Helicopter Flight New York Experience Report

Are you planning a helicopter flight over New York? Here you will find out how much a helicopter tour costs, why we chose the provider we did, and how we enjoyed the experience!

Our big dream: Finally taking a helicopter tour in New York became a reality! It was an absolute highlight of our New York trip. We love seeing cities and places from a bird's-eye view. So we do helicopter flights whenever they are offered and affordable.

During our last trip to New York, we finally took a helicopter tour here as well. The decision was made easy for us when FlyNYON posted an unbeatable offer on Facebook: A -45% discount coupon per flight. What we love: The helicopter flight in New York is with no doors. No question, we had to book it.

After the experience, we gathered and documented our experiences, the flight routes, and our thoughts!

Here comes our comparison and recommendation for the best helicopter tour in New York.

It's simple: Seeing New York from above in the air is unique!

One thing to mention: I have done many helicopter flights in different countries. However, no tour was as impressive as the one in New York.

Experiencing New York from a bird's-eye view was a dream! Flying over Manhattan, Central Park, the emerging Hudson Yards area, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and passing by the Empire State Building.

Seeing the deep canyons of the skyscrapers directly from above! And this during sunset, when the lights of the metropolis start to glow. An indescribable and unique experience!

If you have already visited all observatories in New York, here comes the upgrade: A helicopter flight over Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty!

Before the trip, we carefully researched the providers of helicopter tours. We read and compared reviews and then chose a provider with no doors (best for photographers).

In general: Helicopter tours are very popular, and last-minute bookings are often unavailable. Plan and book your flights in advance!

A valid photo ID must be presented at each helicopter provider!

To give you a better overview, we have created a simple and clear table with all the important information. All details on costs, duration, routes, and the location of the helipad.

The question of the time of day is very important for us photographers. That's why Dom and I chose a flight at sunset, while Michi flew in the afternoon with friends. Both helicopter flights were "without doors" ("Doors off").

A special tip for photographers, as there are no reflections in the windows. All doors are removed from the helicopter (except for the pilot's door).

Only Hannah declined. The reason: She had already taken a flight over New York in spring. With a different provider, a different route, and the helicopter had doors.

What time of year should you take the helicopter tour?

Especially nice are flights with helicopters in autumn when Central Park shines in orange tones. The weather is ideal and not too cold. A helicopter flight in April is also beautiful when everything starts to bloom. If you're wondering whether it gets too cold in the helicopter in winter, our answer is: It depends on which flight you book. If you booked a flight with doors, it doesn't matter. There are heaters in the helicopter, it is warm. Theoretically, you could fly just with a sweater.

However, if you booked a flight without doors, I generally recommend wearing a jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves. Only the co-pilot (I was lucky) feels the heating in the calves during the flight without doors. The others feel the full airflow and often the icy wind.

Can I choose my seat in the helicopter?

Where everyone sits is determined by the pilot based on the weight of the passengers. Therefore, everyone is weighed before the flight. At FlyNYON, we could indicate a preference that could not be accommodated.

Is it true that there are no flights in New York on Sundays?

We have no idea where you got that from. Our actual flights had to be postponed. Therefore, Dom and I flew on a Sunday. At least 5-6 other helicopters were in the air with us. So, there is a busy operation in the airspace around Manhattan.

Which providers are there for helicopter flights in New York?

There are four providers for helicopter tours in New York: FlyNYON, New York Helicopter, HeliNY, and Manhattan Helicopter. The latter three launch their flights from Downtown Manhattan Heliport.

How much does a helicopter flight in New York cost?

The cheapest flights cost around $200. For flights without doors at sunrise or sunset, expect to pay between $700 - $1500 per flight. The offers look similar at first glance, but the routes are the crucial criterion.

What routes for helicopter tours are offered for Manhattan?

Each provider has different tours available. FlyNYON is the only provider that is allowed to fly over Manhattan, Central Park, and the southern tip of Manhattan, to our knowledge.

Departures are from the helipad in New Jersey. After a briefing with safety instructions, you're off. After takeoff, you'll fly directly towards Central Park.

Along the park, you fly to the upper end. The helicopter then turns around and flies past the Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, and One World Observatory to the Statue of Liberty. You'll also get perfect views of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge.

Our tip: Keep checking FlyNYON's website or follow them on Facebook. They frequently offer coupons. You can save 50%. Once you book, you'll receive a code. You don't have to set a date right away.

Why does FlyNYON offer vouchers?

Until the beginning of 2018, FlyNYON always chartered helicopters from another provider. One of them crashed, and five people died. After that, there was a shitstorm (understandably) and many negative news stories. Since then, regulations have been radically changed. Safety during helicopter flights - especially without doors - always comes first!

FlyNYON also no longer charters pilots and helicopters from outsiders but now has its own fleet with hangars and pilots. The team is very focused on ensuring that everyone receives safety instructions and life vests and can detach themselves in case of an emergency.

It's really not complicated, as you get an additional second strap for the tour without doors, similar to ziplining.

We all felt very safe. Nevertheless, make sure to check reviews of all providers to find the best helicopter flight for you.

We enjoyed every second! The route of the helicopter tour was perfect, and we wouldn't book any other. However, we also realize that you lose half a day, as you first have to travel from Manhattan to New Jersey. You need to plan nearly an hour for the round trip to the helipad.

If you don't care about high-quality images, the time of day doesn't matter. We wanted to fly at sunset because the light is best for photography then. Unfortunately, we were unlucky, and it got dark by the end of the flight. Michi and friends had much better weather in the afternoon: Blue skies and a high sun. The images, therefore, appear sharper and surprisingly not overexposed.

A night flight is also highly recommended. We had this experience since it was already dark during our "sunset tour". It's incredible when everything lights up and sparkles as the lights come on. The glow of Times Square is especially impressive.

You can book a night flight (combined with a boat tour to the Statue of Liberty) here

Communication with the provider was excellent, as our initial helicopter flights had to be postponed due to high winds. A proposal for another day arrived via email quite quickly.

We advise you to not schedule the helicopter tour on the last day of your stay. That way, you can have a backup date in case of bad weather. Otherwise, you're left with the option of a boat tour or other alternatives, which is naturally no comparison to the bird's-eye view of Manhattan.

Compare the offers and read the reviews carefully before clicking the booking button.

What is your experience with the helicopter flight in New York?

Which provider did you take a helicopter flight with, and how was the price? We look forward to your comment.

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