Thanks for the great suggestions. I was looking at Westwind offering flights into Grand Canyon then a van through the south rim which sounded decent. Would be two one hour flights (return) 30 minute flight over canyon and van in for a few hours there. About $399/pp - didn't see anything cheaper.
Not that we want to pay that much but might give us more time there. Yes, getting to Flagstaff the night before may be a possibility although we have reservations in Phoenix for the extent of our stay. We're traveling in February don't know if that has any impact as i don't think it would be as busy.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Neilmactor