The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York offers a unique opportunity to soar over the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks. Hosted on small-group flights with a maximum of six passengers, this aerial adventure showcases the city from an unparalleled vantage point. Guests can expect stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge as the pilot provides live commentary, sharing insights about the sights below. With state-of-the-art helicopters and panoramic windows, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes this tour truly special goes beyond the breathtaking views – it’s the chance to see New York City in a whole new light.
Good To Know
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The Empire Helicopter Tour offers a small-group aerial experience showcasing iconic NYC landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Central Park.
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The tour features state-of-the-art helicopters with large panoramic windows, live commentary, and a climate-controlled cabin, providing an unforgettable perspective of the city.
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Travelers must adhere to a 275 lbs weight limit per passenger, and seating arrangements are based on weight and balance considerations for safety.
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The tour departs from a convenient location at 6 East River Piers, and the $40 per person heliport fee is non-refundable.
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The tour has a 4.3 rating out of 44 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the stunning aerial views, informative pilot commentary, and overall must-do experience for visitors.
Tour Overview
The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York offers a small-group aerial experience that showcases the iconic landmarks of the city.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 44 reviews, the tour highlights major attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center.
Accommodating a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour provides a personal and convenient experience with flexible start times.
The helicopter flight features live commentary, a climate-controlled cabin, and photo opportunities.
This tour is a must-do for NYC visitors looking to capture stunning aerial views of the Big Apple.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
Highlights of the Flight
During the Empire Helicopter Tour, passengers can admire some of New York City’s most iconic landmarks from a breathtaking aerial perspective. Soaring over the city, the tour highlights include:
Landmark | Description |
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Statue of Liberty | A symbol of freedom, standing tall on Liberty Island |
Empire State Building | The Art Deco skyscraper with unparalleled city views |
Brooklyn Bridge | The historic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn |
One World Trade Center | The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere |
Central Park | The lush, green oasis in the heart of the concrete jungle |
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the helicopter tour provides a personalized and unforgettable experience, allowing passengers to capture stunning photographs and gain a unique appreciation for the city’s iconic landmarks.
Helicopter Specifications
What types of helicopters are used for the Empire Helicopter Tour of New York?
The tour utilizes state-of-the-art helicopters that provide a comfortable and safe ride for up to 6 passengers.
These climate-controlled aircraft feature large panoramic windows, allowing for unobstructed views of the iconic New York City skyline.
The helicopters are equipped with live commentary systems, ensuring travelers receive informative narration throughout the flight.
With a weight limit of 275 lbs per passenger, the tour accommodates a range of body types, ensuring everyone can enjoy the breathtaking aerial experience.
The helicopters are regularly maintained to the highest safety standards, providing peace of mind for adventurous sightseers.
Booking and Arrival
Booking the Empire Helicopter Tour of New York is a straightforward process. Passengers must arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled flight to check-in and complete the necessary security procedures.
Some key things to note about arrival and accessibility:
- The meeting point is located at 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, and strollers and service animals are allowed.
- Infants must sit on laps, and all surfaces are accessible.
- A valid photo ID is required for security checks, including metal detector scanning and bag inspection.
Once at the heliport, passengers will need to pay the $40 per person heliport fee during check-in before boarding the climate-controlled helicopter for their unforgettable tour of the Big Apple.
Weight and Safety Considerations
The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York has some important weight and safety regulations that passengers must be aware of.
There’s a total weight limit of 275 lbs per passenger, and anyone over this limit will need to purchase an extra seat. Valid photo ID is required, and passengers will go through security checks like metal detector scanning and bag inspection.
Passengers won’t be guaranteed window seats, as the seating is arranged based on weight and balance considerations. These rules are in place to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone on board.
Travelers should plan accordingly and be prepared to follow these guidelines during their helicopter tour of NYC.
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What to Expect During the Tour
Departing from the convenient 6 East River Piers location, passengers will enjoy a breathtaking helicopter tour of New York City’s iconic landmarks.
The climate-controlled cabin and live commentary from the pilot provide a personal and informative experience.
Highlights of the tour include:
- Soaring over the Statue of Liberty, offering unparalleled views of this legendary symbol.
- Capturing the grandeur of the Empire State Building and its art deco architecture.
- Admiring the intricate design of the Brooklyn Bridge stretching across the East River.
- Marveling at the sleek, modern lines of the One World Trade Center, the city’s tallest skyscraper.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the tour ensures a truly intimate and unforgettable experience.
Customer Experiences
Travelers frequently commend the Empire Helicopter Tour for its stunning aerial perspectives of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Passengers praise the knowledgeable pilots who provide live commentary, enhancing the experience. While some note that seating arrangements can impact individual views, the overall consensus is that the tour offers an unparalleled way to see the city from above.
Positive Experiences | Negative Experiences | Overall Recommendations |
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Stunning views | Limited window views | Highly recommended |
Informative pilots | Seating arrangements | Must-do for NYC visitors |
Climate-controlled cabin | – | – |
Photo opportunities | – | – |
The free cancellation policy and affordable heliport fee also contribute to the tour’s popularity among NYC travelers.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience, providing customers with flexibility in their planning. This policy allows guests to receive a full refund if their plans change unexpectedly.
Some key points about the cancellation and refund policy include:
- Cancellations within 24 hours of the tour aren’t eligible for a refund.
- Refunds will be issued in the original form of payment.
- No-shows or late arrivals aren’t eligible for a refund.
- Guests can reschedule their tour, subject to availability, with no additional fees.
- The heliport fee of $40 per person is non-refundable.
Things To Known
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The helicopter has a climate-controlled cabin, but outside food and beverages are not permitted for safety and hygiene reasons.
How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Helicopter?
Passengers can bring small personal items like a handbag or camera, but large luggage is not permitted on the helicopter tour due to space constraints. Check-in staff will provide guidance on what can be brought onboard.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York doesn’t have a specified minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour, as long as infants sit on a parent’s lap during the flight.
Can I Take Video Footage During the Flight?
According to the tour details, passengers can take photos during the flight, but video footage is not explicitly mentioned. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm if video recording is allowed.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
The tour operator offers a few discounts to make the experience more accessible. Customers can save 10% by booking online, or take advantage of group rates for parties of 4 or more. Military and senior discounts are also available.
Sum Up
The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York offers an unforgettable aerial adventure, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks in a small-group setting. With state-of-the-art helicopters and informative live commentary, guests can enjoy stunning panoramic views and a unique perspective of the Big Apple. It’s a must-do experience for anyone seeking to explore NYC from the skies.
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