How does a helicopter tour in New York work?
It's New York's signature experience! A helicopter flight lets you see the city from above and take in breathtaking views. Here's what to expect on your tour.
1/ Check in at the helicopter company
- To take a helicopter tour in New York, you must follow the same rules as commercial air travel. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time at the company’s check-in desk listed on your voucher. You’ll complete standard check-in procedures: identity verification and payment of any heliport fees if applicable. Since May 2026, heliport fees are included in all helicopter tour prices offered on our site CNEWYORK, so you won’t need to worry about this.
- After check-in, a staff member will review safety procedures—similar to those on a commercial flight. You’ll then step on a scale so the pilot can calculate the helicopter’s total weight at takeoff. Your final step: you’ll be assigned a seat, either in front or back. Either way, visibility is far superior to what you’d have on a plane. That’s the whole point of a helicopter tour—to see New York.
2/ Wait your turn on the tarmac
- Once your helicopter is called, a staff member will lead you to the tarmac. This is when the excitement really builds! For safety reasons, you’ll walk single-file along a clearly marked yellow zone on the ground, similar to immigration lines at the airport. Stay within this zone, but feel free to take photos while you wait to board.
- Take a moment to look at the Brooklyn skyline across from you. You’ll also see the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.
3/ Enjoy your helicopter tour!
- After a souvenir photo in front of the helicopter, it’s time to board. And off you go for an unforgettable flight! The helicopter will climb toward the Financial District, then follow the Brooklyn Bridge and head toward the Statue of Liberty for spectacular views of Miss Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. You’ll then fly over the Financial District and up the Hudson River. How far north you travel depends on your tour length—longer tours venture further up the Hudson.
- To compare tour options and book your flight, visit our page on helicopter tours in New York.
Helicopter views of New York in photos
