20-min helicopter flight over New York City. Zero dollars.
That, my friends, is the power of collecting travel points.
On my last trip to New York City, I enjoyed an exhilarating helicopter ride with HeliNY, and a bird’s eye view of the stunning Manhattan skyline. It cost me nothing but a few Aeroplan miles.
So if you aren’t swiping that points card regularly, maybe these breathtaking photos of New York City from a helicopter will change your mind.
Tours begin at the downtown Manhattan heliport, located close to the Staten Island Ferry. Excitement builds as you take off. The helicopter swiftly ascends, instantly unveiling an expansive view of the Manhattan skyline.
On the other side, the tranquil harbour stretches out before you, busy with lots of freight traffic. The Brooklyn bridge’s shadowy silhoutte can be seen in the distance.
There’s a collective gasp of excitement as the iconic Statue of Liberty comes into view. A gift from France to the United States, this great copper statue has been standing tall since 1886.
As the helicopter climbs higher, the colourful Ellis Island comes into view.
Ellis island once served as America’s busiest gateway for immigrants. Between 1892 and 1954, 12 million immigrants passed through this space in order to officially enter the country. The primary structure on Ellis island is a colourful building made with red bricks and limestone trim in the ornate French Renaissance Revival style.
Once the helicopter reaches full altitude, the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan appear dwarfed.
Among the many stately buildings of the Manhattan skyline, One World Trade Center (aka the Freedom Tower) is most noticeable. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world.
Continuing north, you get a good look at Central Park from above and get a real sense of its scale.
Still flying past Central Park. That lake is huge!
Flying past Upper Manhattan, George Washington bridge can be seen against the tree-filled expanse of the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey State.
As you begin to loop around Washington and Alexander Hamilton bridges can be seen straddling the Haarlem river.
You may catch a glimpse of the Yankee Stadium, but you’re probably too far to catch a foul ball.
Grab onto your stomach! The helicopter tips sideways as it makes a turn. You’ll be staring straight down at the ground!
From the north end of the city, you get a good view of Manhattan island.
On the home stretch of the tour, you’ll pass Upper West side with its neat line of mid-height buildings and tree-brimmed shore.
One last look at Central Park as you cruise past the skyscrapers, flying a little lower this time giving you a good look at their architectural prowess.
The Empire State Building stands tall as you fly past Lower Manhattan, on your way back to the landing base.
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