Soaring above the iconic New York City skyline is an unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed. The NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour from Kearny, NJ offers travelers a unique bird’s-eye view of the Big Apple’s most famous landmarks. With small group flights and flexible scheduling, it’s the perfect way to take in the city’s breathtaking sights. But what really sets this tour apart is the accessibility – it caters to all passengers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the thrill of a helicopter adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong New Yorker, this tour promises an awe-inspiring journey that will leave you…
Good To Know
- The NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour departs from Kearny, NJ and provides views of Central Park, Empire State Building, and Statue of Liberty.
- The tour is operated by New York Helicopter Tours L.L.C. and offers small group flights for an intimate experience.
- Passengers must arrive one hour prior to departure and are subject to late arrival penalties and additional fees.
- The tour has a weight limit of 250 lbs per passenger, and an additional seat is required if this limit is exceeded.
- The tour has mixed customer feedback, with concerns about late arrival penalties and last-minute weight-based cancellations.
Tour Overview and Highlights
The NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour offers an exhilarating aerial experience, whisking passengers over the iconic landmarks of New York City.
Rated 3.3 out of 105 reviews, this tour provides unparalleled views of the city’s most recognizable sights, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.
Operated by New York Helicopter Tours L.L.C., the tour features small group flights for an intimate experience, with multiple daily departures and evening options.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for a fresh perspective, this helicopter tour promises to deliver stunning vistas and unforgettable memories across the Five Boroughs.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
Pricing and Additional Fees
A base price starting from $235.00 invites visitors to embark on the NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour.
However, fees can quickly add up, with a hefty $50.00 late arrival penalty if passengers are 45 minutes late. Arriving 30 minutes or less before the flight incurs a $100.00 per person fee.
Plus, a $50.00 heliport and fuel fee is payable on-site for each passenger, including children under 2.
Weight limits are strictly enforced, with an additional seat required for passengers exceeding 250 lbs.
While the tour offers a unique aerial perspective, the pricing and fees can make it a costly experience, potentially disappointing some travelers.
Arrival and Pickup Instructions
Passengers must arrive a full hour prior to their scheduled NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour departure to avoid late fees.
The heliport is located at 78 John Miller Way in Kearny, New Jersey, and shuttle service is available from the nearby Dry Dock Bistro. Simply call the provided number to arrange pickup.
Bring valid identification, as it’s required to check in. Arriving 30 minutes or less before the flight will incur a hefty $100 per person late fee, so don’t cut it close.
The tour operator takes punctuality seriously, so plan accordingly and allow ample time for transit and check-in.
Passenger Requirements and Accessibility
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility is provided for the NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour, and service animals are welcome aboard. Infants must sit on laps during the flight.
The helicopter’s surfaces are wheelchair-accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers. While the tour offers an exciting aerial perspective of New York City’s iconic landmarks, it’s important to note that there are some passenger requirements to consider.
Travelers should be mindful of the weight limit of 250 lbs per passenger, with an additional seat required if the limit is exceeded. The tour aims to be inclusive, catering to a wide range of passengers and their needs.
Cancellation and Weather Policy
What happens if you need to cancel or reschedule your NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour?
Fortunately, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled flight. This provides flexibility if your plans change.
However, the tour is subject to weather conditions, and flights may be canceled or rescheduled if the weather is deemed unsafe for flying. In these cases, the operator will offer alternative dates, allowing you to enjoy the tour when conditions are more favorable.
While late arrivals can result in hefty penalties, the cancellation policy provides a reasonable safety net for unforeseen circumstances.
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Customer Feedback and Experiences
By and large, passengers expressed mixed sentiments about their NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour experiences.
While many lauded the breathtaking aerial views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, some common complaints arose:
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Frustration over stringent late arrival penalties, even for minor delays.
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Dissatisfaction with customer service, especially regarding communication about additional fees.
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Concerns about last-minute weight-based cancellations without refunds.
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Disappointment when bad weather forced tour cancellations, with some wishing for more flexible rescheduling.
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A desire for better coordination between the heliport and shuttle service to ensure smooth, timely arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective passengers often have several questions regarding the logistics and requirements for the NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour.
What’s the weight limit, and can it be exceeded? The tour has a 250 lb limit per passenger, with an additional seat required for those exceeding it.
Can infants and children participate? Infants can sit on laps, while children under 2 are charged a $50 heliport fee.
How early should one arrive? Passengers must arrive 1 hour prior to avoid late fees, which can reach $100 per person for arriving 30 minutes or less before the flight.
The tour offers flexible scheduling, with multiple daily departures and evening options available.
Booking and Contact Information
Booking the NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour is a straightforward process. Prospective passengers can easily reserve their spot by visiting the provider’s website or calling their number.
The meeting location is conveniently located in Kearny, New Jersey, with shuttle service available from the nearby Dry Dock Bistro. To avoid late fees, travelers must arrive one hour prior to their scheduled flight time with proper identification.
Plus, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and those with service animals.
While the provider generally receives positive feedback, some past customers have reported issues with late arrival penalties and communication about fees, so it’s essential to review all details before booking.
Things To Known
What Is the Duration of the Helicopter Tour?
The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the knowledge provided. However, it mentions "Compact flight times with multiple daily departures", suggesting the tour is likely in the range of 15-30 minutes based on typical NYC helicopter tour lengths.
Can I Bring My Own Camera and Take Photos During the Flight?
Yes, you can bring your own camera and take photos during the flight. The tour provider encourages passengers to capture the stunning aerial views of the NYC skyline from the helicopter.
Is There an Option to Request a Specific Seating Arrangement?
According to the tour information, passengers can’t request specific seating arrangements. However, the small group flights allow for an intimate experience, so you may be able to work with the provider to accommodate any special needs or requests.
Do I Need to Sign Any Waivers or Legal Documents Before the Flight?
Yes, passengers will likely need to sign waivers or legal documents before the flight. This is common for helicopter tours to ensure safety and manage liability. It’s a standard part of the booking process.
Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Merchandise On-Site?
Passengers can purchase souvenirs and merchandise on-site, though the options are limited. The provider focuses more on the helicopter tour experience rather than offering an extensive gift shop. Any available items are likely related to the NYC skyline and tour.
Sum Up
The NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour from Kearny, NJ offers an unparalleled aerial experience. With stunning views of iconic landmarks and flexible scheduling, it’s an unforgettable adventure for all. The tour’s accessibility and customer-friendly policies make it a top choice for sightseeing in the Big Apple. Don’t miss this chance to soar above the city and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.
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