Many years ago it was possible to book a helicopter flight from JFK to downtown Manhattan as part of a TWA ticket. I did this 6 minute journey twice before the service was withdrawn. My time in helicopters is limited; the trips mentioned, a sightseeing in Kauai and Monte Carlo to Nice are my only journeys. So I am delighted that Gotham Air has started service from Manhattan to JFK and Newark. At present there is no return option but I am told that this is coming.

However, if you are thinking about using the service there is an important caveat – it’s not a scheduled service, rather it operates when there are enough passengers to justify a journey. You need to have four passengers booked on a service in order for it to operate. You can request a flight or join one already booked/requested from their web page.

For the next couple of days this is the pattern of flights to give you an idea: (the little people icons show how many seats are available). There is an app you can download but it doesn’t seem to be in the UK iTunes store.

 

Fares vary by time of day and airport. This is their schedule of rates. Note the date range limitation for the $99 introductory offer. It is clearly a lot more expensive than a taxi or even Uber but the time saving is massive.

Their web site is not the best as you have to make a booking request and then receive an email confirmation. I am waiting to hear about my trip in April.

Note you can only take one small carry-on weighing no more than 25lbs. That’s right a SINGLE carry-on. They appear to drive you airside at JFK but landside at EWR to your terminal.