Exploring the Big Apple from a bird’s-eye view, The Grand Helicopter Tour in New York City offers an unparalleled aerial experience. Soaring over iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, this 30-minute excursion promises breathtaking vistas. Though some customers note room for improvement in organization, the tour’s scenic boat cruise and safety measures suggest an adventure worth considering for thrill-seekers and sightseers alike. Whether seeking a unique perspective or hoping to capture the city’s most famous sights, this helicopter tour could be the perfect way to elevate one’s New York experience.

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Key Points

The Grand Helicopter Tour offers an aerial sightseeing experience of New York City’s iconic landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Wall Street, Central Park, and Statue of Liberty.
Pricing for the tour starts at $354 per person, with additional fees for late arrivals, heliport/fuel, and optional upgrades like an aerial ride over Yankee Stadium.
The tour includes a sightseeing boat cruise along Battery Park and provides passengers with headsets and life vests for a safe journey.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly, with a weight limit of 250 lbs per person and allowance for service animals.
The tour has received a mediocre average rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars from 13 reviews, with mixed experiences and feedback regarding staff communication, organization, and detailed site explanations during the flight.

Tour Overview

The Grand Helicopter Tour in New York City offers a thrilling aerial experience, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique bird’s-eye view.

During the flight, you’ll soar over the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Wall Street, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. An optional upgrade lets you enjoy an aerial ride over Yankee Stadium.

The tour also includes a sightseeing boat cruise along Battery Park. Passengers receive headsets and life vests, ensuring a safe and informative journey.

A sightseeing boat cruise along Battery Park, with passengers receiving headsets and life vests for a safe and informative journey.

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Pricing and Fees

The base price for the Grand Helicopter Tour in New York City starts from $354.00 per person.

Passengers arriving 45 minutes late will incur a $50.00 late fee, while those arriving 30 minutes or less before the scheduled flight will pay $100.00.

A mandatory heliport/fuel fee of $50.00 per person, or $50.00 for children under 2, is paid on-site.

Fortunately, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Passengers should plan to arrive 45 minutes early with identification to avoid additional fees and ensure a smooth start to their aerial adventure over the iconic New York City landmarks.

Meeting and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Grand Helicopter Tour in New York City is located at 6 East River Piers, New York, NY 10004, USA. The tour ends back at the same location.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. Service animals are allowed. Passengers must adhere to a total weight limit of 250 lbs per person, as they’ll be weighed at the facility.

Travelers should arrive 45 minutes early with proper identification to avoid late fees. The tour’s meeting point and accessibility cater to a variety of visitors, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience.

Tour Conditions and Policies

Maximum of 6 travelers per tour are allowed, with shared seating unless all seats are purchased for a private tour.

Cancellations may occur due to weather, FAA restrictions, insufficient passengers, or maintenance issues.

Passengers must arrive 45 minutes early with identification to avoid late fees, which include:

$50 for arriving 45 minutes late
$100 for arriving 30 minutes or less before scheduled flight
$50 per person heliport/fuel fee ($50 for children under 2), paid on site
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Though the tour garnered a total of 13 reviews, the average rating was a mediocre 2.5 out of 5 stars. Passengers praised the staff’s professionalism and the overall experience, but some criticized the lack of communication from the parking crew and the lack of detailed site explanations during the flight. Reviewers had mixed experiences, with some expressing a desire for better organization.

| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| — | — |

| Staff professionalism | Lack of communication from parking crew |

| Overall experience | Lack of detailed site explanations |

| | Mixed experiences |

| | Desire for better organization |

| | Low average rating |

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Aerial Sightseeing Highlights

During the Grand Helicopter Tour, visitors soar over New York City, marveling at the aerial views of iconic landmarks.

The tour provides:

Breathtaking aerial perspectives of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, Wall Street, and Central Park.

Breathtaking aerial perspectives of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, Wall Street, and Central Park.
A close-up look at the majestic Statue of Liberty from above.
An optional upgrade for a flyover of Yankee Stadium, home to the legendary baseball team.
A sightseeing boat cruise along Battery Park for a unique water-level view of the city skyline (additional cost).

The tour includes headsets and life vests, ensuring a safe and informative experience.

Optional Upgrades

Along With the base tour, the Grand Helicopter Tour offers several optional upgrades for an enhanced sightseeing experience.

Passengers can choose to add an aerial ride over Yankee Stadium, allowing them to catch a bird’s-eye view of the iconic baseball stadium.

Plus, they can opt for a sightseeing boat cruise along Battery Park, providing a unique perspective of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

These add-ons cater to travelers seeking a more comprehensive and diverse aerial and maritime exploration of New York City’s renowned landmarks and attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pets Be Brought on the Tour?

Service animals are allowed on the tour, but pets are not permitted. The tour company has a strict no-pets policy for safety and comfort reasons. Passengers should plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements for their non-service animals.

Is the Helicopter Flight a Private Charter?

The helicopter flight is not a private charter. The tour accommodates up to 6 travelers per flight, with shared seating unless all seats are purchased for a private tour. Additional fees may apply for a private charter.

How Much Time Is Spent in the Air?

The tour typically lasts around 15-20 minutes in the air, providing aerial views of the city’s iconic landmarks. The exact duration may vary depending on factors like weather conditions and tour route.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Flight?

Passengers are allowed to take photos and videos during the flight. However, the use of external cameras or equipment may be restricted for safety and operational reasons. It’s best to check with the tour staff before the flight.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions?

There are no age or height restrictions, but passengers must weigh under 250 lbs. Children under 2 are charged a reduced heliport/fuel fee. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

The Sum Up

The Grand Helicopter Tour offers an exceptional way to experience New York City’s iconic landmarks from the air. While customer reviews suggest room for improvement in organization and communication, the tour’s breathtaking aerial views and inclusion of a scenic boat cruise make it a compelling option for those seeking a unique and exhilarating sightseeing adventure. Prospective travelers should carefully review the tour’s conditions and policies to ensure it meets their expectations.