FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BOOKING A FLIGHT
Reservations are not required but highly recommended. If you arrive at the heliport without a reservation you may have to wait for an available flight or schedule a flight later in the day. Due to limited availability we would recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. During peak times (Christmas, New Years and Easter) we would recommend booking further in advance due to high demand.
We would recommend booking earlier in your trip in case we need to reschedule your flight due to weather conditions.
Children 2 years old and up are full price as due to FAA regulations they need to sit in their own seat. Children under 2 years of age must sit in an adults lap at no charge. When booking please let us know you will have a lap child in the “Any Special Requests?” field on the booking form.
Any time of day is good to fly depending on the weather. We usually recommend booking around your schedule because the weather is unpredictable. Keep in mind that during the winter months the sun sets earlier and can affect the tour.
Our flights are almost always fully booked. The only way to guarantee a private tour is to reserve all 6 seats in the helicopter. There is no additional discount for this option.
Taking a helicopter is an amazing experience offering breathtaking views of New York City. However, if you are concerned about your fears of flying, heights or enclosed spaces this may not be the best option for you.
CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING
If there is light rain that doesn’t affect visibility, then we may still be able to fly. In the case of bad rain or fog we may need to cancel flights. We will do our best to notify you as soon as we know your flight will be canceled; the weather in New York can change quickly so this may be last minute. We will always try to reschedule your flight. If you are unable to reschedule your flight, it is fully refundable if booked through HeliNY.
We may cancel our flights in dense fog, low clouds, poor visibility, lightning, extremely gusty winds and heavy rain or snow. The temperature outside has no effect on flight conditions as the helicopters are equipped with both heat and air conditioning.
If you need to cancel your flight, we require you to email or call our office at least 24 hours in advance on (212) 355-0801. If you cancel your flight within 24 hours it is non-refundable.
You can reschedule your flight at no charge if you contact us more than 24 hours in advance of your flight time. If you contact us within 24 hours there is a $50 per passenger fee to reschedule your flight. Flights cannot be rescheduled within an hour of the check-in time.
GETTING TO THE HELIPORT
We are a 5 minute walk from the South Ferry subway station; this is the last stop on the 1 train Downtown. If you are using Google Maps or Apple Maps, enter “Downtown Manhattan Heliport” as the address. If you are using a GPS device sometimes our address isn’t recognized, please use 6 East River Piers, New York, 10004.
From Times Square it takes about 30 minutes to reach the Heliport by subway or taxi. Keep in mind that any travel after 4pm will take longer due to commuter traffic.
There is no parking at the heliport but there is a parking garage at the intersection of South Street & Whitehall Street, South St & Old Slip Rd or at the South Street Seaport (Pier 17).
We ask you to check-in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time to ensure that all of our flights depart on time. If you are running late, we may not have you ready for your flight to depart on time and you may miss your flight. We will always do our best to accommodate you on a later flight if available; however we cannot guarantee that you will be able to fly. Please contact us on 212-355-0801 as soon as you think you may be late. You may be asked to pay our $50 per person rescheduling fee if you are late to your flight.
Linden Airport is easily accessible via NJ Transit from New York Penn Station to Linden Station, NJ. HeliNY offers a complimentary shuttle between Linden Station and Linden Airport on a request basis. Please view the instructional video below for more information on how to plan for this trip.
PASSENGER RESTRICTIONS
You can fly if you are pregnant; we recommend checking with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
You will need to transfer from the wheelchair onto the helicopter and be able to sit in one of the seats with your legs bent. For passengers under 150 lbs, our staff can assist you into the helicopter and will bring your wheelchair to and from the Heliport while you are flying. For passengers over 150 lbs, you must be able to transfer on your own or have someone with you who can assist you up into the helicopter. Please let us know your mobility issues in the “Any Special Requests?” field on the booking form, or contact us via email with any concerns.
The final seating in the helicopter is determined by the weights of all passengers in the flight. You can request a seat but we are unable to guarantee your seat in advance.
The weight limit is 275lb per passenger, passengers who weigh more than this or close to this may have to wait for a flight that can safely accommodate their weight. We cannot offer a tour if a seat belt extender is required. We use a scale to confirm everyone’s weight.
DURING THE TOUR
Our pilots will do their best to point out the major sites and answer your questions, but their main focus is to keep you safe in the air.
Due to safety precautions you may not take your own pictures while walking to and from the Heliport to the helicopter. Once inside the helicopter you can take your own pictures. Our staff will take a picture of you in front of the helicopter that can be purchased as a print or digital copy after your tour.
Only cameras, cell phones and sunglasses may be taken on the helicopter. All bags, hats and scarves may be left in a locker available to you at no charge. For more information on what cannot be brought on board your flight please click here.
The City of New York has strict regulations on the Helicopter Tourism Industry that does not allow us to fly over any part of New York City. All of our tours fly above the Hudson River and New York Harbor.
Due to airspace restrictions around the Statue of Liberty the closest we can fly to Liberty Island is half a mile.
Our tours fly between 1500ft and 2000ft.
Our Bell 407 helicopters seat 6 passengers with 1 pilot. There is 1 seat up front next to the pilot and a cabin with 2 seats facing backward and 3 seats facing forward. Seating is determined by the weights of all passengers on the flight so we cannot guarantee you a seat in advance. Our aircraft have floor-to-ceiling glass windows for excellent views from any seat.
Our helicopters are always flown with the doors on. We have floor-to-ceiling glass windows for excellent views from any seat! Our climate-controlled cabins allow you to see New York City from above in comfort and style!
There is one seat next to the pilot, you can request to sit next to the pilot but the final seating is determined by the weights of all passengers in the flight.
COVID19 HEALTH & SAFETY
While on duty, staff will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often, especially after handling any bags or any high touch surface. Our lobby will be frequently cleaned and sanitized. Hand sanitizer will be available to everyone we welcome into our space
Our staff will be required to take their temperature prior to reporting to work. If a staff member or pilot exhibits any symptoms of Covid-19, they will not report to duty.
You’ll be visibly checked for signs of illness. If our staff deem it appropriate, a touchless thermometer will be used to take your temperature before boarding your flight. If your temperature is above 100.4, there will be additional screening and you may be refused service.
Our helicopters are sold per seat, with up to 6 passengers in a flight. If you would like a private tour, please purchase 6 seats.
We’re waiving our $50 per person same day reschedule fee if you cancel before 10:00 am on the day of your flight. If anyone in your group isn’t feeling well, please let us know before you head to the heliport.
