For many people a New York City helicopter tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even for those able to do it more often, a little planning makes for a more enjoyable experience. After all, unless you’re a pilot, you’re not going to get views like that every day. As you set out to plan your adventure, there are a few things to consider.
Things to See
Start by making a list of all the attractions you’d like to see. Some of the most notable ones include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium. Each New York City helicopter tour company will have different areas they prefer to show. Therefore, you should prioritize the ones that are most important to you. Additionally, some will offer deviations from their normal route when contracted to do so.
Weather and Time of Day
It’s also important to consider what your ideal trip will entail in regard to temperature and viewing. Wearing casual clothes in layers is generally best, to accommodate temperature variants. Darker colors can help reduce window reflections for better photographs. However, the time of day in which you schedule can also have a huge impact on your trip. For some, it’s significant to be in the air around sunrise or sunset, as the city skyline produces absolutely breathtaking colors at those times.
Tour Company
Nothing is more influential in ensuring a great expedition than choosing the right company to provide your New York City helicopter tour. Things you may wish to take into account include:
- Business reputation
- Length of time the business has been in operation
- Pilot experience
- Packages
- Prices
- Attractions visited
- How far in advance you need to book
A good place to start is by searching for online reviews. When you locate a company with a positive business reputation, check out its “About Us” page and see if it mentions anything about pilot experience. An expert pilot with more flight hours will provide you with a smoother experience and better views. Some companies will offer package deals and list prices on their websites. This is another sign that they provide dependable and honest services. You’ll also want to compare the list of attractions you wish to see with what each of their packages offers, so you can see more of what you want. Additionally, some of the established businesses will require that you book well in advance to ensure you get the time and day you wish. Whenever possible, book your tour as soon as your dates are set.