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Guide · Private flight
The private helicopter tour in New York, for two or for the group
A cabin only for you changes the flight: no strangers beside you, more space for photos, a memory all yours. Here are the private options, where they depart from, how much they cost, and what to check.
Check availabilityfrom $273 · free cancellation
Editorial team, giroinelicotteronewyork.comUpdated on October 17, 20267 min read3 sources
In short
- 01For couples
- The private flight for two from Westchester departs from $995, for 30 to 45 minutes.
- 02For groups
- The private flight for 2-6 people departs from $1,710.
- 03On shared flights
- On HeliNY for a private flight you buy all 6 seats.1
- 04Attention
- From Westchester the 30-minute option does not reach the Statue.
- 05Rating
- The couple's flight has 4.84 out of 294 reviews.
Why choose a private cabin for two
A private helicopter tour over New York removes the two things that weigh most on a shared flight: the strangers beside you and the seat decided by weight. On shared flights the operator assigns seats based on everyone's weight, and there is no guarantee the couple will sit together. On a private flight it is just the two of you, and the window space is entirely yours. No one to climb over for a photo, no head in front of the lens when the Statue passes.
The tone of the flight changes too. You can talk to each other through the headphones, ask the pilot to point out a building or a neighborhood, comment on what you see together. For an anniversary, a proposal, or a honeymoon it is a different kind of memory from one in a cabin full of strangers. For a family with children it is calmer: no one to disturb, no rush, and parents can enjoy the view with their kids instead of watching over them.
The price is the other side of the coin. The private flight for couples starts from $995, and the one for groups of 2 to 6 people starts from $1,710. Before you decide, check whether the listed price is per group or per person, and compare it with a shared flight multiplied by the number of passengers. For a couple the difference remains significant; for a larger group the gap narrows, and the private flight becomes a reasonable choice.
The day
A private flight from Westchester, step by step
-
Departure
Grand Central
The Metro-North train arrives in White Plains in 35 minutes on the direct line.
-
Last leg
Taxi to the base
From White Plains, it is just a 15-minute taxi ride.
-
At the base
Atlantic Aviation West
The meeting point is at 67 Tower Road, Harrison.
-
In flight
From 30 to 45 minutes
The flight for couples lasts from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the option.
-
The route
With or without the Statue
The 30-minute option does not reach the Statue of Liberty.
The couple's flight from Westchester
The private couple's flight departs from Westchester County Airport, north of the city, and lasts 30 to 45 minutes. It has a rating of 4.84 out of 294 reviews, with partial ratings of 5 for the pilot, 4.8 for transport, and 4.5 for value for money. The meeting point is Atlantic Aviation West, at 67 Tower Road in Harrison, with free parking for those arriving by car. The listing notes the flight is wheelchair accessible.
The listing indicates a Robinson R44 helicopter, with a maximum height of 192 cm per passenger. The maximum weight is 113 kg per passenger and 226 kg in total. These are limits to verify beforehand, not at the desk: if either of you exceeds a threshold, write to the operator and ask what alternatives are available. Children under 2 can fly on a parent's lap at no extra cost. Always indicate the correct age and actual weight when booking.
The most important detail concerns the route. On the Westchester flight the 30-minute option does not reach Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. If you want the Statue, choose the longer option and check the description before you pay. The listing also offers a pickup, with options to verify for your date on the booking page. For a surprise this is a valuable help: you do not have to worry about trains and taxis.
Guest ratings
How guests rate the flight for couples
out of 5
Private options
Private flights compared
| Flight | Departure | Minutes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private for couples | Westchester | 30-45 | from $995 |
| Private for 2-6 people | Westchester | 30-45 | from $1,710 |
| HeliNY Proposal | Pickup included | 30 | from $3,520 |
| Romantic Proposal | Pickup included | 30-45 | from $3,780 |
| Charter with champagne | To be agreed | 30 | from $4,690 |
"From" prices as indicated by each listing on GetYourGuide, not exact prices; for private flights check whether the amount refers to the whole group.
Which private flight
The right option for you
Choose based on who is flying and what you are celebrating.
Private for couples
From Westchester, 30 to 45 minutes, rated 4.84 out of 294 reviews.
Private for 2-6 people
From Westchester on Airbus AS350, for groups of 2 to 6 people, from $1,710.
All seats on HeliNY
On HeliNY the private flight is obtained by purchasing all 6 seats.1
Romantic Proposal
Non-refundable, rescheduling only for bad weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Flight experience
From Westchester, with an instructor; minimum age 14.
The only way to guarantee a private tour is to book all 6 seats on the helicopter. No additional discount is available for this option.
Arriving in Westchester without stress
From Grand Central the Metro-North train reaches White Plains in 35 minutes on the direct service, then it is just a 15-minute taxi ride to the base. It is a comfortable journey, but plan for it: between the trip there, the wait, the flight, and the return, the private flight takes up a good part of your day. Keep the rest of your schedule light, without a museum booked right after, and choose a train that gives you margin for possible delays.
If you prefer not to think about it, private flights from Westchester include a round-trip transfer from any point in Manhattan, at an additional cost. It is the choice for those who want a seamless experience, perhaps for a surprise: the person you accompany discovers the destination only on arrival. The transfer price depends on the option chosen, so check it in the summary before confirming.
Westchester also has its own charm: the flight arrives over the city from the north, with a perspective different from flights departing from Pier 6. The downside is the travel time to get there. If you are staying in Manhattan and have only a few hours, a shared flight from Pier 6 remains faster; if you have a full day free, Westchester becomes a small day trip, with the flight as the central moment and a relaxed lunch before heading back.
Before the private flight
What to arrange in advance
01
To be clarified
- Whether the price is for the group or per person
- Maximum weight per passenger and in total
- Whether the chosen option includes the Statue
02
To arrange
- Metro-North train or paid transfer
- A backup date in case of bad weather
- Documents and confirmation at hand
Video
A private flight over New York departing from Westchester
The video loads only when you press play.
Groups, families, and charters
For a group there is the private flight from Westchester for 2 to 6 people, starting from $1,710 and lasting 30 to 45 minutes. It flies on Airbus AS350 helicopters, with a total weight limit of 453 kg, and every group goes through a weight and balance check. It has a rating of 4.92 out of 52 reviews, with 5 for the pilot. It is the option for families and friends who want to share the flight without strangers on board.
On shared flights the process is different but leads to the same result. On HeliNY the only way to get a private tour is to buy all 6 seats on the helicopter, and there is no discount for that option.1 This site's HeliNY flight starts from $273 per person and carries a maximum of 6 passengers. For a group that fills the helicopter it is worth comparing both options: departing from Manhattan can save train time and hassle.
For those who want the ultimate experience there is the private charter with champagne: 30 minutes of flight, from $4,690. The listing reminds you that by regulation private charters must depart from and arrive at different heliports, to be confirmed with the operator before the flight. Another private flight pairs the tour with a transfer to or from the airport, with 20 minutes in the air, from $6,200. These are once-in-a-lifetime formulas, book them with care.
Wedding proposals and special occasions
A private flight is also a classic setting for a proposal. The helicopter proposal package starts from $3,780, lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and includes the pickup. The conditions are strict: proposals are non-refundable and can only be rescheduled for bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, and the operator recommends booking for your first day in New York while keeping a backup date free. If your trip is short, schedule it at the beginning of your stay.
HeliNY has its own proposal package, starting from $3,520 with a 30-minute flight. On their listing the flight cannot be changed within 48 hours beforehand. For a surprise this means organizing well in advance and choosing a date with a margin, so a foggy day does not ruin the whole plan: with heavy rain or fog flights may be cancelled.2 Keep the ring safe and let the pilot choose the right moment for the view.
If the occasion is a birthday or a gift for someone who dreams of flying, there is also the flying experience from Westchester, from $705, with an instructor. The minimum age for the student pilot is 14, and lessons do not take place in New York airspace, per federal rules. You see the city in the distance, but the star is the controls in your hands. It is a different kind of gift from the usual tourist ride, for those who love engines more than panoramas.
What to check before booking
On the couple's flight and the group flight you can cancel without paying anything if it is at least 24 hours before the flight, and settle the bill later. This does not apply to all private formulas: the romantic proposal package from Westchester is non-refundable. Read the conditions of your option before confirming, especially if the flight is the centerpiece of a special occasion and you have no margin to move it to another day of your trip.
All flights depend on the weather and helicopter maintenance. On the Westchester group flight, if the flight is cancelled for these reasons, you can choose between another date and a full refund. Routes may change due to weather, air traffic control, and temporary restrictions, so treat the itinerary as an indication, not a promise. A pilot who changes course does so to fly safely.
Finally, the personal details. Communicate passenger weights and children's ages in advance to avoid surprises at the desk. If the flight is a surprise, agree with the operator on how to communicate without ruining it: a message sent to the wrong number can reveal everything. And bring only the essentials: on HeliNY shared flights only a camera, phone, and sunglasses go on board.3 The rest can wait for you on the ground.
Ready to fly?
Manhattan awaits you, seen from above
Choose duration, date, and departure point: the price is shown right away, payment can wait.
You ask,we answer.
How much does a private flight for two cost?
From $995. This is the starting price for the private couple's flight from Westchester, 30 to 45 minutes.
Where do private flights depart?
Many from Westchester. The couple's flight and the group flight depart from Westchester County Airport in Harrison.
Does the private flight see the Statue of Liberty?
Only on the longer option. From Westchester the 30-minute option does not reach Lower Manhattan and the Statue.
Can I have a private flight from Manhattan?
On HeliNY by buying all the seats. On HeliNY the only way to get a private tour is to buy all 6 seats, with no discount.1
Are there weight and height limits?
Yes, the flight for couples. Maximum 113 kg per passenger, 226 kg total, and 192 cm height on the R44 helicopter.
Can the proposal flight be cancelled?
It depends on the package. The romantic proposal from Westchester is non-refundable and can only be rescheduled for bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. The HeliNY package can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before, but it cannot be moved within 48 hours of the flight.
Is the transfer from Manhattan included?
It is an extra-cost option. On private flights from Westchester, the transfer from Manhattan is added at an additional cost.
Sources
Where the information comes from
- 1HeliNYHeliNY FAQ↩
- 2HeliNYHeliNY FAQ↩
- 3HeliNYHeliNY FAQ↩
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