Helicopter Flight in New York

Are you planning to visit New York and want to experience a unique and memorable activity? Choosing to take a helicopter flight over New York is a wonderful idea Personally, it's one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had! Flying over the skies of Manhattan will allow you to see iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge from an entirely different perspective ️ But to make sure you fully enjoy this unique experience, here's everything you need to know!

For years, we've heard about this activity to do in New York. We have friends who often talk about their helicopter flight experience in New York, so naturally, we wanted to see it with our own eyes!

Embarking on a flight over New York is the perfect opportunity to admire the city's most famous sites from the air, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan Skyline. Depending on the route you choose, you might get to see Central Park, the banks of the Hudson River, and landmark neighborhoods like Times Square, Wall Street, and Brooklyn, for example.

Flying over New York by helicopter will also give you a feeling of exclusivity and adventure. It's a unique way to create memorable moments, whether for special occasions, romantic getaways, or simply to see New York from a new angle

The cost of a helicopter flight in New York can vary depending on the flight duration, type of helicopter, services included, and the chosen provider. Generally, initial rates are around $200 to $300 per person for single flights lasting about 15 to 20 minutes

However, more comprehensive helicopter tour packages are also available, such as 30-minute to 1-hour excursions, with prices that can reach several hundreds of dollars or more, depending on the services offered. Some packages may include extras like guided tours, hotel transfers, or even nighttime flights for an even more impressive experience in New York

Before booking, it's important to compare offers from different providers for helicopter flights in New York, consider customer reviews, and ensure that the chosen provider meets safety standards ⚠️ Rates may also vary based on tourist seasons and demand. Therefore, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and get the best rates.

Another important piece of information to consider: each helicopter flight you take in New York requires an heliport tax. You will need to pay this fee on-site before boarding. The amount of this tax is approximately $40 per person; the differences between providers are very minimal

You understand, the longer the flight duration, the higher the price increases. Once you have established a budget, you can choose the helicopter flight option in New York that suits you best.

Here are some examples of what you might expect during different tours:

15 to 20 minutes: you will have time to fly over the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. These are the most popular routes among tourists since they offer good value for money, I highly recommend it

30 minutes: this duration allows for an extension compared to shorter tours, enabling a more in-depth exploration of the city. You might have the opportunity to fly over additional neighborhoods or get different angles of view; of course, the budget is higher.

45 minutes to 1 hour: for a more comprehensive experience, you might consider a longer flight. This may include areas further away from the city, detailed views of Central Park, and maybe even a loop around the Statue of Liberty.

Private custom flight: if your budget allows, some companies offer custom private flights. This will allow you to customize the itinerary, duration, and sites you'd like to see, providing a totally tailored experience to your preferences and wildest desires!

For those on a somewhat tighter budget, you can simply opt for a flight that covers all the must-see sites in New York.

To cover the highlights of New York with a not-too-expensive flight, I suggest this 15-minute helicopter tour. It's generally sought after by those wanting to fly over the city for the first time! You will see among others:

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Ground Zero & the One World Trade Center

The Empire State Building

The Chrysler Building

Central Park

Simply put, you will tour Manhattan from south to north starting at about $236 per person!

If I had to choose a helicopter flight over New York, I would undoubtedly choose this 20-minute flight. It's only 5 additional minutes, but they make all the difference, as it allows you to make a detour into the borough of Brooklyn to admire, in particular, the Brooklyn Bridge, in addition to Manhattan

From a value-for-money perspective, for those extra 5 minutes, you will generally have to budget between $50 and $60 more for the flight. If you have a moderate or even tight budget, I don't think that these additional dollars will significantly affect your overall budget for your trip.

So, if you have the budget necessary to book this tour, go for it without hesitation! In my opinion, this is the best compromise you can find unless you have a super flexible budget. For this aerial excursion, you should budget around $256 per person.

You can also opt for a more premium option with a 30-minute helicopter flight or additional options (at sunset, private, etc.). It's clear that such a tour requires a larger budget since you will see even more must-see sites. In addition to Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, you will discover:

The Bronx & Yankee Stadium

Coney Island

The rest of Brooklyn

New Jersey

To simplify, you will explore all of New York and its 5 boroughs seen from the sky! You truly cannot do much better in terms of content! But for that, you will need to also plan for a more significant budget, around $332 per person. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to take part in the experience during your stay

All year round, you can also take a nighttime helicopter flight from Friday to Monday. As you might guess, the timing of these flights changes throughout the year; they will already take place in the late afternoon in winter and a bit later in summer, so this is something to consider when booking this exceptional activity I even have a dedicated guide if you're unsure when would be the best time to visit New York based on weather conditions.

Another specificity of the nighttime flight: departures take place at Linden Airport in New Jersey. So you'll need to plan a very generous margin for travel and you will eventually have no choice but to take a taxi at some point during your itinerary. This might seem a bit complicated, but the experience you're going to have is worth it!

As for the itinerary, it's about a 20-minute flight that will take you over the Hudson to discover all the must-see places in Manhattan, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, passing over the Brooklyn Bridge. For this flight of 25 to 30 minutes, you should budget around $305 per person, with heliport fees already included

Yes, you read that right, you can also enjoy this incredible experience by making it even more magical by boarding a helicopter without doors, and prices go up directly.

For a flight with a no-doors option, you can choose between 2 formulas:

16 minutes at $85 per person: flying over Manhattan

30 minutes at $283 per person: flying over all 5 boroughs of New York

The sensations you will feel during this experience are incredible; for example, you can dangle your feet over the edge, enjoy a reflection-free view for more beautiful photos To book, I recommend going directly through the provider FlyNYON Helicopter Tours. The heliport is located on the west side of Manhattan and Jersey City, so you will also need to allow for travel time, considering that you must arrive 1 hour 15 minutes prior to the flight ✈️

As previously mentioned, choosing the right provider plays a crucial role. To help you choose wisely, I've listed all existing companies while sharing my preferences:

Liberty Helicopters: This company is one of the largest helicopter operations in New York. It offers a variety of tours, including classic flights over Manhattan, quite extensive tours, and private options if you're coming with family or friends.

HeliNY: With departures from Manhattan and New Jersey, you can admire iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. This company is also among the most sought-after, so do not hesitate to prioritize this provider.

Zip Aviation: Known for its personalized service, Zip Aviation offers private and shared flights above New York. This company focuses heavily on safety and customer satisfaction; it is among the most reliable and reputable providers for flying over New York.

Manhattan Helicopters: This company mainly offers flights above Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty, with options suitable for different budgets. While this may seem limited, they offer various itineraries that might interest many!

I recommend checking online reviews, comparing packages, checking for safety reputations, and considering included services before making a reservation. Personally, I would recommend HeliNY or Zip Aviation, the two most reputable providers As for Manhattan Helicopters, that would clearly be my third choice! I think it can suit individuals with specific expectations who want to exclusively explore Manhattan.

It is reasonable to wonder when to book a helicopter flight over New York! For my part, I strongly recommend doing it as early as possible to ensure you have a spot. By reserving your place in advance, you will have the chance to choose the day that works best for you.

I also suggest planning this activity at the beginning of your stay, in case you need to postpone due to weather conditions. Of course, watching the sunset is enticing, and you'll have a better chance of seeing it in spring, summer, or fall if the conditions are good and the sky is clear ☀️

It is possible to book once on-site, but I don't consider that a feasible option, as online bookings take priority and you will often have to endure an endless line, wasting precious time during your stay. Besides, there's no guarantee that a seat will be available if you book on-site. In some cases, you may be asked to come back a few hours later or even the next day.

So here's my advice: book your spot online before your arrival in New York. Be sure to set the time slot to catch the sunset

Generally, departures take place at the heliport at the very southern tip of Manhattan, where most of the best providers are located. But there can be exceptions.

Some specific tours or options depart from Pier 6, which is located inside Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River in Brooklyn, while others take off from the Newark side in New Jersey. Of course, you will find all the information on your meeting point in the confirmation of your reservation, but it is always better to inform yourself beforehand to plan for transportation, especially to Newark and New Jersey, which you won't be able to reach by subway.

To get to Pier 6 by subway, you can take the 1 line to South Ferry, or the 4 and 5 lines to Bowling Green. Once you arrive, head towards the Staten Island Ferry terminal. Then, walk along the East River to the left. You will see the Pier 6 helicopters from the Governors Island Ferry. At the end of the flight, you can also enjoy the green spaces of the park for a picnic if the weather is nice

1. Arrive at the departure heliport at least 45 minutes in advance. Some providers will even ask you to arrive 1 hour 15 minutes in advance.

2. Once you arrive, check in by providing your name and reservation. After all the information is verified, place your belongings in a secure locker: backpack, water bottle, purse...

3. You will then receive some safety instructions, and you will be weighed to balance the load in the helicopter

4. Put on a life jacket and board your helicopter flight in New York!

Helicopter flights in New York are available all year round. Each experience can be different depending on the season. Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming scenery , while autumn showcases beautiful orange colors Summer boasts a bright, clear sky while winter provides a unique winter atmosphere with Christmas lights if you travel in late November or December

If the weather forecast doesn't look good and there are risks of rain or strong winds, you can contact the company to confirm the service, if they haven't already done so. Also, be sure to provide your phone number to be reached in case of cancellation.

Yes, it's absolutely possible! For the little ones (children under 2 years), they can sit on their parents' laps, and it's completely free

It's clear that with such a panorama in front of you, you'll want to capture the moment! For this, I advise against zooming in on the monuments; the quality won't be great. Opt for a wide-angle video or photo to maintain the panoramic aspect and sense of height

We have arrived at the conclusion of this article on helicopter flights in New York I believe I have covered all the essential points to prepare well and choose the flight formula to try during your next stay in the Big Apple If there are certain points that remain unclear or if you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments! And to further prepare your trip, I invite you to check out my article on visiting New York in 5 days, where I present an itinerary that covers all the must-sees in the city, as well as my recommendations for places to stay in New York with options for all budgets. So, see you soon for a new article