Manhattan to JFK in Just 10 Minutes: My Blade Helicopter Flight Experience

As someone who’s been capturing New York City from all angles for years—whether from the tops of iconic skyscrapers or while hanging out the side of a FlyNYON helicopter— I recently got to see the city in a whole new way: a Blade helicopter ride from Manhattan to JFK.

From the moment I arrived at Blade’s lounge, I could tell this wasn’t just any airport experience. With sleek, modern decor, it felt more like an upscale private club than a waiting area. Blade knows how to make every passenger feel like a VIP, and from start to finish, they deliver style and ease.

One thing you immediately notice about a Blade flight is just how fast it is. What would have been an hour or more by car or train took just about 10 minutes in the air. Yet, even with such a short flight, there was plenty of time to be captivated by the views.

Though this flight kept the doors closed (no open-air shots this time), the view through the glass was still remarkable. In a blink, we were descending into JFK. For anyone who loves New York City and is passionate about capturing its beauty, Blade is more than just a transportation service; it’s an experience. And from a photographer’s perspective, it’s one I’ll jump at every chance I get.