A helicopter charter means renting a whole helicopter with a pilot for your own flight: a sightseeing tour, a transfer to the airport, or a quick hop to a place a jet can't reach, like a city heliport or a resort helipad.
How it works
You choose the type of flight: a tour (round trip over a city, coast or landmark) or a transfer (point to point, for example Manhattan to the Hamptons or to JFK). The operator assigns a helicopter that fits your group and luggage, and you meet at the heliport a few minutes before departure. Most flights are short, from 15 minutes to an hour.
Helicopter charter at a glance
| What you get | The whole helicopter and pilot |
| Typical flights | Tours, airport transfers, short city-to-city trips |
| Seats | 2–3 (light) to 5–7 (twin-engine) |
| Price | By the hour; roughly $500–900/hr light, $1,400–2,200/hr Bell 407, $2,000–4,500/hr twin |
| Best for | Sightseeing, beating traffic, small landing sites |
What it costs
Like jets, helicopters are priced by the hour for the whole aircraft, and size matters most. Published estimates: a light Robinson R44 (2–3 passengers) around $500–900/hr; a Bell 407 (5–6 passengers) around $1,400–2,200/hr; twin-engine helicopters like the Airbus H135 around $2,000–4,500/hr. As a route example, a private Manhattan–East Hampton flight is often quoted at a few thousand dollars, while shared seats to New York airports can cost a few hundred.
Weight matters more than in a jet
Helicopters are sensitive to weight, so operators ask for each passenger's weight and the luggage you'll bring. Soft bags travel best, and large suitcases may not fit. Tell us in advance so we pick the right aircraft.
Questions & answers
What is a helicopter charter?
Renting a whole helicopter with a pilot for your own flight, such as a tour, an airport transfer or a short trip.
How much does it cost to charter a helicopter?
Roughly $500–900 per hour for a light helicopter, $1,400–2,200 for a Bell 407 and $2,000–4,500 or more for a twin-engine model, depending on the operator and location.
How many people fit in a helicopter?
From two or three in a light helicopter to five to seven in larger twin-engine models. Total weight, including luggage, sets the real limit.
Why do they ask my weight?
Helicopters have strict weight and balance limits. Accurate passenger and bag weights let the pilot plan a safe flight.
