We tried Blade’s helicopter taxi to the airport—Here’s our honest review

In a city where time is money, Blade’s helicopter rides from Manhattan to the airport promise to make airport commutes both efficient and glamorous. Blade sports the slogan “fly the future” and promise to get you to any NYC airport in 5 minutes. But with a steep price tag, is it really worth the splurge? After taking a Blade helicopter ride ourselves, here’s our honest review of the entire experience—from the lounge to the flight, and everything in between.

The Pre-Flight Lounge

Blade’s Manhattan lounge is an experience in itself. Located conveniently near Midtown, it feels more like a chic boutique hotel lobby than an airport waiting area. Plush seating, complimentary drinks, and a modern plush design make for a calm, luxurious environment to relax in before your flight. There’s even a curated selection of snacks and drinks - complete with a bartender - to tide you over. The check-in process is seamless, with friendly staff who ensure your journey starts on the right foot.

The Helicopter Ride

Once onboard, the true highlight of the service begins. The helicopter ride from Manhattan to JFK takes just 5 minutes and features stunning aerial views of the city as you soar above the skyline. If you drove from Blade’s Hudson Yards location in Manhattan to JFK Airport, it takes at least 1 hour.

The seating—while compact—is more than comfortable enough for the short journey and you’re able to communicate with the pilot through a Bose headset. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter before, the thrill of the experience adds an extra layer of excitement. However, if you’re a nervous flyer, remember that you’re signing up to be on a small aircraft. Some flights are smooth but others may encounter some turbulence.

Transportation to the Gate

Blade’s commitment to convenience doesn’t end when the helicopter lands. After arriving at JFK, a luxury private car is waiting to whisk you directly to your terminal. This last leg of the journey is efficient and hassle-free, and definitely adds to the premium feeling of the whole experience. The entire process—from the Blade lounge to your terminal check-in—feels curated for maximum comfort and time savings. The Mercedes that picked us up was definitely an unexpectedly nice touch to the experience.

The Price

Here’s where things get tricky: the cost. A one-way Blade helicopter ride from Manhattan to JFK starts at $195 per person. While this price includes the lounge experience, helicopter ride, and ground transportation to your terminal, it’s certainly not cheap.

And the price can easily get higher. Peak times have higher prices and you may have to pay additional luggage fees. Luggage under 25lbs is included but, for reference, just our personal item (this Lo & Sons backpack, which we highly recommended - affiliate link) ended up weighing 27lbs. Extra Luggage is subject to an additional fee of $145 if purchased in advance and $175 at the lounge.

So, you could easily be looking at around $340 for a one-way trip to the airport. That seems egregious (and it is) but unfortunately, ride shares are also extremely expensive these days. For reference, if you were to take an Uber from the Blade lounge to JFK, you’re looking at $135 for UberX, $160 for Comfort, $210 for Black or $290 for Black SUV. We’re honestly shocked that the difference between Blade and a Black SUV Uber ride (the most equivalent experience level) is only $50. If you were planning on taking a Black SUV Uber to the airport, you may as well take Blade considering the surprisingly small price difference and the huge savings on your time.

The subway is of course your most economical option, but can be inconvenient and subject to interruptions.

So, is Blade worth it?

Blade’s helicopter rides are undeniably luxurious and turn an otherwise tedious commute into an efficient, memorable experience. The seamless lounge-to-gate service, coupled with stunning city views, makes it a standout option for anyone who values their time and enjoys a touch of glamour.

That said, the hefty price tag means it’s not for everyone. Blade could be worth the splurge if you’re a frequent traveler with a packed schedule, flying internationally and want to start your trip in a special way or, ideally, can get a discount. However, for most travelers, traditional car services or trains may offer more value, especially if time isn’t a pressing concern.

In short, Blade is an experience—one that’s worth trying at least once, if only to check it off your bucket list. Whether it becomes your go-to mode of airport transportation depends on how much you’re willing to invest for convenience and style. We believe in the 95/5 rule and, for us, Blade doesn’t quite make the cut as being worth it. Blade will stay a one-off rather than our go-to airport transportation.