My Blade Review & Discount Code: Transfer to NYC Airports in a Helicopter

I flew in a private helicopter from Newark to Manhattan using Blade. Read on for my full review!

It used to be that flying in a helicopter was an experience reserved for the rich and famous. Now with the rise of rideshare services and apps, flying private is becoming much more accessible to the general public.

One such app shaking up the NYC scene in particular is called Blade. They’re most well-known for their airport transfer service but offer other routes as well.

I recently flew in a helicopter from Newark Airport to Manhattan on a business trip to New York. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re interested in flying Blade.

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What is Blade?

Blade is a company that makes luxury air travel affordable for everyone. It’s like a rideshare service but for helicopters.

When you book a flight on Blade, you and a limited number of other people share the transport and make the cost more affordable. Typically, it’s 4-5 people per ride.

Blade is not the only company to utilize this business model. Other companies include XO and JSX, which allow flyers to split the costs of private jets.

Each has a distinctly different model, however, and is quite a bit more expensive, whereas Blade really shines in their comparatively affordable shared transport in and around New York City.

Where does Blade fly to?

Blade currently flies to NYC, the Hamptons, Montuak, Nantucket, Aspen, and Miami/West Palm Beach. They are attempting to expand to the Bay Area and Chicago.

They have a fleet of jets, helicopters, seaplanes, and turboprops available for you to charter to your destination of choice.

Currently, the main routes that are regularly scheduled and the most affordable are flights to/from JFK and Newark Airports from Manhattan, as well as the Hamptons. They will soon also be servicing Laguardia airport.

The Miami/West Palm Beach flight is through Bladeone and can cost $3500+ per seat so it’s not exactly cheap. The Bladeone flight is on a jet with only 16 seats and VIP service, taking 2 hours and 45 minutes.

I personally use Blade exclusively to fly from JFK and Newark into Manhattan. It takes just 5 minutes and is super convenient. Your alternatives are public transportation, which is the cheapest but most onerous, or an Uber or Lyft which is about $80-$100 and takes roughly an hour.

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What does your flight on Blade include?

When you Fly Blade from the helicopter to Manhattan, your ticket includes private airport transfer to the heliport.

A black Cadillac Escalade (or similar style luxury SUV) picks you up curbside when you arrive at the airport. They take you to a separate, private airport just a few minutes away. There’s a driver who helps you with your bags when you first land, and a porter that takes your bag(s) out of the car, weights them, and transports them to the helicopter.

The flight goes directly over New York City, giving you incredible aerial views and photo opportunities. From Newark, you fly right over the Statue of Liberty so it practically doubles as a sightseeing tour.

When you land, there’s a lounge where you can hang out. Free drinks are included in the price of your ticket from a variety of liquors and select brands. The bartender told me people rarely take advantage of the free drink option since they’re in so much of a hurry.

You can also hang out in the lounge on your way to the airport if you arrive before your flight. My cocktail was served in a specialty cup, made to be carried on board without spilling. I was able to keep the cup as a courtesy.

Where does Blade drop you off?

Blade picks you up and drops you off at the West 30th Street Heliport in Manhattan. Note that the departure door and arrival door are different. When you’re coming in from the airport, you get dropped off right at 30th Street which has a small parking lot. If you’re coming via rideshare you can have your driver pull in to drop you off.

When you’re departing to go to the airport, the door is closer to 32nd street. There’s a walkway and it’s only a 3-5 minute walk depending on how much luggage you’re carrying, but I’ve made the mistake of going to the 30th St. lounge more than once and when you’re tight on time because of traffic, this can be anxiety inducing.

If you’re flying into or out of JFK, you also have the option to go to the East 34th Street Heliport for an additional $30. This option is not available for Newark airport.

How much does Blade cost?

Blade prices vary depending on the route but airport transfer to/from Manhattan and JFK or Newark costs $195+ per person, each way. I’ve seen rates as high as $249 starting. This is the basic package, without the option for cancellations or changes.

They have an Airport Flex package for $245 that allows you to cancel or change your flight up to one hour before takeoff.

They also have an Airport Max option that allows you to make changes up to the time of your flight and get a full refund in the vent of cancellation versus just a credit. This is the most expensive option at $295/pp.

You are allowed one personal item and one carry-on item, which must weight under 25 pounds combined. They’re strict about this and weigh your items at check-in. The plane can only carry so much weight, which is why they also ask how much you weigh. If your bags are over, they charge an additional $150+ for excess luggage.

If you’re traveling with checked bags, it costs $145 to bring two bags up to 65 pounds each, which you arrange ahead of time. These would bypass the helicopter altogether and be picked up by the courier ahead of time to meet you at the airport, or brought to your hotel after landing (usually 4-8 hours after your flight).

You can also pre-arrange a transfer once you arrive at the heliport. It’s a separate fee, plus the cost of Uber Black to your final destination. All of these add-ons will be available while making your reservation.

The tip for the pilot is not included. After your ride, you’ll be prompted to leave a tip electronically much like Uber suggests. The minimum suggested tip is $20.

Can You Fly With Your Dog on Blade?

Yes, you can fly with your dog on Blade, but they have to be under 25 pounds. I flew with my dog, Miles, twice.

If your dog is 25 pounds or less, you pay an added fee of $50 for a Blade airport transfer to/from NYC specifically (rates vary for other services). Otherwise, you have to buy an extra seat. Bringing a dog does not affect your luggage allocation.

Note, the noise can be loud for dogs, I got mine noise cancelling earmuffs.

If your dog is a certified service dog (not an emotional support or therapy dog), they fly free of charge under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Blade Review and Discount Code

I love flying Blade. It was a mix of tourism with practicality. I’m going to the airport either way, but get a scenic flight to boot.

Not to mention, I get to skip out on traffic and save almost an hour of my time.

I highly recommend you give this a shot at least once. You can use the code “JenniferR432” to get $50 off your first ride.

Click here to book your flight.

That puts you at $145+ total for a one-way trip to/from an NYC airport, less than what you’d spend for an Uber/Lyft during rush hour.

Know Before You Go

Rides are not available 24 hours a day, only from 7am to 8pm on weekdays and 3pm to 8pm on Sundays. There are no NYC airport flights on Saturdays, but you can arrange a private charter.

The mid-afternoon flights are the most crowded. Since the helicopters only fit a limited number of people, these flights sell out quickly. Make your reservation ahead of time online to ensure you have a spot, especially on weekends or holidays.

They also have an app you can download if you want easier access to your reservations.

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Till next time, safe travels!