Need Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter promo codes or coupons? Believe it or not, the companies that operate the tours have the best ones. Some up to 35 % off! Here's how you find them and lock in that discount price.

The key to getting the best deal is to understand the very odd relationship between tour operators and the middlemen who represent them.

Examples of middlemen include travel agencies, hotel concierges, and locally based ticket re-sellers. Tour operators contract these folks in order to get their products in front of more people.

The agreement works like this: Tour operators provide tours to brokers at wholesale and require them to sell them at retail or higher. The "spread" between wholesale and retail is called the commission. The higher the spread, the more money for the broker.

As far as marketing is concerned, brokers can pretty much do what they want within reason. For example:

1. Bundling the tour with other offers like food, entertainment, and timeshares.

2. Promising special seating (impossible - helicopter seating is determined by weight).

3. Upselling you to a higher priced tour (higher commissions).

4. Add their own service and handling fees.

How do you avoid these pitfalls? Purchase your tour direct from the tour company, which has a real financial stake in making sure you are happy with your flight.

Papillon Helicopters is an excellent example of a tour operator. It is recognized as the largest Grand Canyon sightseeing company on the planet. It is also renowned as offering the highest-quality tours at the lowest price. Here's proof from their website:

1. The North Canyon. Classic South Rim trip. Departs from Grand Canyon Airport, and flies across the canyon to the North Rim and back. Retails for $169. Sells online for $133.

2. The Majestic. Upgrade version of the North Canyon Tour, but conducted aboard a luxury EcoStar 130, which features stadium-style seating, panorama windows, and quiet-flight technology. Lists for $191. Web promotional price is $158.

3. The Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. Leaves from Las Vegas. 45-minute flight to Grand Canyon Airport aboard a fixed-wing Vistaliner aircraft. Lists for $458. Web promotional price is $360.

4. The South Rim bus with helicopter tour. Only available to Las Vegas travelers. Bus leaves in the morning and arrives at South Rim before lunch. Lists for $289. Web promotional price is $190.

I've researched the Internet and to date have yet to find a broker that can beat Papillon's prices. Same for Maverick and Sundance, Papillon's main competition. The key thing I learned is that tour operators want your business, and, if you buy direct from them, they'll reward you with huge price cuts.

As you consider which tour is best for you, here are a few things about South Rim helicopter tours you should know:

• Departures leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, located just south of the National Park's main gates.

• Flights run all year including holidays.

• Do your best to secure a flight in the morning as you may have to reschedule due to prevailing weather conditions.

• Typical South Rim flights start over the Kaibab Plateau and beeline into the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the Canyon, before looping back at the North Rim.

• Flights last around half an hour.

• Private charters are available

By reading this far, I can assure you that you know how to find the best promotions on South Rim helicopter flights.

But remember: 1) Always purchase your tour direct from the tour operator; and 2) book it online. Follow this simple plan and you'll see as much of the Grand Canyon as possible in one day at a price that is unbeatable.