Homepage » Experiences » Luxury Experiences
New York City is one of those rare places that looks just as spectacular from the air as it does on the ground—maybe even better. It’s pure magic from above, with its glittering skyline, the Statue of Liberty standing proudly, and the sweeping ribbons of bridges connecting the boroughs.
A shared sightseeing tour can give you a taste of this. Still, a private helicopter ride takes the experience to a new level. It’s personal and flexible, and—done right—it can transform into an unforgettable luxury adventure.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a private helicopter charter is worth the investment, here’s everything you need to know—plus why HeliNY is one of the best for travelers ready to see New York and the Northeast in style.
HeliNY helicopter tours in New York City are amazing shared experiences: fixed routes, fixed times, and a handful of passengers you’ve likely never met. You still get those fantastic views, but there’s no customization.
With a private helicopter ride, you get the aircraft to yourself. It’s just you, your guests, and the pilot—free to shape the experience exactly how you want it. With HeliNY, that means two distinct options:
HeliNY’s custom tours are ideal if you want to stay in the NYC area but still enjoy a personalized flight.
Prices start around $2,200 for 30 minutes. Split between 6 passengers, it becomes a surprisingly accessible luxury. See here for more details on how to book your Custom Tours.
If a custom tour is about sightseeing, a private helicopter charter is about total freedom. This is where HeliNY shifts from being a tour operator to becoming your personal air-travel partner.
HeliNY’s personal charters let you set your schedule and destination within a 300-mile radius of New York City. You’re not tied to set routes or time slots—you decide when and where to fly.
One of the greatest advantages of booking a private helicopter charter is the sheer variety of destinations you can choose from. Popular routes include, though are not limited to:
Imagine wrapping up your Friday in Manhattan and stepping onto the sandy shores of Montauk within the hour. Or bypassing crowded ferries and traffic to arrive in Nantucket, relaxed and ready to make the most of your weekend. With this flexibility, the journey becomes just as unforgettable as the destination.
HeliNY can depart from heliports and airports across the NYC metro area, including Downtown Manhattan, Westchester, and New Jersey. It’s all about convenience and cutting down travel time.
HeliNY offers curated luxury packages that combine private air travel with exceptional experiences. Think:
Flights use the Bell 407GX helicopters, each equipped with:
Pair that with HeliNY’s decades of experience, luxury, and strong safety record.
From CEOs heading to meetings to couples celebrating milestones, HeliNY’s charter team knows how to deliver a seamless, private, and professional experience.
Check here for more details on our Charter Services and to book your next experience.
A private helicopter ride in NYC isn’t cheap, but delivers in ways a shared tour simply can’t.
A private helicopter charter isn’t just a ride—it’s an experience. It’s about turning travel into part of the adventure, whether soaring above the NYC skyline, touching down in the Hamptons, or arriving in style at Cape Cod.
With HeliNY’s range of custom private tours and private helicopter charter services, you can shape your journey exactly how you want. From quick getaways to luxurious weekend escapes, the only real limit is your imagination.
If you’re looking for a splurge that delivers exclusivity, flexibility, and unbeatable views, this might be the best seat in the city—and far beyond.
First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Phone*
Message*
Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership 1HeliNY - helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- HeliNY, New York City's premier provider of helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS)—the nation's most respected safety accreditation program for helicopter tour operators. This distinction marks a significant milestone in HeliNY's commitment to safety, pilot training, and operational integrity. HeliNY is the sole helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region holding this elite certification. TOPS is an independent nonprofit organization that sets the gold standard for air tour safety—surpassing even FAA requirements. Earning the designation requires compliance with a comprehensive set of safety benchmarks covering pilot qualifications, maintenance programs, risk management systems, and overall safety culture. Certified operators must also undergo annual third-party audits to ensure full compliance and continuous improvement. “We congratulate HeliNY for passing our stringent air tour certification process and becoming a member operator,” said Christopher Young, Executive Director at the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). “All of our member operators voluntarily hold themselves to a much higher safety standard than other industry operators, and we are thrilled to welcome HeliNY into this organization.” "Being recognized by TOPS is a tremendous honor," said Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY. "It reinforces our belief that unforgettable experiences start with uncompromising safety. As the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metro area, maintaining the highest levels of safety training and oversight is not just our responsibility—it's our identity." Since 1994, HeliNY has served the New York City metro area with a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell helicopters, operating from two key departure points: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Linden Municipal Airport in New Jersey. With over 80,000 collective pilot hours and 78,000 passengers flown annually, HeliNY has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in urban air tourism. The achievement of TOPS Certification provides an additional layer of confidence for passengers who choose HeliNY for sightseeing tours, private charters, regional getaways, or medical transportation—knowing their experience meets the industry's highest safety and operational standards. Key Standards Required for TOPS Certification - Annual independent safety audits - Implementation of proactive Safety Management Systems (SMS) - Pilot training and maintenance programs that exceed federal regulations - Transparent reporting and continuous safety enhancement To learn more about the Tour Operators Program of Safety, visit topssafety.org. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About TOPS The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) is the leading independent safety certification for helicopter tour operators across the United States. Through rigorous standards, transparent audits, and a collaborative approach to risk management, TOPS ensures that participating operators maintain the highest levels of safety, maintenance, and operational excellence. Learn more at topssafety.org. Bert Solivan HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) berts@heliny.com
