The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York

The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York offers visitors a unique opportunity to soar above the iconic skyline. With small-group flights limited to six passengers, the tour provides a personalized aerial experience complemented by live commentary. Departing from the Manhattan Heliport, the tour showcases the city’s most renowned landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. While the tour’s starting price of $389 per person may seem steep, the unparalleled views and memories it creates are sure to impress even the most discerning traveler.

Key Points

• The Empire Helicopter Tour offers a bird’s-eye view of New York City’s iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center.
• The small-group tour with live commentary enhances the sightseeing experience, providing a personal and informative perspective on the city’s skyline.
• Customers rate the tour highly, describing it as an "unforgettable" experience with breathtaking views and well-organized operations.
• The tour is accessible, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as the option to purchase photos as a memento.
• Pricing and booking options, including free cancellation and flexible "Reserve Now and Pay Later" policies, ensure a stress-free planning process.

Overview of the Tour

The Empire Helicopter Tour offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of New York City, showcasing the iconic landmarks of Manhattan.

Highlights include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center.

The small-group tour, capped at six passengers, provides a personal experience with live commentary during the flight.

Ideal for first-time visitors and residents alike, the tour provides an unforgettable perspective of the city’s renowned skyline and sights.

The tour’s accessibility and customer-friendly logistics make it a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the Big Apple from above.

Tour Logistics and Details

Departures for the Empire Helicopter Tour take place from the Manhattan Heliport, located at 6 East River Piers in New York, NY 10004.

There’s a total weight limit of 275 lbs per passenger, and all passengers must arrive 30 minutes prior to their flight, or 45 minutes for bookings after 4 PM due to traffic.

Valid photo ID is required, and all bags are subject to inspection.

Additionally:

1. Passengers must pay a $40 heliport fee during check-in.
2. Free lockers are available for storing belongings during the flight.
3. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Experience and Customer Feedback

Customers rate the Empire Helicopter Tour 4.3 out of 5 based on 48 reviews. Passengers describe the experience as "unforgettable," highlighting the breathtaking views and informative commentary. Positive reviews emphasize the well-organized operations and friendly staff. However, some negative feedback mentioned seating arrangements and limited visibility from center seats.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Unforgettable views	Seating arrangements
Informative commentary	Limited visibility from center seats
Well-organized operations
Friendly staff

The overall customer experience reflects the tour’s ability to deliver a personalized and memorable bird’s-eye perspective of New York City.

Pricing and Booking Information

The tour price starts at $389.00 per person.

To make booking the Empire Helicopter Tour as convenient as possible, the company offers:

1. Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience.
2. Option for "Reserve Now and Pay Later" to secure spots with flexibility.
3. Easy online booking system to reserve your spot.

Passengers can feel confident in their purchase, with the flexibility to adjust plans if needed.

The clear pricing and booking options make this aerial adventure accessible and stress-free to plan.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the Empire Helicopter Tour also welcomes service animals.

Most travelers can participate, though infants must sit on laps. While window seats aren’t guaranteed due to weight and balance factors, the flight provides an unforgettable aerial experience of New York City’s landmarks.

There’s no on-site parking, but passengers can take advantage of the free lockers for belongings during the tour.

As a special memento, photos are available for purchase after the flight.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the Empire Helicopter Tour offers a memorable perspective of the Big Apple.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors soar above New York City’s iconic landmarks on the Empire Helicopter Tour, capturing breathtaking aerial views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center.

The tour offers a personal experience, capped at just six passengers per flight.

Highlights include:

1. Witnessing the shimmering Statue of Liberty, standing proudly in New York Harbor.
2. Admiring the majestic Empire State Building, a towering Art Deco masterpiece.
3. Marveling at the grand Brooklyn Bridge, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River.

Live commentary provides insightful details about the city’s history and architecture during the flight.

Why Choose the Empire Helicopter Tour?

For those seeking an unforgettable aerial adventure, the Empire Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness New York City’s iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point. This small-group experience, capped at six passengers, ensures a personalized journey with live commentary throughout the flight. The tour’s highlights include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and One World Trade Center, showcasing the city’s architectural wonders and natural beauty. With well-organized operations, friendly staff, and positive customer feedback, the Empire Helicopter Tour is an ideal choice for first-time visitors and residents alike.

Reason to Choose	Description
Unparalleled Views	Soar above the city for a bird’s-eye perspective of famous landmarks.
Personalized Experience	Small-group format with live commentary provides a tailored tour.
Convenient Logistics	Easy access from Manhattan Heliport with pre-flight amenities.
Positive Reputation	Highly rated by past passengers for its memorable and well-organized operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

According to the overview, there’s no minimum age requirement for the Empire Helicopter Tour. Infants can participate by sitting on a lap during the flight.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Helicopter?

No, passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the helicopter tour. The tour operator prohibits outside food and beverages to maintain the safety and cleanliness of the aircraft.

How Many Minutes/Hours Does the Actual Helicopter Flight Last?

The helicopter flight typically lasts around 15-20 minutes, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city’s iconic landmarks. The tour’s duration allows passengers to fully experience the sights and scenery from the air.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Tour for Optimal Views?

The best time of day for optimal views during the tour is typically in the morning or early afternoon when lighting and visibility are ideal. Midday flights may offer clearer skies and less haze than later in the day.

Can I Request to Sit in a Specific Seat on the Helicopter?

Passengers can’t request specific helicopter seats as seating is assigned based on weight and balance factors. However, the tour caps at 6 passengers for a more personal experience.

The Sum Up

The Empire Helicopter Tour of New York offers an unforgettable aerial experience showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks. With a personalized small-group setting and live commentary, the tour provides breathtaking views that create lasting memories. Accessible to all, including those with mobility challenges, it’s a must-try for visitors seeking a unique perspective of the vibrant metropolis below.