Soaring above the iconic skyline of New York City, the Taste of New York Helicopter Tour offers a unique aerial adventure departing from Kearny, NJ. This 15-minute tour showcases the Big Apple’s most renowned landmarks, providing passengers with an immersive headset experience. With a strict weight limit and mandatory fees, travelers must arrive well in advance to avoid late penalties. While weather can impact the tour, the opportunity to witness the city from a bird’s-eye view makes this an unforgettable experience. What secrets might this tour unveil about the bustling metropolis below?
Key Points

- The Taste of New York Helicopter Tour departs from Kearny, NJ and lasts 15 minutes, providing aerial views of iconic New York City landmarks.
- The small group tour accommodates up to 6 passengers and includes headsets for immersive sightseeing.
- Passengers must arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time, with late fees of $50 for 45 minutes and $100 for 30 minutes or less.
- A mandatory $50 heliport/fuel fee per person and $50 for children under 2 is required to be paid on-site.
- The tour is subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to inclement weather, with passengers offered the opportunity to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Tour Duration and Departure

The Taste of New York Helicopter Tour departs from Kearny, NJ and lasts 15 minutes.
This small group tour accommodates up to 6 passengers, providing them with aerial views of iconic New York City landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
To ensure a smooth experience, the tour requires passengers to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled flight.
Any late arrivals will incur a $50 fee for those arriving 45 minutes prior, or a $100 fee for those arriving 30 minutes or less before the scheduled departure.
The tour is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled if necessary.
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Group Size and Inclusions
Accommodating up to 6 passengers, the small group tour provides aerial views of iconic New York City landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Included in the tour are headsets, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the experience.
However, there are some additional fees to be aware of. A $50 late fee applies for arriving 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight, and a steeper $100 late fee for arriving 30 minutes or less beforehand. Plus, a $50 heliport/fuel fee per person must be paid on-site. For children under 2, the heliport/fuel fee is $50.
With these inclusions and fees in mind, the Taste of New York Helicopter Tour is an intimate way to see the Big Apple from the sky.
Late Arrival Fees

One important aspect of the tour is the late arrival fees passengers should be aware of. Arriving 45 minutes or less prior to the scheduled flight time will incur a $50 late fee, while arriving 30 minutes or less before the flight will result in a steeper $100 late fee. This late fee structure is designed to ensure the tour departs on time and doesn’t delay other passengers.
| Arrival Time | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes prior | $50 |
| 30 minutes or less prior | $100 |
Being punctual is crucial for this tour, as late arrivals can disrupt the schedule and logistics. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive with sufficient time to avoid these additional charges.
Heliport and Fuel Fees
Along With the late arrival fees, passengers must also pay a $50 heliport/fuel fee per person directly at the site.
This fee covers the costs associated with using the heliport and the fuel required for the helicopter flight.
Children under 2 are also subject to a $50 heliport/fuel fee.
These fees are mandatory and must be paid on-site before the tour can commence.
Passengers should factor these additional costs into their overall budget for the Taste of New York Helicopter Tour.
The tour operator collects these fees to ensure the smooth operation of the flights and to maintain the heliport facilities.
Meeting Point and Shuttle Bus

The tour’s meeting point is located at 78 John Miller Way, Kearny, NJ 07032, where passengers can call a shuttle bus for pickup to the heliport.
This light blue shuttle bus has a red and white helicopter logo, making it easy to identify.
Once at the heliport, passengers will need to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled flight time.
To get to the heliport, the shuttle bus is the preferred mode of transportation, as it’s designed to be wheelchair accessible.
Before boarding the helicopter, all passengers will be weighed, with a 250 lbs limit per person.
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Arrival Time Requirement

Passengers must arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled flight time. This requirement allows for the necessary check-in and boarding processes to be completed without delay.
Those arriving 30 minutes or less before the scheduled departure will incur a $100 late fee. The tour operator emphasizes the importance of punctuality to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
Arriving early also provides a buffer against unforeseen traffic or other delays. By adhering to the arrival time guideline, passengers can rest assured that their Taste of New York Helicopter Tour will take off on schedule, maximizing their time in the air and the opportunity to see the city’s iconic landmarks from above.
Passenger Weight Limit

Prior to boarding, passengers are weighed to ensure the maximum limit of 250 lbs per person isn’t exceeded. The tour operator strictly enforces this weight restriction to maintain the helicopter’s safety and stability during the flight. Exceeding the weight limit could jeopardize the smooth operation of the aircraft and the overall tour experience.
The weight policy is designed with the following in mind:
- Ensures the helicopter can safely lift off and maneuver with the total passenger load.
- Prevents overloading which could impact the helicopter’s fuel efficiency and range.
- Maintains the center of gravity within acceptable limits for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Passengers who exceed the 250 lb limit won’t be permitted to board the helicopter for the safety of all.
Cancellation and Weather Conditions
Along With the weight restrictions, the tour is also subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to inclement weather conditions.
The operator closely monitors the forecast and may need to adjust the tour schedule if weather poses a safety risk for the helicopter flight. While every effort is made to operate the tour as scheduled, it’s important to note that weather-related cancellations can occur.
If a tour is cancelled, passengers will be offered the opportunity to reschedule or receive a full refund. The company’s top priority is ensuring the safety of all passengers, so they won’t hesitate to err on the side of caution when it comes to weather-related concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Passengers?
The tour information does not specify a minimum age requirement for passengers. However, infants must sit on laps during the flight. It’s advisable to contact the tour provider for any age restrictions or special accommodations for young children.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider does not allow outside food or beverages to be brought aboard the helicopter due to safety and cleanliness considerations.
Is There a Limit on the Amount of Luggage I Can Bring?
There is a luggage limit of 25 lbs per passenger. Oversized or excessive luggage may not be allowed on the tour. Passengers should pack light and bring only essential items to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
There are no stated restrictions on photography during the tour. Passengers are allowed to take photos and videos throughout the helicopter ride to capture the aerial views of the NYC landmarks.
Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group or Charter?
Yes, the ‘Taste of New York Helicopter Tour’ can be booked for a private group or charter. The tour allows for small groups of up to 6 passengers, providing a personalized aerial experience of NYC landmarks.
Recap
The Taste of New York Helicopter Tour offers a 15-minute aerial adventure showcasing iconic NYC landmarks.
Accommodating up to 6 passengers, the tour requires a $50 heliport/fuel fee and enforces a 250 lbs weight limit.
Passengers must arrive 45 minutes early to avoid late fees.
The tour is subject to weather-related cancellations, with rescheduling or refund options available.
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