HeliNY — Local services in New York

Lets get straight to the point...Fly with them! You can't go wrong. Only disappointment which was expected is that seating arrangements are based off of individual weights to balance the aircraft. That being said, if you are looking to sit next to your loved one....it MAY not happen. On a side note, the staff will try their best to accommodate you as they did for me. I was able to sit in the front next to my girlfriend (even though I tipped out the pilot and the personnel that walked us out to the aircraft). If you take care of them, I'm sure they will take care of you (personnel experience). Just know where to plant your seed. Either way, the flight is a SOLID experience and worth every penny no matter where you sit. Helicopter Flight Services had state of the art air crafts which were definitely the sharpest looking compared to other companies. Please remember that these pilots are PILOTS not tour guides. If you are looking for historical background, read a book or pay attention in history class. They will give plenty of detailed information about surrounding landmarks that was well appreciated as I would much rather them be focused on the safety of their passengers and control of the helicopter. Also, a piece of advice is to schedule the earliest flight! Other reviews state that it may get congested while you wait due to the numbers of companies under one roof. When we came back, lines started to develop. They won't start you until your scheduled flight time so if you decide to arrive earlier than your scheduled arrival time (30 minutes prior), be prepared to wait. Overall was an excellent experience and the views are breathtaking. I did the 20 minute tour and it was just about the right amount of time to enjoy it all. **PS Once you are in the aircraft you are allowed to take however many pictures/videos you'd like! They only require no cameras or phones while walking out to the aircraft since there are about 10+ aircrafts with their rotors engaged so it is a clear SAFETY ISSUE!! This is a true review and...

My brother bought a 20 minute ride for 5 of us. I suppose it was our bad for making the assumption that $1,500 would buy a great experience for the family. Instead their staff treated us as though we were next in line at a carnival roller coaster ride. They were impersonal and frankly seemed to want us through the queue and out the other door as quickly as possible.

The staff is rude, snarky and impatient. Right from the beginning... from the waiting room and through the boarding process. We were treated like 1st graders. I understand that safety is first. But they barked orders at us as though they were traffic cops at a football game.

As I said there were five of us; my wife, my brother and his, and her brother. They crammed the big random sixth guy right into the middle of us. When my brother protested, they simply said that if we didn't like it then could we kindly exit the craft as quickly as possible.

There was no consideration for couples seating. I could not physically see my wife. My brother could only see the back of his wife's head. ...seriously. I am not exaggerating. No romantic hand-holding going on in this flight! Especially with the big guy sitting in the middle.

The pilot was simply a pilot. He made very little attempt to act as a tour guide. My brother was a hundred times more gracious than I cared to be. He made small talk with the pilot. We learned that today was his last day before he moved to Hawaii. My brother even tipped him $40. I would not have.

Of course being in the air, and what you get to see is amazing and exhilarating. It is really an amazing way to see the city. Another plus that I will give them is that we never felt at risk. They were very safe.

The experience could be so much more than is was. Clearly these folks need some...

I'm sorry but I am forced to leave this review following our visit Thursday night. On the positive we were collected promptly by a fab lady who really added to the buzz. BUT THIS IS WERE THE POSITIVE REVIEW ENDS This unfortunately was nothing like the advertisement. This was a special gift for my 50th similar to the trip to New York ( what a huge mistake that was!) We arrived and checked in, I was weighted for placement which was as expected.

However on going to the Helicopter me and my partner were not asked or offered if we wanted our picture taken by the Helicopter like the others. I was put in the middle of the chopper and at first that was not an issue, however getting in I could not sit up straight at all!. The guy tried forcible to get me to sit back to put the seat belt on. I'm a 5f 7 gym going guy so not tall but a little wider than your avg short guy I tried to explain that I could not sit up due to being placed in the middle! Ignored next thing we know we're in the air. Due to my inability to sit up I saw nothing as I needed to lean forward to whole experience but did received a great pain in the neck from having to lean forward and the chopper jolting. It was an absolute joke! And completely unacceptable. I had to apologies to the poor lady to my left as she could not move dude to being so squashed.

Also during the flight it got so hot with no air flow inside the cabin we all became feeling very sick due to the uncomfortable environment in the cabin. Not once were we asked if we were OK!

When landed we all were just told to wait outside for the shuttle back. Basically thanks for your money...

This was absolutely nothing like the advertisement and a complete ruin to a special birthday gift.

I maybe a one off but neither the less it happened and they...