Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#1

Post by acak » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:08 PM UTC

Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99
gothamair.com

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#2

Post by tptacek » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:45 PM UTC

This can't possibly be real.

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#3

Post by fishnchips » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:48 PM UTC

What a wonderful and completely non-scalable solution to the question of public transportation.

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#4

Post by frenchman_in_ny » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:52 PM UTC

"Promotion rate flights are for first time flyers only and limted to a single use. Other terms and conditions may apply."

So what's the standard rate?

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#5

Post by pyrophane » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:54 PM UTC

Some more details: http://nypost.com/2015/01/20/why-take-a-taxi-to-the-airport-...

> Gotham’s going rates are higher than the initial $99. After the introductory flight, prices will range from $199 to $219, depending on the time of day and the airport, Hayes said, adding that the choppers will depart from three Gotham Air terminals in Manhattan.

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#6

Post by lanstein » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:54 PM UTC

tptacek wrote: post #2

This can't possibly be real.

Based on the prices here: http://www.heliny.com/

it's plausible, since only the first ride is $99. Travel time is correct too:

http://www.newyorkhelicopter.com/airport-transfers/

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#7

Post by Animats » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:55 PM UTC

Footnote on ad: "Promotion rate flights are for first time flyers only and limted to a single use. Other terms and conditions may apply."

HeliNY, for which they are a reseller, charges $925 for that trip as a charter. Aircraft capacity is 5 (maybe 6). So the regular price, assuming they make you wait for a full helicopter, is probably about $200.

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#8

Post by ilzmastr » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:55 PM UTC

Slightly cheaper than cab fare+tip from Manhattan to Newark, but ~40 mins faster. Then again you still have to get through financial district to the helipad...

Still not as good as having a private helicopter. I hear NYC to PHL is 30 mins by heli.

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#9

Post by spiritplumber » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 10:56 PM UTC

Unfortunately it requires me to get on something that is kept aloft by an extremely complex collection of moving parts that twist, wibble and vibrate. And doesn't glide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9c4I3nRIFA (Explained by the same guy who explains the differential in that old instructional video)

Re: Gotham Air: Manhattan to JFK in 6 minutes for $99

#10

Post by jasonjei » Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 11:00 PM UTC

Are there any security risks? Aside from air safety risks? I just wonder if body scanning/x-ray/metal detector is required for this sort of thing.