New York, NY: The Grand Helicopter Tour

The Grand Helicopter Tour of New York City offers a unique aerial perspective of the iconic landmarks that define the Big Apple. Soaring over the five boroughs, passengers will marvel at breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge, among other celebrated sights. With private and shared tour options, the experience caters to various travel needs and budgets. However, prospective passengers should be mindful of the tour’s weight restrictions and arrival policies to ensure a seamless journey. For those seeking an unforgettable aerial adventure, the Grand Helicopter Tour promises unparalleled vistas of the city that never sleeps.

About Your Stay

• The Grand Helicopter Tour offers aerial sightseeing of New York City’s iconic landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Wall Street, Central Park, and Statue of Liberty.

• The tour includes a helicopter ride, headsets, and life vests, with an optional upgrade for Yankee Stadium views and a Battery Park boat cruise.

• Passengers must arrive 45 minutes early, adhere to a 249 lbs weight limit, and pay additional fees for late arrivals, children under 2, and heliport/fuel.

• The tour departs from the Downtown Heliport and is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a minimum passenger requirement for shared tours.

• While the aerial views of the NYC skyline are praised, the tour has received mixed reviews, with concerns raised about communication, lack of informative commentary, and strict policies.

Overview of the Tour

The Grand Helicopter Tour in New York City offers aerial sightseeing of the city’s iconic landmarks. Soaring above the bustling streets, passengers can admire views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, Wall Street, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.

An optional upgrade provides additional perspectives of Yankee Stadium and a sightseeing boat cruise along Battery Park. The tour covers all five boroughs in a short, but comprehensive experience.

Whether it’s a first-time visit or a return to the Big Apple, this helicopter adventure promises unparalleled panoramic vistas of the world-famous skyline.

Inclusions and Fees

For the Grand Helicopter Tour, the package includes the helicopter ride, headsets, and life vests.

However, there are additional fees that passengers should be aware of. A $50 late fee applies for arrivals 45 minutes late, and a $100 fee for arrivals 30 minutes or less prior.

Plus, there’s a $50 heliport/fuel fee per person, as well as a $50 fee for children under 2, both payable on site.

These fees ensure the tour operates smoothly and covers the necessary costs. Passengers should arrive 45 minutes early to avoid any unexpected charges and ensure a seamless experience.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Grand Helicopter Tour is located at 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA, which is the Downtown Heliport.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

The heliport is also near public transportation, making it easily accessible for visitors.

It’s important to note that there’s a total weight limit of 249 lbs per passenger, and all passengers will be weighed at the facility prior to the tour.

This ensures the helicopter operates within safe weight limits for a comfortable and secure flight experience.

Passenger Requirements

All passengers are weighed at the facility prior to the Grand Helicopter Tour.

The tour has a total weight limit of 249 lbs per passenger. This requirement is strictly enforced to ensure the safety and balance of the helicopter.

Here are the key passenger requirements:

1. Passengers mustn’t exceed the 249 lbs weight limit.
2. All passengers are weighed upon arrival at the heliport.
3. Children under 2 years old may ride for a discounted $50.00 heliport/fuel fee.

Adhering to these passenger requirements guarantees a smooth and secure aerial experience over the iconic sights of New York City.

Cancellation Policy and Arrival

Subject to weather conditions and minimum passenger requirements, the Grand Helicopter Tour’s cancellation policy allows for alternative dates to be offered if the tour is canceled.

Passengers must arrive 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time with proper identification to avoid late fees. A $50 late fee will be charged for arrivals 45 minutes late, and a $100 late fee for arrivals 30 minutes or less prior to the tour.

The tour requires a minimum number of passengers, and all 6 seats must be purchased for a private tour. Shared tours are available with up to 6 passengers.

Private and Shared Tours

For the Grand Helicopter Tour, passengers have the option to book either a private or shared tour.

Private tours are available, but all 6 seats must be purchased. This allows for a more personalized experience and the flexibility to tailor the itinerary to individual preferences.

Shared tours, on the other hand, are a more cost-effective option, as passengers can book individual seats and share the tour with up to 5 other people. The shared tour follows a standard itinerary, providing an opportunity to potentially meet new people and enjoy the sights together.

Regardless of the tour type, all passengers are required to adhere to the weight limit and other safety policies.

Customer Reviews

Passengers’ experiences with the Grand Helicopter Tour in New York City have been mixed, as reflected in the overall rating of 2.5 stars from a total of 13 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the excellent staff and pilot professionalism, providing a memorable experience.

However, some passengers expressed issues with the parking crew’s communication and expectations of more informative commentary during the flight.

The tour’s policies, such as late fees and weight limits, have also drawn attention.

While the aerial views of NYC landmarks are the main draw, the mixed reviews suggest room for improvement in delivering a consistently high-quality helicopter tour experience.

Questions About Your Stay

How Long Is the Helicopter Ride?

The helicopter ride is a short tour covering all five boroughs of the city. According to the overview, the tour duration is described as a "short ride".

Are There Any Bathroom Facilities Available?

The tour does not include any bathroom facilities. Passengers are advised to use the restrooms before arriving at the heliport, as the helicopter flight is a short ride covering the city’s sights.

Does the Tour Take Place Year-Round?

The tour operates year-round, subject to weather conditions. Flights may be canceled or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather, though alternative dates are offered if a tour is canceled.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the helicopter tour. The tour operator provides all necessary supplies, including headsets and life vests, for the duration of the helicopter ride.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. Passengers can take photos and videos of the city’s landmarks from the helicopter. However, using flash or drones is prohibited for safety reasons.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The "New York, NY: The Grand Helicopter Tour" offers an unparalleled aerial experience, providing breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks. With safety features and flexible tour options, it’s a must-do activity for visitors seeking a unique perspective of the Big Apple. However, passengers must adhere to weight limits and arrival policies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.