New York helicopter rides

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I'm taking my girlfriend to New York for a week at the end of the month and in the middle of sorting out a basic itinerary. One of things I want to do is a helicopter ride and I was wondering whether anyone can recommend which companies are best and which to definitely avoid. I've done a search but couldn't find anything.

[Ian_S]

I personally wouldn't bother, the ride takes you round the statue, and then up the river and back, they aren't allowed to fly over the city. We weren't that impressed.

use the statten island ferry to see the statue, and save some money for other things.

[mrloudly]

Wife and I did it and flew all over the city, have the banned it??

To be fair a month after we were there our Jet Ranger ended up in the Hudson gladly they all survived...

[Fourmotion]

I don't know if it's changed, but we flew over the city in 2009.

We actually had a bit of luck, an aircraft was coming in low so air traffic control diverted the helicoptor we were in which meant we ended up doing the more expensive tour.

I thought it beat the views from the Rockefeller and Empire State hands down. The pilot was brilliant, knew his geography, and was willing to turn the heli so we could get better pictures.

[nevgroom]

Done this a few times, always from the company between Sout St Seaport and Staten Is Ferry terminal. Sadly don't know the name (so not muh help!). I don't think you'll find much difference between any of the companies and the prices so pick one and go.....

It is worth doing if you have the cash else as previous poster says, take Staten Is ferry to S.I. and back, goes real close to Statue of Liberty, excellent view of Manhatten skyline and it's free!!

[RedWhiteMonkey]

nevgroom said:

Done this a few times, always from the company between Sout St Seaport and Staten Is Ferry terminal. Sadly don't know the name (so not muh help!). I don't think you'll find much difference between any of the companies and the prices so pick one and go.....

It is worth doing if you have the cash else as previous poster says, take Staten Is ferry to S.I. and back, goes real close to Statue of Liberty, excellent view of Manhatten skyline and it's free!!

Thanks for that (and other responses so far), I'll have a look on Google Maps and try to work out which company it is. It is quite expensive for the amount of time in the air but I want the trip to be a big event so will probably go for it.

Staten Island Ferry is a definate to-do on the list.