Soaring above the iconic skyline, a helicopter tour from Kearny, New Jersey offers an unparalleled perspective of New York City. This 15-20 minute aerial adventure showcases the grandeur of Manhattan’s landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park. With convenient shuttle transportation, wheelchair accessibility, and a commitment to safety, the tour provides a unique experience for time-constrained travelers. Whether it’s a first-time visit or a return to the city, this breathtaking tour promises to leave a lasting impression. But the real question is, what’s included in the tour?
Good To Know
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This helicopter tour offers unique aerial views of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park.
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The tour provides a 360-degree perspective of the NYC skyline, giving time-constrained travelers an efficient alternative to ground-level observation decks.
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The heliport is located in Kearny, New Jersey, with a shuttle bus service available for convenient transportation to and from the meeting point.
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Passengers must be aware of the $50 heliport/fuel fee and potential late arrival fees, as well as the 250 lbs weight limit per passenger.
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The tour typically lasts 15-20 minutes, with strict safety protocols in place to ensure passenger well-being during the aerial adventure.
Tour Highlights and Inclusions
The New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience breathtaking aerial views of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks.
Departing from Kearny, New Jersey, this exhilarating tour provides a 360-degree perspective of the city’s most recognizable sights, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park.
Ideal for those short on time, the tour allows guests to avoid the crowds and long lines at traditional observation decks.
With a rating of 3.7 out of 37 reviews, the tour promises an unforgettable experience, capturing the grandeur of the New York City skyline from an unparalleled vantage point.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
Pricing and Additional Fees
A New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour includes a $50.00 heliport/fuel fee per person, payable on-site. This applies even to children under 2 years old.
Travelers arriving 45 minutes or less before the flight will incur late fees – $50.00 for 45 minutes prior, and $100.00 for 30 minutes or less.
Plus, there’s a total weight limit of 250 lbs per passenger, and an extra seat is required for those exceeding this limit.
These fees and restrictions are important to keep in mind when booking and preparing for this aerial adventure over the iconic New York City skyline.
Meeting Point and Transportation
According to the information provided, the meeting point for the New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour is located at 78 John Miller Way, Kearny, NJ 07032, USA. Shuttle bus pickup is available at the Dry Dock Bistro, which is a light blue bus with a red and white helicopter logo. After the tour, passengers will be returned to the original meeting point.
Meeting Point | Shuttle Bus Pickup | Return |
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78 John Miller Way, Kearny, NJ 07032, USA | Dry Dock Bistro | Original Meeting Point |
Light blue bus with red and white helicopter logo |
Accessibility and Requirements
Wheelchair users and those traveling with strollers can participate in the New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour, as the experience is wheelchair accessible.
Infants can also join the tour, but they must sit on a lap. There’s a weight limit of 250 lbs per passenger, and those exceeding this will need to purchase an additional seat.
The helicopter has a total seating capacity of 6 passengers and 1 pilot. While shared helicopter tours are available, private tours require all 6 seats to be purchased.
The tour welcomes service animals, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Travelers seem to have had a mixed experience with the New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour, according to the available reviews.
While some praised the breathtaking views and friendly staff, others reported issues with unexpected fees and perceived unprofessionalism.
Common complaints include:
- Lack of communication from the operator
- Unexpected late fees for arriving close to the scheduled flight time
- Concerns about the overall professionalism and organization of the service
- Mixed quality of customer service interactions
Despite these concerns, the tour does offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing some flexibility for travelers.
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Tour Duration and Itinerary
The New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour typically lasts around 15-20 minutes, providing a comprehensive aerial perspective of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks.
During the flight, passengers will enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
The helicopter takes off from Kearny, New Jersey, and circles around the island of Manhattan, giving passengers ample opportunity to snap stunning photographs and soak in the city’s energy from above.
With the ability to avoid long lines and crowds at ground-level observation decks, this helicopter tour offers an unparalleled and efficient way to experience the grandeur of New York City.
Safety and Precautions
Before boarding the helicopter, passengers must adhere to strict safety protocols. The tour operator takes passenger safety extremely seriously.
This includes:
- Undergoing a detailed safety briefing to understand emergency procedures and protocols.
- Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear to ensure mobility and stability during the flight.
- Securing all loose items to prevent them from flying out of the helicopter during the tour.
- Listening attentively to the pilot’s instructions and following them without hesitation.
The helicopter is equipped with the latest safety features and undergoes regular maintenance to ensure a smooth and secure aerial experience.
Passengers can rest assured that their well-being is the top priority throughout the New York City skyline tour.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
To book the New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour, passengers can reserve their spots online through the tour operator’s website.
The tour requires a $50 heliport/fuel fee per person, which is payable on-site. Children under 2 also incur this fee.
Late arrivals are subject to fees – $50 for 45 minutes prior and $100 for 30 minutes or less before the flight.
There’s a total weight limit of 250 lbs per passenger, with an additional seat required for those exceeding this.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Things To Known
Can I Bring My Own Photography Equipment?
Yes, passengers can bring their own photography equipment. However, they should ensure the gear doesn’t exceed the weight limit and safely stow it during the flight for a comfortable and enjoyable helicopter tour experience.
How Many People Can Fit in the Helicopter?
The helicopter accommodates up to 6 passengers and 1 pilot. For private tours, all 6 seats must be purchased. Passengers will share the helicopter with others unless they book a private tour.
Do I Need Any Special Documentation or Identification?
No special documentation or ID is required for the helicopter tour. Passengers just need to arrive at the meeting point and check in with the tour operator. Children under 2 can participate as well.
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The website doesn’t mention if the tour is available in languages other than English. Guests should inquire about language options when booking the tour, as translation services may or may not be provided.
How Long Does the Actual Helicopter Ride Last?
The helicopter tour typically lasts around 15-20 minutes, providing passengers with a breathtaking aerial view of the iconic Manhattan skyline. The duration may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and flight path.
Sum Up
This helicopter tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness New York City’s breathtaking skyline from a unique aerial perspective. With its convenient location, accessibility features, and commitment to safety, it’s an ideal choice for time-constrained travelers seeking a memorable and hassle-free sightseeing experience. The tour’s stunning views of iconic landmarks make it a must-do activity for anyone looking to capture the grandeur of Manhattan from above.
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