Blade’s continuous helicopter service NYC's Newark Airport is back
Editor's Note
Travel is back. Middle seats are being filled, inflight meals are being served, airport lounges have reopened and security lines are long again. However, it’s not just the inside of airplanes and airports that are crowded. There’s also a lot more traffic to and from the airport.
Luckily, New Yorkers (and those visiting the Big Apple) don't need to deal with the congestion any longer.
After relaunching service to New York’s JFK Airport back in June, Blade has announced that it’s resuming its continuous by-the-seat helicopter transports between Manhattan and Newark (EWR) on Wednesday, Nov. 17. This news comes about a year-and-a-half after Blade first suspended the service due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Both routes are offered from Blade Lounge West (West 30th Street Heliport) across from Hudson Yards. Flights operate every weekday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. The flight takes about five minutes, and upon arrival at the airport, passengers will receive ground transfers between the helipad and all commercial terminals.
Related: Are flying taxis the future of commuting? Blade thinks so with an announcement to go public
Flights can be booked directly through Blade or Kayak. As before, they cost $195 per seat each way. However, frequent travelers can save by subscribing to the BLADE Airport Pass ($295 per year) or BLADE Airport Pass Plus ($795 per year). Both passes enable unlimited BLADE Continuous flights for a discounted price, starting at $95 per trip. Here are the details of each pass:
BLADE Airport Pass: $295 per person per year
- Get $50 off every BLADE Airport flight within the next 12 months for you and $25 off one companion seat per flight
- Valid for BLADE Continuous trips between the three BLADE Manhattan Lounges and JFK, Newark or LaGuardia Airports
- The pass pays for itself after six one-way trips
BLADE Airport Pass PLUS: $795 per person per year
- Get $100 off every BLADE Airport flight within the next 12 months for you and $50 off one companion seat per flight (unlimited flights to or from airports for $95)
- Valid for BLADE Continuous trips between the three BLADE Manhattan Lounges and JFK, Newark or LaGuardia Airports
- The discounted cost can fit within most corporate expense account limits for airport transports
- The pass pays for itself after eight one-way trips
Related: Blade becomes first aviation company to require passengers to be fully vaccinated
Bottom line
If you’re a first-time flyer, you can use the promo code BRIANF&F – you and TPG will each earn $50 in Blade credits. You can also save on your flight by using your fixed-value miles to “erase” the travel purchase from your statement if you pay with a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
According to Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal, “Given the significant increase in ground congestion in New York City and the strong desire to return to travel we are seeing among our fliers, we are confident that this is the right time to relaunch our flights.”
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Annual Fee is $250.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees