Uber Copter may be the new solution to your least favorite travel inconvenience. Anyone who frequently travels through New York City is familiar with the hassle of getting to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport. Ground transportation can be stressful and time consuming. In efforts to expand its ride-share service, Uber is providing its customers with helicopter flights from lower Manhattan to JFK… and back!
With a one-way flight costing about $200, you can arrive to JFK is just eight minutes. This is opposed to the lengthy time it will take via public transportation or car. Uber Copter, as it’s being called demonstrates that the best way to beat that pesky NYC traffic is to simply fly over it.
Back in July, the service was available for Uber’s Platinum and Diamond members to use. Now, it’s being offered to all Uber users. You’ll be able to book your trip directly through the Uber app. As long as your journey is beginning or ending within the designated zone, you’ll see Copter as an option. The designated Manhattan zone includes everything south of Houston Street, in addition to select areas with access to the West Side Highway.
In order to view Uber Copter’s windows of availability and pricing, set your pickup and drop off locations. Once requested, you’ll be ordered a car from your pickup location to the heliport. Once on the ground again, you’ll receive another ride to your destination.
If you’re planning to take the Copter to JFK, you can either request the trip on the spot or up to five days in advance. If you’re taking the ride from JFK, you can simply book your trip on demand when your flight lands. The company will use two helicopters operated by direct air carrier HeliFlite. Each aircraft can seat six passengers and two pilots. With each passenger allowed a personal item and a carry-on bag.
Similar to Uber’s car services, exact prices of the flight can vary based on demand. If you’re traveling during a busy time, you may end up paying more than the average $200 ride. The bottom line is that for around that price, you’ll be expediting your travel day. If you fly frequently through JFK, it might not be something you want to take advantage of every trip. However, knowing that you have the option of the Copter when you don’t feel like dealing with ground transportation is comforting. Since rides are currently available on weekdays during rush hours, Uber Copter might be the next best thing for travel.
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