury shuttle coach that will drive you down the dirt road to the main entrance for EDC Las Vegas.

Return Flight

EDC ends at 5:30am so I recommend taking either the 5:30am flight or the 6am flight. Keep in mind that the best flight times begin to be booked solid by the end of January. However, I have booked my flights as late as the month of March with the return flight being sold out.

Case in point, in 2021, my guest and I had to fly standby for the return flight. It is less then ideal to be waiting as the sun is rising and you are coming off of your insane high from EDC so again I do not recommend waiting to book your flights with Maverick. However, in that instance, we had to wait in line for 45 minutes to get on a flight. The price is the same and will be adjusted accordingly for the grand total since they have receipt of your inbound flight.

In 2023, I was flying solo for the first time (see my Blog on Going to EDC Solo Experience) and I did not have to wait at all for Maverick’s to find a flight for me to hop on as a standby. This of course meant that I got to the helipad at 5:30am sharp and I was flying solo - definitely beat the crowd if you know you are flying back on standby. If there is a wind storm and it is cold, you do not want to wait.

While you wait for your flight, you will want to have your ear plugs handy as it is very noisy and a decent 12 to 15 mph of winds. You should be able to find a seat among the sofas and chairs with plenty of cold waters and energy drinks.

When you head to your chopper feel free to take a selfie video or have a friend record you walking to the helicopter but they do not allow photography on your outbound as the helipad is very busy and usually a brisk breeze blowing.

The Flight Back - A Sunrise and EDC Flashbacks Reflecting in Your Eyes

I highly recommend bringing your Apple Airpods with you so you can listen to 3 tracks on your way back. The return is faster than the way out so really reflect on your peace of mind or the flashbacks to those moments that “made your EDC Las Vegas” as you look past the skyline of the Las Vegas Strip and up to the sky - holding hands with your rave bae and say in unison, once again, “WE DID IT”.

I cannot describe the feeling when your helicopter lifts off and you circle the Speedway - passing Circuit Grounds and then Kinetic Field to your left. Kinetic Field now empty and seeing where you were jumping and celebrating life with your favorite Artist, friends, and new friends. As you fly over the parking lot and the cars on the interstate, a huge smile will wash over your face. This is truly a treat to experience as you ride your high all the way back - the feels being worth every dollar.

I’ve had the privilege of flying 4 times with Maverick Helicopter and they are fantastic. I can’t recommend this experience enough for your Day 3 transportation. When you do book with Maverick’s tell them that Ravers Naturals Blog sold ya on it!

Something to Consider

If there is a hack or additional benefit from this large expense, it might be worth exploring any Airline credit card offers where you can earn thousands of miles after spending the minimum amount on the new card within the qualifying reward period. This expense will likely get you a third of the way there on day one so in a way it will help you towards free air travel.