It's back: Experience the next-best thing to space travel with Zero-G and Blade
Editor’s note: TPG attended this special flight as a guest of Blade. While TPG tries to pay full price for all staff travel, we sometimes make exceptions for select events to provide our readers with exclusive access.
It might still be a while until space tourism becomes a reality, but you don't need to wait to get a glimpse into that zero-gravity life.
Since 2004, Zero-G has offered thrill-seekers the chance to experience complete weightlessness on Earth through parabolic flights (when an aircraft alternates between rapid upward and downward arcs). And now, for the second year in a row, the company is teaming up with Blade to give Manhattan-based passengers the ultimate adventure bundle, including helicopter transfers to and from their flights.
Zero-G will be offering flights in the Empire State beginning Aug. 21 through Sept. 19. Flights will be offered out of Westhampton, New York City and Rochester. However, only those out of the city will include the helicopter transfers (it's available for an additional fee out of the Hamptons). The flights cost $7,500 per person, regardless of which airport you fly out of.
Spots are filling up quickly, so if you're thinking of going, don't wait too long to book. I was lucky enough to join one of these flights when Blade and Zero-G's partnership launched last year and it was a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Here's everything you need to know if you're thinking about booking a zero-gravity flight.
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What is Zero-G and how does it work?
Virginia-based Zero-G is the first and only FAA-approved provider of commercial weightless flights. It does this by flying a modified Boeing 727 aircraft — known as G-Force One or colloquially as the "Vomit Comet" — in a series of parabolic arcs. Each time the plane pushes over the top of the parabolic arc, flyers experience a brief state of weightlessness in the air. The sensation is so similar to actually being in space that NASA uses Zero-G for training and research.
The experience is available to anyone aged eight and up and has even been enjoyed by passengers in their 90's. Zero-G's flight schedule includes stops in Long Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Las Vegas, Seattle and Newark.
Flights continue to operate during the pandemic with enhanced safety protocols (more on that later).
Ground experience
My Zero-G experience began at Blade Lounge East, located right off East 34th Street between the East River and FDR Drive. As advised, I arrived well-rested, avoided alcohol the night before and didn't have any acidic drinks like orange juice that morning.
Before I could enter the lounge, a Blade representative took my temperature and blood oxygen level as part of their new safety protocols. To pass, passengers must have at least 95% blood oxygen saturation and cannot have a temperature of 100.4 or higher. In 2021, all passengers will undergo a rapid antigen COVID-19 test.
I then went through a check-in process that involved showing my ID to a Blade representative, a Zero-G representative and a TSA agent — after all, this was still considered a commercial flight. I was handed a bag containing my boarding pass, a flight suit, face mask, socks and goodies, and invited to have breakfast.
Breakfast consisted mostly of carbs and low protein to curtail sickness in the cabin. Although the Blade Lounge usually offers an open bar, alcohol and orange juice were big no-no's.
Passengers got to mingle with one another and then were introduced to their assigned flight coaches, who provided an in-depth flight training session. It's hard to describe the level of excitement that was in the room.
While most flyers were experiencing Zero-G for the first time, there were some second-timers. Anyone who was flying Zero-G for the first time needed to wear their name tags upside down until after the flight.
Before we knew it, it was time to board the helicopters that would be whisking us to our "launch site" at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Related: Get 2-for-1 helicopter transfers between NYC and JFK
Despite some light rain, we had phenomenal views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and then the airport. I was invited to sit in the front seat of the helicopter, which definitely added to the thrill.
We landed at EWR's private aviation terminal, operated by Signature Flight Support. Before boarding the Zero-G aircraft, we headed inside for another briefing with our coaches and security screening. Despite leaving from the private terminal, the usual TSA guidelines still applied. Carry-on items were limited to items that could fit in our flight suit pockets.
The aircraft
Finally, it was time to board our flight. While the flight would be far from ordinary, just like any other commercial flight, every passenger got a boarding pass with a seat assignment.
Zero-G uses a modified Boeing 727 aircraft and calls it G-Force One. The plane, registration N794AJ, was over 44 years old and has previously been operated by airlines like Continental, Pan Am and Delta.
In honor of the new partnership, Zero-G emblazoned Blade's logo throughout the aircraft.
We boarded the aircraft using the built-in stairs that dropped from the rear of the aircraft. The 727 is among the few airlines to offer such a feature — also known as rear airstairs.
Once inside, the cabin looked nothing like a normal airliner. If anything, it looked like a spaceship of sorts. Aside from the emergency exit rows, all windows were covered and there were no lavatories onboard.
At the rear of the aircraft were a couple of rows of standard airplane seats for use during take-off and landing. The seats were 16.75 inches wide and offered surprisingly decent legroom.
The rest of the cabin was wide-open, with heavily padded walls, floor and ceiling. The floating zone was divided into three sections — gold, silver and blue — but they all provided the same experience. To prevent any injuries, everyone had to take off their shoes when entering the floating zone.
Take-off
Shortly after boarding, the flight attendant gave a brief onboard safety demonstration. Unlike other commercial aircraft, the oxygen supply was located beneath the center seat in each row rather than overhead.
Passengers were required to be seated for take-off and landing. We remained seated until the aircraft reached its designated airspace and was level with the horizon at an altitude of 24,000 feet. Our airspace was over the Atlantic and was approximately 100 miles long and ten miles wide.
Once it was safe to move to the floating zone, we were briefed by our coaches once again. There were very clear communications throughout the entire flight.
Zero-G experience
After leveling off at 24,000 feet, the pilots began to gradually increase the angle of the aircraft to about 45 degrees until the plane reached an altitude of 32,000 feet. During this pull-up, we felt extra gravity — around 1.8 Gs. The plane then slowed down and was “pushed over” to create the zero-gravity phase of the parabola.
Being the AvGeek I am, I looked up the playback of our flight on Flightradar24 and could actually see these parabolas in the speed and altitude graph.
There were a total of 15 of these parabolic maneuvers, with each weightless segment lasting about 20 to 30 seconds. Zero-G picked 15 parabolas, typically the optimal number before flyers begin to feel motion discomfort. By comparison, NASA's research and training flights typically perform 40 to 80 parabolas. Only two flyers on our flight experienced discomfort and that was only toward the end of the flight.
We began the flight with one Martian gravity parabola, where our weight was around a third of that on Earth. This was when I got to do the easiest push-ups of my life.
That was followed by two lunar gravity parabolas, where our weight was around a sixth of that on Earth, and then 12 zero-gravity parabolas. This incremental approach allowed us to get better acclimated to the reduced gravity.
Everything felt completely effortless during the zero-gravity parabolas. You could fly like Superman or tuck your legs to your chest and just float in the cabin — anything was possible.
Unlike riding a roller coaster or sky diving, there was no point where I felt like I was "falling." Although exhilarating, all the movements were smooth and peaceful. It's like laying on your bed and being pulled up towards the ceiling or floating in a pool, but without the water.
The coaches handed out various objects throughout the flight and were able to assist with any tricks we wanted to do.
We got to play with hula hoops and slinkies...
...and tried to catch pieces of candy and droplets of water.
Toward the end of each parabola, the words "feet down, coming out" were relayed through the plane. This was our cue to get on the ground as gravity would be returning in seconds.
In-flight service
In addition to the coaches and flight director, there was one FAA-certified flight attendant in the cabin. The attendant's main duty while in flight was to assist passengers feeling discomfort. However, much to my surprise, there was also a light snack service at the end of the flight, just before landing.
Post-flight
Upon touching down in Newark, helicopters were waiting to fly us back to the Blade lounge for our "Regravitation Celebration." Everyone received a certificate of weightless completion and first-timers were able to flip their name tags right side up
COVID precautions
Safety has always been the top priority for Blade and Zero-G and even more so now during the pandemic. As previously mentioned, all flyers underwent pulse and temperature checks immediately upon arrival. All passengers and crew were required to wear face coverings throughout the entire experience, and — from what I saw — compliance was 100%.
For 2021 flights, all passengers will undergo a rapid antigen COVID-19 test (included in the ticket price).
Onboard, flight capacity was reduced by 30%, so there were a total of 24 floaters allowed on the flight as opposed to the usual 36. Additionally, as with most modern aircraft, G-Force One was equipped with HEPA filters that replaced all in-cabin air with fresh air every three minutes.
Both the helicopters used by Blade's operators and G-Force One were cleaned and sanitized before our flights.
Bottom line
I survived the Vomit Comet!
No words are enough to describe the feeling of complete weightlessness. This Zero-G flight was truly one of the most unique experiences of my life and I highly recommend it to anyone dreaming of going to space.
Check back next week for the review of my trip to space with Virgin Galactic! (Just kidding, commercial flights aren't expected to commence until next year.)
When you use Blade promo code BRIANF&F, you and TPG will each earn $50 in Blade credits.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended 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.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.