Uber to Launch Helicopter Service to JFK Airport in NYC, Travel Time Will Reduce to 8 Minutes

Uber to launch helicopter service in New York City (NYC) is another most talked about in the news these days. These helicopter services will take passengers to JFK Airport in only eight minutes, reports Travel + Leisure.

The ride-sharing app will begin testing the helicopter shuttle service on July 9.  The helicopters will ply from downtown Manhattan to JFK Airport. Prices for this new service are a little steep, with an average ride costing anywhere between $200 and $250 per person, based on demand.

However, there’s a small catch. Unlike cab offered by Uber, the Uber Copter will not be available to all passengers. Only top-tier Uber users can avail this service. Only Platinum and Diamond members of Uber’s loyalty program will be able to avail Uber Copter rides.

Uber Copter to drastically reduce travel time to airport

Generally, travelling to JFK from downtown Manhattan takes a minimum of one hour depending on traffic conditions. Uber believes that this new service will cut down the entire travel time to only half an hour (including ground transfers).

“This is a trip that so many travelers make a day, and we see an opportunity to save them a huge amount of time on it,” Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate (the company’s aerial division), told The New York Times.

uber helicopter new york city

Uber Copter rides will depart from a heliport near Wall Street and can be booked on demand or up to 5 days in advance. Each helicopter has a carrying capacity of five passengers with their belongings. The luggage policy is rather strict with each rider being allowed only one personal bag and one carry-on, weighing no more than 40 pounds.

Other helicopter transfer services in NYC

Helicopter transfers to the airport are not a new phenomenon in NYC. Earlier this year, the company Blade launched helicopter rides from several Manhattan locations to all NYC area airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.

The blade rides currently cost $195 per person and also includes a pre-flight lounge experience. This includes express check-in, snacks, and drinking Berne rosé from a helicopter-proof sippy cup. Apart from booking by the seat, Blade also offers private charters and crowdsourcing services.

Uber plans to expand its helicopter services to other cities after the test run in NYC. Blade currently offers airport transfers in Los Angeles and San Francisco as well.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related

More Articles Like This

More from the Author