I'm Taking The Helicopter to the Airport Dahhhling

US Helicopter started service from Manhattan to New York JFK in February of 2006. I could not wait to fly them, but I had to wait a few months until my plans took me to New York. I had gone to The View with a good friend of mine, Leah, who is great friends with Joy Behar. After the taping, I took a cab right to US Helicopter's heliport at East 34th Street and the FDR.
When I walked in I realized I was the only one there in the well appointed terminal complete with ticket counters, TSA checkpoint, and waiting area overlooking the helicopter landing apron. I planned on using my American Airlines employee discount for the flight which would have made it $49.00 one way instead of the normal $159.00 fare. The ticket agent informed me that there were no flights planned for the entire day because there were no reservations, so my discount could not be used. At this point, I was determined to fly. I whipped out my credit card and paid the $159.00 which for me was a bargain for a memory of a lifetime!


The agent got right on the radio, made contact with a pilot and told them to come and pick me up. She then told me that I could look outside and see my helicopter making a U-turn as it was coming back to get me, just me! Well, before I knew it, the helicopter swooped in, landed, and I was whisked out the door and onto the ultra luxury craft for my short 8 minute flight to the American Airlines terminal at JFK. (USH has since moved to the Delta terminal at JFK)

As we flew towards JFK, the pilot pointed out a United Express RJ that was passing right under us. It was a great view and the pilot mentioned that she had never seen one pass that close! Soon we were circling around and preparing to land at JFK's AA terminal 9. There was a fantastic view of terminal 8 which was still being used at the time. Since then all operations have moved to terminal 9.

Once we landed, an escort opened the door and showed me into a stairwell leading up to the concourse level. My carry-on was brought to me on the concourse level and I went directly to the Admirals Club to avoid the paparazzi. Once I arrived in the Admirals Club, a passengers walked up to me and said, "Excuse me, did I just see you step off out of that helicopter?"

I can't wait for my next flight with US Helicopter. They now fly to Newark Liberty International Airport and also to Bridgeport, CT. Visit them at www.flyush.com