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First-Person Flight Reviews: US Helicopter Is Real-Life Google Earth

Where: 510 East 34th St. [map], New York, NY, United States
July 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM | by | Comment (1)

US Helicopter offers eight-minute commutes from Manhattan to JFK, and if you're looking for a hard-to-find rush before your flight, this is totally the way to go. But if you're planning to spend your ride running the numbers on your "deal," you probably won't be pleased.

One thing is for sure, if you do end up flying US Helicopter you will be treated a real-life Google Earth experience. As you fly just above NYC, golf courses and JFK, you being to feel as if you have been transplanted into the popular mapping software. Doesn't Jamiroquai call that virtual insanity?

After the break we will begrudgingly crunch the numbers for you, but be forewarned, do it for the rush--not the savings or convenience.

Traditional Cab to JFK:
· You can get a cab on any street corner in midtown in 60 seconds or less.
· A cab ride to JFK can take anywhere from 40 minutes to more than 60.
· With tip, a cab to JFK from Manhattan is $65.
· A cab will drop you off at any terminal you choose.

US Helicopter:
· You have to get yourself to one of a couple heliport locations; we went to 510 E. 34th St.
· The ride to JFK takes eight minutes.
· It cost $159.
· US Helicopter drops you off past security in Terminal 3, so if you're taking Delta, you're golden. If you're taking JetBlue or Virgin America, you're heading to the AirTrain and going through security again, which obviously adds time to your journey.

So There You Go:
A logical traveler would more than likely pass on US Helicopter in its current incarnation. However, a business traveler who flies Delta and has the bulk of his or her meetings within a 10 block radius of East 34th Street may find this service extremely valuable.

That said, the ride itself is an amazing rush.

Related Stories:
· US Helicopter [Official Site]
· US Helicopter coverage [Jaunted]

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yep

Did this last fall when they ran a $99 special. Lifted off from the Wall St heliport (in a cement spit on the East River) and headed over the JFK. Excellent view of the T5 construction, Governors Island and Prospect Park. Was running late for a JetBlue flight and totally ran through the Delta Terminal, went through JB security and was on a transfer bus to the outer terminal in 20 minutes. Was pretty sweet all around.
JetSetCD on July 11, 2008 at 2:35 PM #Permalink

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