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HeliNY Terms and Conditions

Check in Time

To ensure a smooth experience, all guests must be checked in no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

  • Flights departing from NYC at/before 3:30PM require check-in 30 minutes before flight time.
  • Flights departing from NYC after 3:30PM require check-in 45 minutes before flight time.
  • Flights departing from NJ require check-in 50 minutes before flight time.

A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all guests 18 or older at check-in. This allows ample time for check-in, safety briefings, and pre-flight preparations. If you are delayed, please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate delays or arrange alternatives based on our schedule and availability. However, please note that refunds cannot be issued for late arrivals that we are unable to accommodate.

Flight Schedule

Prices and schedules are subject to change without notice. All times are approximate, and HeliNY reserves the right to cancel or combine flights of different lengths. Tours require a certain number of guests to operate. For same day bookings, due to seating minimums, HeliNY reserves the right to combine flights and flight times.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation or changes up to 72 hours prior to flight, except during blackout periods, but a credit card refund processing fee will be applied. No-shows will be charged in full, and no refunds will be given. If you cancel your flight within 72 hours of flight time, it is non-refundable.

Cancellations and reschedules outside of blackout dates and within 72 hours of departure are subject to the restrictions in our Cancellation Policy. Changes within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, except in situations of force majeure for which customers will receive free rebooking, with potential for free upgrades.

  • Changes or cancellations to flights between 72 – 48 hours prior to flight are non-refundable but can be rescheduled up to a year from original purchase date, for a $50 per person fee.
  • Changes or cancellations to flights within 24 hours prior to flight are non-refundable but can be rescheduled up to a year from the original purchase date, for a $100 per person fee.

Force Majeure

HeliNY assumes no liability for unforeseen circumstances beyond its control, including presidential or governmental activities, adverse weather, national or regional emergencies or mechanical issues.

Event Ticket Protection

We’ve partnered with Allianz Travel Insurance to provide Allianz Ticket Protection which can reimburse 100% of your ticket purchase if you can’t make the event due to a covered illness, injury, traffic accident, unexpected travel issue, and more. Every year, millions of people choose us to protect their event tickets, travel plans, registration fees, and more. Alliance is a trusted leader in specialty insurance and our award-winning assistance team is always available to help.

Children

Children two years of age or older must purchase a seat. Children under two years of age can travel on an adult’s lap with a valid passport or birth certificate. Children 17 and under must fly with a parent or guardian.

Weight Limit

The maximum weight limit is 275lbs/124.7kg/19.6 stone per passenger; passengers who weigh more than this or close to this are recommended to contact our Reservations team at (212)355-0801 for further assistance.Guests must provide approximate body weights at booking, and all guests are required to be weighed upon arrival. Guests who have inaccurately stated their weight may experience delays or a cancelation with no refund. If necessary, and subject to space availability, a passenger that exceeds the maximum weight limit may have the opportunity to purchase an additional seat.

Alcohol & Drugs

Per FAA regulations, Tour customers may not bring alcohol or drugs on a flight. Guests who are or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused service, and no refund will be issued.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited on the aircraft: firearms or ammunition, explosives, defense sprays, hazardous materials, lithium/ion batteries, and flammable liquids. 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.

Credit Card Disputes

HeliNY reserves the right to contact guests to resolve credit card disputes and collect for the product purchased, including no-shows. HeliNY is not responsible for expenses incurred due to flight delays or cancellations that violate our published Cancellation Policy.

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HeliNY Earns Prestigious TOPS Certification for Excellence in Helicopter Tour Safety

Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership

Heliny Helicopter
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