Imagine you just landed in New York. It’s 5:00pm on a gorgeous day, but you see this ugly rush hour traffic on your phone.
Holy guacamole, that is not how I’m going to spend my one and only night in New York! So instead of sitting in traffic, I decided to use BLADE — a rideshare service app for helicopters when landing at Newark (or JFK) airport.
Booking
Five years ago, I was actually suppose to fly BLADE since they were a generous sponsor at the TPG Awards 2019. They gave invited attendees a gift to use their service out of the city after the event! Unfortunately due to weather, the helicopter flights to the airport were cancelled and I just got a travel credit instead. At last, I finally used it this time via phone call.
If this is your first flight though, you can use the code “PaulC295″ to save $50 off. The flights range from $195-$245. If you’re a solo traveler, this especially can be an attractive option for you since UberBlack rides are already north of $100+ one-way.
Experience
After landing, a private black car whisks you away to the nearby heliport. The heliport is located at the private jet FBO terminal called “Signature Aviation” five minutes away from EWR.
Inside the private jet terminal, there’s a dedicated BLADE lounge. On this particular charter, there were two other passengers. Also their first time, they were just as excited as I am in taking this flight.
All drinks in the lounge are complimentary and they even have a well stocked open bar. Since I have a special flight the next day, I decided to just sip on sparkling water.
Minutes later, we’re in the air above Newark International Airport! For those that happen to watch the Korean dating show “Singles Inferno”, I feel like I’m one of the contestants going to “Paradise”.
Gorgeous Views
Besides speed, the other half of this experience is the epic views you’re treated with. It starts where you get a birds eye view of all the planes at the airport.
then you fly right above Statue of Liberty!
and get treated with the amazing views of the New York skyline right before landing.
Who is this stud? I don’t recognize him anymore.
Overall, BLADE Helicopter is hands down the best airport transfer service I’ve ever experienced in the world. Time is money and with the amount of time you save, this service can be well worth the premium especially if you only have a limited time here in the city. Not to mention, you get a whole new perspective in seeing the epic views of New York City.
At the right price, it’s a bucket list experience not to be missed.
Chai Bear World 