If you have ever traveled from New York’s two main intercontinental airports, JFK and EWR, you will be familiar with just how difficult and costly getting to Manhattan can be. There is public transport as an option, but it can be considerably slower than catching an Uber.
For today’s example, we will look at a little-known alternative to the popular rideshare app that lets you take a short flight from either of these two airports straight to Midtown.
How BLADE Air mobility works
BLADE Air Mobility is a premier helicopter charter service based in New York. It offers two distinct options for travelers seeking air transportation.
The first option is the exclusive private helicopter charter, ideal for those who value complete privacy and luxury. Chartering your helicopter typically costs around $1,000. This option is perfect for special occasions or high-profile individuals who prefer a more personalized and discreet travel experience. However, while it provides unmatched comfort and privacy, there are more economical ways to reach the airport by air.
The second option through BLADE is BLADE Airport, which presents a more budget-friendly alternative. This service allows travelers to purchase individual helicopter seats, significantly reducing the overall cost compared to a full private charter. For flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you can expect to pay approximately $200 per person for a one-way trip. For those traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the cost is slightly lower at around $150 per person each way. BLADE Airport offers a practical and efficient way to enjoy the benefits of helicopter travel without the hefty price tag of a private charter.
What is the experience like?
During my recent trip to the USA, I had business to do for the day in Chicago, so I had to fly back to EWR. I booked the BLADE service from the airport to Manhattan on the return leg.
The online booking was quite simple. Using the phone number provided, the lounge operative at EWR coordinated the limousine, a Chevrolet, to pick me up and drive me to Signature FBO, where my helicopter would be waiting for me. In the car, I had a bottle of water at my disposal.
The lounge operative brought me from the car to the BLADE lounge, where one could typically fetch a drink. However, there wasn’t time, as the helicopter was already there waiting for me, so we went straight by foot from the lounge to the ramp, where a 27-year-old Bell Ranger helicopter registered N232MH would be waiting for me to take me across the Hudson to the West 30th Street Heliport.
Luckily, I was the only one onboard that day, so as soon as I boarded, I placed my headset. After a brief safety briefing, we took off and flew over the active runway at EWR, which gave some spectacular views of the activity below before crossing the docks and heading for the river.
The advertised time was 5 minutes, but due to powerful winds that day, it took around double the time, which allowed us to truly take in the breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan and the Freedom Tower (also known as One World Trade Center)
As the chopper touched the ground, the rotors were cut off, and the lounge attendants picked me up and brought me to the arrivals lounge, where I indulged in a diet coke (I sadly didn’t take a photo) and made my way slowly but surely back to my hotel.
Is BLADE worth it?
I would say it is, especially with some of the promo codes you can find scattered around YouTube; it’s a unique way to make your way to the city and is an ideal once in a lifetime way to experience flying in a helicopter without digging a hole in your wallet.
Would I take BLADE instead of public transport? Of course not, as taking the train is much cheaper but it is worth it to try, just for quick sky-high views of the skyline.
Leave a Reply