How To Pick And Plan An NYC Helicopter Tour

One thing you can say about New York City that few will disagree with is the fact that the city skyline is easily one of the best in the world. With so many architectural and cultural landmarks in one place, it's no wonder why! Even Paris with its Eiffel Tower can't compete with so many incredible structures like the Statue of Liberty, the One World Tower, and the Empire State Building. But how amazing would it be to see all these incredible sites from a different point of view?

Well, if you want a truly unique experience in NYC, there's no better way than a helicopter tour. Whether it's your first or hundredth time in the city, nothing beats soaring through the skies and taking in all that New York City has to offer from a bird's eye view. Since these kinds of tours can be expensive it's especially important for you to know what to look for when seeking your next helicopter tour. There are lots of points to consider including price, group size, tour route, and safety records. We've got you covered!

With these types of tours being so popular, there are plenty of helicopter tour companies to choose from in New York City. Because of this, it's very important to do a little research before you make your decision. It's perfectly reasonable to ask around and search in online forums like Reddit and Tripadvisor if you have a specific question or request for your tour. As always, with any kind of tour, read plenty of reviews online to see what other guests thought of their trip.

When making your decision on which tour you want to go with, be sure to check which flight paths they offer. Some companies fly by the biggest sites around the city while others offer detours to specific neighborhoods like Harlem and the Bronx and fun sites like Yankee Stadium.

You'll also want to make sure they have plenty of experience and a good safety record (many companies will discuss the safety measures they take on their website) and it's always a plus when the pilot can share some fun facts while you're soaring through the skies.

Once you've chosen a good tour company, it's time to decide which flight path is right for you. Depending on what they offer, you may have some options when it comes to tour length and the route. Some tours focus primarily on iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building while others provide a more comprehensive tour of the city skyline. Though the longer routes will obviously cost more, you'll get more bang for your buck while getting to see all the best parts of the city.

However, no matter which tour you choose, you will definitely want to dress warmly. It's gonna be cold and windy up there! So bundle up and make sure you bring something to keep your hair from whipping around too much: a hat or a scrunchie should do. You'll also want to make sure to double-check the location you'll depart from and figure out if you'll need to buy a ticket for the subway or arrange for an Uber or taxi.

Lastly, helicopters are very weight sensitive so don't bring an excessive amount of items or heavy bags! Essential belongings only. You should also expect to be assigned according to the best weight distribution for the flight. So even if this is for a special occasion, don't expect the birthday boy or bride-to-be to get a seat at the front.