FAQS
General Information
If you’re looking for a unique and exhilarating way to see the city’s iconic landmarks from above, then a helicopter tour is definitely worth considering. The bird’s-eye views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and other famous attractions are breathtaking and offer a unique perspective of the city.
There is no better time than now! Just keep in mind that our peak season does have limited availability and we recommend booking in advance. Check out our availability.
Yes, our helicopter tours are narrated by our experienced and friendly pilots, who are knowledgeable about the history, landmarks, and iconic sights of New York City. We are committed to providing our passengers with a memorable and informative tour experience, and our pilots take pride in sharing their knowledge and passion for the city during the tour.
For your safety, please note that the helicopter doors will always remain closed while flying. We prioritize the safety and comfort of our passengers and adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure a smooth and enjoyable flight experience.
We welcome you to take pictures or videos once aboard the aircraft to capture your unique and breathtaking views of New York City. However, for safety reasons, taking pictures on the heliport ramp while walking to the helicopter is strictly prohibited. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience.
All New York City helicopter tours are under 30 minutes, however, if you are interested in chartering a helicopter, you can visit our Charters page for more information.
Booking & Reservations
Yes, we highly recommend making a reservation for a helicopter ride. Some popular tours and times may book up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons, so it’s best to make a reservation as early as possible to secure your preferred date and time.
Tours departing from our New York City Heliport are conducted Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tours departing from our New Jersey Heliport are conducted Friday and Saturdays from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. If you are looking to do a tour, charter, or airport transfer outside of these hours, please contact us for a special request at 212-786-5751 or complete our special request form.
If you are running late for your helicopter ride, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible to let us know. You can call us at 212-786-5751. We may be able to accommodate your delay or make alternative arrangements depending on our schedule and availability.
However, it’s important to note we do charge a $50.00 fee per passenger for late arrivals, and may not be able to hold the flight or provide a refund if you miss your scheduled departure time.
To avoid being late for your helicopter ride, it’s recommended to plan ahead and arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This will allow time for check-in, safety instructions, and any necessary preparations before your flight.
If you don’t show up for a helicopter ride, it’s unlikely that you will be able to receive a refund for your missed tour.
Charm Aviation does not charge a fee for rescheduling requests made outside of 24 hours prior to your departure time. Rescheduling changes made within 24 hours to your flight departure are not permitted.
We require at least 24 hours advance notice to cancel or reschedule a tour. If you cancel or reschedule your tour with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged the full amount of the tour. If we cancel your tour due to weather or other circumstances, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule at no additional cost. In the event that you need to cancel or reschedule your tour, please contact us by phone or email as soon as possible.
Seating & Capacity
To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, seat assignments for our helicopter tours are based on weight distribution and balance. Our staff will try their best to accommodate your seating preferences, but please understand that due to weight restrictions, we cannot guarantee specific seat assignments. If you have any concerns or special requests, please feel free to contact us before your tour so we can assist you in the best possible way.
Our helicopters seat 6 passengers plus the pilot. If you did not purchase all the seats in the helicopter, there may be other people on the tour with you. We do offer private helicopter tours and transfers including Charters, Aerial Experiences, our Guided NYC Historical Aerial Tour (up to 5 passengers and a NYC Historian), and Airport Transfers if you prefer to have the helicopter to yourself or for your group only. Please contact us for more information at 212-786-5751 for the available options.
If you have booked a shared or group tour, there may be other people on the helicopter with you who have also booked the same tour. The number of passengers may vary depending on the size of the helicopter. Private helicopter tours are available, which means that you and your group will have the entire helicopter to yourselves. You can contact us directly at 212-786-5751 for more information on private tours.
If the helicopter tour does not meet the minimum number of passengers required to fly, we will typically offer one of the following options:
- Reschedule the tour for a different day or time when there are more passengers available to meet the minimum requirement.
- Upgrade to a private tour if you are willing to pay extra. A private tour means that you and your group will have the entire helicopter to yourselves.
Safety & Restrictions
Passengers exceeding 275 lbs./124 kg. will be required to purchase an additional seat at 100% of the applicable retail price. Due to weight restrictions seat assignments cannot be guaranteed.
Children under 2 years of age may sit on an adult’s lap at no charge due to FAA regulations. Children 2 years old and up must have their own seat due to FAA regulations and safety reasons. Charm Aviation will ask that you provide a birth certificate or some kind of viable verification for proof of the child’s age if under the age of 2 years old. This is an FAA regulation for the safety of our passengers.
In general, pregnant women who are in good health and have a low-risk pregnancy can usually fly in a helicopter without any issues. However, it’s always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before booking a helicopter tour or any other flight activity, especially if you are in the later stages of pregnancy.
For passengers under 150 lbs, our staff can assist you into the helicopter. For passengers over 150 lbs, you must have someone with you that can assist you or you must be able to transfer on your own into the helicopter.
What to Bring & Wear
Yes, you will need to bring a valid form of photo identification with you when you go on a helicopter ride. This is a standard security requirement for most commercial aviation activities, including helicopter tours.
Acceptable forms of identification may include a passport, driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or other government-issued photo ID.
You are permitted to bring a camera, phone, and glasses/sunglasses aboard the aircraft. Purses, bags, handbags, camera bags, scarves, hats, and other loose items of clothing need to stay at the heliport in a private, secure locker.
What you wear on a helicopter ride will depend on several factors, such as the weather, the time of year, and the type of helicopter tour you are taking. However, there are some general guidelines to follow to ensure you are comfortable and safe during your flight:
- Dress in comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing: You should wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for the weather conditions on the day of your flight. It’s recommended to wear lightweight, layered clothing during warmer months and warmer, layered clothing during cooler months.
- Wear closed-toe shoes: It’s important to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or boots, to ensure your safety during the flight.
- Avoid loose clothing and accessories: Loose clothing, scarves, and long jewelry can pose a safety hazard, so it’s best to avoid wearing them during the flight.
- Consider wearing dark-colored clothing: Dark-colored clothing will help reduce glare on the windows, which can affect the quality of your photos and the views.
- Bring sunglasses: Sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and wind during the flight.
Ultimately, you want to dress comfortably and safely for your helicopter tour. If you have any specific concerns or questions about what to wear, it’s a good idea to check with the tour operator in advance for any recommendations or requirements.
Parking
For our NYC Heliport:
Our address is 6 East River Piers, New York, MY 10004.
We are a few minutes’ walk from the South Ferry subway station (last stop on the 1 train Downtown). If you are using the navigation system in your phone (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, etc.), enter “Downtown Manhattan Heliport.”
For our New Jersey Heliport:
Our address is 27 Wright Way, Fairfield, NJ 07004.
Please note that there is no parking available at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. However, there are several parking garages located within walking distance from the heliport, such as those at:
- 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10004
- 1 New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004
- 1 Whitehall St New York, NY 10004
These garages provide convenient and secure parking options for your visit to the heliport.
Weather & Delays
Helicopter tours are weather-dependent. We will monitor the weather closely and contact you if there are any changes or cancellations due to weather conditions.
Yes, there are several circumstances where your helicopter tour flight may be delayed, postponed, or canceled. Some of the most common reasons for flight delays or cancellations include:
- Weather conditions: Helicopter tours are typically weather-dependent, and flights may be delayed or canceled due to poor visibility, strong winds, rain, or other adverse weather conditions.
- Airspace restrictions: Helicopter tours are subject to airspace restrictions and regulations, which may change at any time due to events such as presidential visits, air shows, or security measures.
- Maintenance issues: Helicopters require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their safety and reliability. If a helicopter has a mechanical issue, the flight may be delayed or canceled until the issue is resolved.
- Air traffic congestion: Helicopter tours may be delayed or rescheduled due to air traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourist seasons or special events.
- Other unforeseen circumstances: There may be other unforeseen circumstances that could cause a delay or cancellation of your helicopter tour, such as staffing issues, operational issues, or emergencies.
Groups & Special Requests
Yes, we offer special group pricing for groups of 8 or more passengers. We are happy to accommodate your group and provide a memorable and enjoyable helicopter tour experience. Please contact us today at 212-786-5751 to discuss your group’s needs and to receive special pricing for your group tour.
Charters
It’s helpful to schedule in advance, but we do our best to accommodate same day requests.
You can choose your departure from three prime Manhattan heliports:
Our helicopters can accommodate up to six passengers, depending on total weight and the flight destination.
Our prices are all inclusive.
Yes, one of the great advantages of private charter is the flexibility — we can accommodate one-way trips or multi-stop itineraries, within reason.
Yes, same day or last-minute requests are quoted based on availability.
Popular destinations from NYC include the Hamptons, Atlantic City, Hudson Valley wineries, the Catskills, Cape Cod, Boston, Philadelphia, ski resorts, casinos, airports, and more.
Yes, we can create customized experiences for a wide range of special occasions. From weddings and proposals to corporate events, if you can imagine it, we can help make it happen.
Your safety is our number one priority. We will only fly if weather conditions permit, but alternative travel can be arranged if needed.
Yes, we fly 365 days a year.
We operate charters 24 hours to get you where you need to be, when you need to be there.