Great service and experience, would recommend as #1 in nyc. Thank you for a safe ride!

Sometimes you want to write a review because you see so many skewed reviews that didn't like a spot. We came for our helicopter ride around the city not expecting much as some reviews hadn't been to kind to the whole experience. But luckily, it turned out to be one of the best things we did the whole weekend. When we arrived there was some nice guys out front that guided us to the right group(there is multiple groups using the same pad). When we checked in it was smooth as possible and quick. In fact we got there early as recommended and before we knew it we were taking off before or set time. We had a good group. The other half of the riders was Russian so the audio would switch from English to Russian. The pilot was a great guy, adding tidbits of info and seemed to enjoy the ride as though it was his first of the week. We did multiple passes of some spots so people would get good viewed on both sides. Before we knew it we were heading back to Base, but we didn't feel shorted at all. It's a few bucks to go on a ride, but if some family or friend wanted to go, I would go again. read more

See all

Disclosure - This was a work outing so I did not pay for it. As a New Yorker, I recommend every one be able to experience this. It was a beautiful day, an incredible view, and a once in a life time experience. Of course, it was exponentially better for me since I didn't have to pay. A few negatives -- they told us we HAD TO BE THERE at 2:30 sharp or we would lose our spot. We got there and waited for about 30 minutes before they even gave us safety tips. Actually....I use safety tips loosely. They just bring you over to a small section, give you a belt-ish looking thing to wear, and explained "in case of emergency, just pull here" and do not use phone when we are outside. THE END. Well-- the only reason they don't want you using your cell phone outside near the helicopters is so they can take a picture and charge you $20 for it. I say don't play by the rules and take your damn phone out, that's what I did. Also -- You can fit 6 people in the helicopter but 1 person goes in the front next to the pilot. So if you are going with 3 couples, sorry but one of you will be split. Not like you should give a damn because your focus should be on the view outside, not holding your spouses hand. I didn't sit in the front, but I saw the pics and they were incredible -- it might be scary at first but I would vote that seat! Overall, I probably wouldn't choose this company again if I had a do-over. But I had to give it 4 stars because it was truly incredible. read more

See all

These helicopters have small windows and I was seated in the backseat between two large men and another woman. The woman in front of me had her hair piled on top of her head and I could not see one thing! Also my headset was tangled up with my neighbors and I couldn't make mine work. When I told the pilot I couldn't hear anything, he said, "you should have been briefed on that". So, when on the ground, I was So disappointed, I reported this to the dispatcher, he said he could give me two photos free. Photos of me next to the helicopter before I knew I couldn't see or hear. I left in tears, frustrated, disappointed and out $200.00! read more

See all

paid $399 per ticket plus an additional $40 per ticket for 4 people for a 30 minute private helicopter tour. They squeezed in an additional 2 passengers and just flew up and down the river for 20 minutes. Don't waste your money. read more

Dont recommend this brand. Here is why... When you book through groupon or directly for two people, make sure they confirm if you two will be alone or sharing the helicopter back seats with others. It will take away your chances of being near the windows to take decent pictures. Windows are not that big...you can have waaaaay better pictures of Manhattan skyline from Press lounge. Appointment was 6:30 and we had to wait an hour before it was our turn. read more

Terrible service. My family and I paid for a $800+ tour and the pilot never bothered to greet us or explain anything of what we were seeing during the tour. When we complained they didn't care and said it is not their responsibility if the activity includes audio tour or not. read more

Had a great time on the Helicopter tour. Yes, the safety briefing process is a pain in the butt. What do you expect, you're about to go several hundred feet in the air over water and crowded cityscapes. You should appreciate that the company is taking precautions. The tour itself was great. The pilot gives occasional audio updates about where you're flying over, landmarks, points of interest, etc. This was a special and wonderful treat during my vacation to NYC. read more

Tour itself is fantastic, but this company has no idea about the meaning of customer service. Waited for over 2 hours from our original booking time to get on our flight and no one even acknowledged when we complained. There are so many other (better organized) companies offering helicopter tours - go with one of them instead. read more

I must say this staff is very considerate and I can not thank them enough. It was my BF birthday and we were running late. It was also projected rain in the forecast and the pilot was trying to have all flight's out before it rained. They waited until we arrived which was so gracious of them. Although it began raining the pilot still made our experience unforgettable. Thank you Manhattan Helicopters! read more

We had an amazing experience with Manhattan Helicopters. I booked the 15 minute tour for me and my girlfriend, and it really was incredible! Can't fault anything with this company, amazing customer service, very friendly staff, lovely pilot, best price and an unforgettable experience. One thing to be aware of is that there are multiple helicopter companies offering the same service in the same building. We found Manhattan Helicopter to not only be the best value / lowest price but also the staff were really friendly and helpful. Be aware that on route to the building are many PRs / promoters. We called prior to going to book in person, on our way to the location we were caught by Liberty Helicopters promoters (another company offering the same tour of Manhattan), the price was however $180 more. We were made to believe by the promoter and his supervisors that they were the only helicopter company, and were escorted to the building by them (despite saying we were fine on our own), handed a ticket with a price to take to their desk and told that was the best price. We quickly noticed on entering the building and being taken to their desk to pay that there were a lot more than just one company, but felt as if we were being forced into booking with them. Liberty Helicopters staff became very hostile when we spoke about wanting to at least speak to Manhattan Helicopters before booking anything. They told us that Manhattan Helicopters only offer a 10 minute service, which is a lie. We were also told all companies are the same price... another lie. So please be cautious of being overcharged by rival companies and do research before booking anything! read more

This was a last minute adventure during our recent visit to New York - which turned into the highlight of our trip. If you're a sports fan, upgrade yourselves to the mid-range package, it'll take you over Yankee Stadium. Bonus - if you check-in on Yelp (BEFORE you pay!), they'll give you a $35 discount, which pays for one upgraded ticket. We loved our pilot, Dave, who was personable and give insight to various landmarks throughout the trip. Definitely worth it! read more

Last week i was taking a tour with the Manhattan Helicopters! It was the first time for me to be in a helicopter, but not my first time in New York - I only can recommand this to all New York Fans! It is hard to find the correct words for describing how it felt to see my dear city from that angle. I can say it was great, but it was just more, it was overwhealming and impressive and beyond all of my expectations. It is also necessary to mention, that i was in professional hands by going with manhattan helicopters, they not only were so nice people, with perfect service, they were also really good tourguides by showing you the city and houses you might not recognize :) best value for the money you spend!!! read more

It was great adventure to see New York from above. My husband loves it so much and the view was amazing. It can be bit pricey if you purchased the video but by the end of the day it was so worth the memory. Thanks so much for great service and helping me make the surprise for my hubby! read more

See all

This was by far the best part of my first time in New York. Everything about this experience was truly magical. I got a groupon for the helicopter ride for one with a photo. The photo is perfect/ high quality pic. The tour was informative and the pilot was friendly. They circled around the Statue of Liberty and flew by the city as well so that we can see the skyline up close. They even played New York themed songs which set the mood. I am SO glad I booked with Manhattan helicopters they truly gave me an unforgettable memory to treasure forever. read more

Manhattan Helicopters - Tours Near Me - New York, New York

This review is for the managers and owners. Hire people who enjoy what they do and provide good customer service. The customer service was horrible. They treated you like you didn't exists and like they had the worst job in the world. read more

pricey for what it is but if you're going to heli it - might as well do it over a city with gorgeous and changing skylines, interesting landscapes and landmarks, and a good mix of history, water, and land. the getting ready is a bit of a mess but once you're on the tarmac, it's pretty straight forward. each flight accommodates 6 people - 5 in back, 1 up front - single riders yo!! i got the front -- which is the best seat cuz you get the full 180 view. PROTIP: get on the heli last! everyone can communicate w/ one another once on heli via headset. only cameras and phones allowed - everything else must be in locker ($2/locker) - pack light. our pilot was polite, friendly, but not too talkative - good / bad depending on what you like. our flight rook us around brooklyn, staten island, governor's island and up and down the hudson river -- so you get a view of jersey and manhattan great surprise gift. a very unique experience!! :) PROTIP:make sure you use the check in for $35 off!! PROTIP 2: iake R to whitehall when coming down from manhattan. N not in service. read more

AMAZING experience!! Very accomodating staff and comprehensive tour of New York City! A premium addition to any visit! A must do! I will recommend Manhattan Helicopters to any visitors or friends! Make sure to book in advance! read more

My Mom and I were in the area to enjoy a Boatside cruise but we missed the boat tour so she suggested we walk to find out about the Helicopters.As soon as we approached the building Timmy led us intside to a counter where he started to explain the prices but my Mother already knew what she wanted. Timmy, Carlos, Greg and the rest of the staff we spoke to were very friendly and you could tell they all enjoy their job and working together The ride is only about 15 minutes for about $200 and prices go up from there depending on certain factors. Our pilot was Melissa who shared some NYC history as we flew. The ride was not scary at all as i imagined it would be since I am scared of heights and it was a pleasant experience. . read more

Bad business practices I purchased a gift certificate as a Christmas gift for two VIP tours including airport fees. Valid for 1 year from date of purchsse. No where on the certificate did it state a value as I purchased a service. When the person I gave the gift to called in May to reserve a trip the representative on the phone said there would be an additional$58 per person due to fare increases. Needless to say I was embarrassed that my gift appeared as if I bought the cheap package verses a complete one. At no time during my conversations in December did anyone say fare increases are added. I specifically called and asked as I did have a coupon I did not use because you had to reserve a time in advance It is bad form and customer service to sell a package, put an expiration date on it and then not honor it. I spoke to the manager after I found out and while they reduced the extra payment there was still a charge. The service by the ground staff again failed when we checked in and they confirmed our trip & that there were two photos included in the package. Those were completely forgotten until we asked after the flight again. They did remedy the situation and included an extra shot. The pilot, originally from Ireland, was great to chat with us and make sure we got some good shots. The gentleman who took the photos was incredibly helpful and friendly as well. It appeared there were some major communication gaps in the flow of the entire process from purchase through completion of flight. The trip was great and the pilot was informative and entertaining. It was a spectacular way to see the city. It was only too bad it started out on a bad note. read more

The craziest thing I've ever done, but it turned out to be a greatest experience. Decided to go on the 15 minute Manhattan tour with mom for my birthday and we had such a great time. My only complaint is that they make you get there 45 minutes before you are scheduled to get in the helicopter. And as soon as you check in, you basically have to sit there. So we were waiting for about 40 minutes before our ride. I know they probably do this in order for people to arrive on time. But I think 20 minutes beforehand would be enough. Be advised that you will have to leave all your belongings in a locker. They only allow cameras in the helicopter basically. It is quite warm inside the helicopter so do not worry much about jackets and scarves. If you are lucky you will be able to sit in front, next to the pilot. This seat offers the best views of the city. The ride itself is just 15 minutes, but it feels like more. I think this is a unforgettable experience that you will not regret. I suggest getting the group on deal which includes two pictures. read more

I decided to try this last minute when I saw a deal on Groupon. I'm really glad I purchased it! Customer service was ok. But the experience was great! Although it was a short 10-15 ride.. It's not every day you get a birds eye view of NYC. It was beautiful! I would definitely recommend it. It can get pricey, but if you can find a groupon... Do it! read more

Leo helped me have the BEST time I can remember in the past couple of years. He's gem. The pilot was a pro and very helpful. I LOVED this tour. I got to see everything I could have wanted. All over the city and rivers. God it's pretty. I felt comfy, safe, and well informed. I am soooooo glad I spent the money - I could have played it safe and saved money but that would have been a mistake. It's a very good way to enjoy New York. God I can't wait to do it during the summer too. Love this tour. Besos ! read more

What a great experience we had! The entire staff was amazing and fun! LJ made our video something to remember and Dave (D3) made the ride unforgettable for my man's birthday! If you ever get the chance to do this ride, do it with Manhattan Helicopters!!! read more

This was a spontaneous activity for my boyfriend and me. If you can afford the price, it's definitely worth the experience. It was a 15 minute ride, but it felt more like 10. The pilot was friendly and made us feel safe. You've got to see Manhattan from this perspective! read more

I booked this tour for my man's birthday on Sat. Nov 22. For the price paid for 15 minute tour, I was more than disappointed to say the least. If you are lucky enough to get a window seat, it is good, if not it is a complete waste of good money. Fortunately my man had a window seat and great view along with the lady next to me and the two people across from me. (You are literally sitting knee to knee) Meanwhile, I am petite and was sandwiched in a so called middle seat between a very nice but very very large lady and I literally could not move!! This "seat" was not big enough for a toddler! I could not buckle my seat belt nor turn to get my headphones, both of which the attendant had to do for me before the flight even got under way. That is how tight and distressing it was. I was almost in tears. I could not take photos as all I got was glare off the windows and photos of my two seat mates on either side of me and a very poor view of the sites. I was so miserable and uncomfortable, I could not wait for it to end. Liberty crams as many people in as them can, by weight, with no regard for discomfort and poor to non existent viewing for those unfortunate enough to be stuck in the middle. Conclusion: it is a way overpriced tourist trapand a most miserable experience for those unfortunate enough to be stuck in the middle. I would not recommend. read more

I got a Groupon deal for a 15 minute flight tour of Manhattan, and I had such a great time! I had a later appt, but I came in earlier to see if they could accomodate me, and they did. Everyone was very professional, and it seemed they had a very set routine that showed great organization. The view was spectacular, you heard an audio of what we were seeing, and even played contemporary music that had to do with flying. The cool thing to top it off with was that Shane our pilot was the same pilot I met in Las Vegas when I did the night helicopter tour there. Overall, I was very impressed with this company. Nelson read more

DON'T GO HERE!! Horrible service and waaay to pricey. I was in NYC 2 years ago and paid $130 for a 20 minute flight (can't remember the company). These guys charge $175 ($145+$30 weird fee) for 15 minutes. And that's not even the worst part: I was standing outside, curious how much it was. One of their employees (male, greenish eyes, bad skin) takes us inside..all I wanted to know actually was the price as we were on our way to the Brooklyn Brige. So we walk in and again I ask: "how much is it?" He: come on, I'll tell you all about it I: (making smalltalk) looks busy, when would the next flight be? He: I'll tell you in a minute. Then he tells me the price. I: not sure if I want to spend this much, I say: ok, are you open to tomorrow He: why wouldn't you fly right now? (Ok, bit of an aggressive sale, but I let it slide.) I: we weren't planning to fly right now, we're on our way to the Brooklyn Bridge. He: but you're here now, it only takes 15 minutes to fly. (Now I'm starting to get annoyed, it should be clear we don't wish to fly now) I: we're just checking He: Why won't you say why you won't fly?! You ask me when the next available flight is? (now mind you, this may read nice, but his tone was very aggressive) My girlfriend: well..I think it's too expensive He (almost yelling and pointing at my girlfriend): now that's honest I: again: we were just checking He: thank you for wasting my time, then turns his back to us and just walks away. Even though I never even asked him to spend so much time on us in the first place. I just wanted a price. Totally rude! So: horrible service, too pricey. There's more heli companies in the same street, another one closer to the Brooklyn Bridge actually. Haven't checked that one out, but whatever you do: don't go to Manhattan Helicopters!! read more

Spent almost 300 hundred dollars and I feel like I was ripped off. I brought a package for me and my gf. Thought it would be so romantic but the exact opposite. First off we were separated. Not even close to each other. I was all the way in the back and her in the front seat. I didn't pay so much money to share the experience with complete strangers. Next I'm getting calls from them saying I'm late when in fact I was there 10 minutes earlier than they told me to be there just because they wanted to take off early. Next we took off around 5pm which is already dark in January and the helicopter has tinted windows making visibility pretty difficult not to mention that I was on the side with a view of jersey. Sorry but I paid for a tour of Manhattan not jersey. And on top of everything they have you wear headphones so you can hear the pilot speak but my headset was not even working. I didn't find out they were saying anything till we landed and my gf told me. Complete waste of money. Totally disappointed. read more

Total waste of money.. If you are thinking of taking a date, think again.. 300 for about 10-12 mins in the air. There's no guarantee you will sit next to your date, and if you do sit next to your date, she will be stuck in a middle seat with no views.The seating capacity is 4 plus the pilot. Three people in the back, and one lucky person next to the pilot. In the back row, only the seat behind the pilot has good views. Total waste of money customer services terrible read more

I bought this as a gift for my friend and I couldn't recommend them more. They were very friendly and professional. But what made our experience was out pilot Declan. I don't think we would of throughly enjoyed our experience if it wasn't for him. He showed us more than we ever thought we would see. He really was the best. I'll definitely be asking for Declan the next time I book a tour. read more

We've toured many places throughout the world by helicopter. It's usually the best way to learn and see where you're visiting. Unfortunately it was not the case here. The business itself was chaotic and unpersonable. Once on the helicopter, we were disappointed with the headphones, 2 out of 4 did not work. There was a recording that played on the headphones, but we were unable to hear it or turn up the volume. The pilot did not answer any questions nor did he give any information. So basically we paid a large amount of money to fly a loop over the city and have no idea what we were seeing. Come on Manhattan Helicopters! Give a real tour of NY! read more

The WORST !! We came at 11 AM and were told the next flight open was at 4:30 pm we purchased tickets and killed some time in the area since we were told to return between 3:45-4:00. We got back to the pier at 3:50 and were told we were too late and our flight left already. The pretend manger Max was so rude saying we should have been her by 3:30. What's with all the different times? He was EXTREMELY rude! He did not apologize once all he did was put blame on the employee who was the seller even though the times were given by himself. I got the real mangers card and will be giving him a call tomorrow... Do not go here! Now I'm short about $60 buck for cab fees there and back and a wasted day of vacation!! read more

Absolutely AMAZING experience! Greeted at the door, and the friendly staff sent us to our counter where we checked in, went through our safety review and we were up in the air on a most gorgeous day. The flight was smooth and unsurpassable on views. I recommend this to anyone (who doesn't have a fear of flying) as an unforgettable way to see the greatest city in the world. I really want to do this again! read more

Just got back from an amazing Groupon experience with Manhattan Helicopters. Even though we redeemed the Groupon 11 days before expiration, we didn't have any problems making a reservation. The staff at check-in were friendly and professional. The pilot was great and the tour itself (20 minute Deluxe tour) was amazing with spectacular views. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I highly recommend to everyone. I took one star off because on this 6 passenger flight not everyone got a window seat (my boyfriend said he still got a great view). Apparently some of the other companies at the heliport have bigger helicopters but for the price we paid, no complaints here! read more

My wife and I took Manhattan Helicopter Tour in summer 2015 and we flew on different helicopters in turn since we had little baby. My wife really enjoyed it and returned with great emotions and I was completely disappointed. At one point when the helicopter was flying from Statue of Liberty toward Manhattan, there was an amazing view on Financial District, but not for me! The reason was that she won Weight Competition, or, like company calls it, "Weight Balance" and I lost it. People buy those tours not to get from point A to point B, so they were treated like luggage. No matter what the reasons are (even safely), it's really NOT FAIR that all 6 people pay same price, but one of them seats next to pilot with panoramic windshield and 180 degree view, 2 of them get less than half of it seating front-facing near window in 3d row and 3 (!) of them get almost NOTHING, since one seats in the middle of 3d row and 2 seat rear-facing of 2d row. I was one of the last 2 and was constantly bending my neck trying to see something and take some photos. The company ignores all complains and offers free photos only (standard procedure, I guess). read more

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! (I had to RATE them ONE STAR because YELP wouldn't allow nothing. They deserve ZERO stars) I bought a Groupon for 2 adults for my boyfriends birthday and we had planned the excursion for months. From start to finish the staff was rude, unprofessional and UNSAFE! They changed our flight time with no notice and he was coming from work- their answer to me was, "I guess you will have to fly without him and you will lose the $". He made it but had to run- they never apologized or said a word. Then they shuffled us along with other passengers, NEVER telling us what we were doing or where to go. They were completely disorganized in every way. They separated us on the helicopter and when I voiced my preference and told them that I wanted to sit with him, and didn't want to sit up front I was yelled at that I didn't have a choice as it was based on weight distribution. BTW- they NEVER weighed a SINGLE passenger on our five person flight. We spent the whole ride seperated, didn't get to experience at all. The pilot was TOTALLY inappropriate and talked to me the entire flight, again, ruining my experience. It was a total waste of money. My BF was SO disappointed, and also really offended by the Pilots behavior. I called the company the next day to talk to them about this and how much money we spent etc... and again, received the worst customer service possible. Was sent to email, which was answered once, then I continued to pursue, and then never heard from them again.Being NY-ers, this was something totally special to us to our city from a birds eye view. Total disaster and they did nothing to fix it. read more

if you need a special treat for someone tke them to manhattan helicopters......... really impressive set-up + staff......... excellent