In a surprising finding, Blade Airport Helicopter’s charter pricing is not as competitive as expected, with costs ranging from $1,050 to $2,050 for a one-way flight from New York to Miami, depending on the aircraft and demand. This raises questions about the service’s value proposition, especially when compared to other luxury travel options.
The Hard Product
Blade Airport Helicopter operates a fleet of AgustaWestland AW139 and Sikorsky S-76 aircraft, offering seating for up to 6 passengers. The AW139 features a cabin width of 5.5 feet and a length of 12.1 feet, while the S-76 has a cabin width of 4.9 feet and a length of 10.5 feet. In terms of pricing, a one-way AW139 charter from New York to Los Angeles costs $10,500, while a S-76 charter for the same route costs $8,500.
For comparison, NetJets and Wheels Up offer similar charter services, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per hour, depending on the aircraft and membership program. Blade Airport Helicopter’s pricing is competitive, but not significantly lower than its competitors. Additionally, the service’s booking window is limited, with most flights available for booking only 24-48 hours in advance.
Booking Economics
When it comes to earning and redeeming points, Blade Airport Helicopter does not have a traditional loyalty program. However, the service does accept payments made with the Bilt Palladium Card, which offers 3x points on travel purchases, including charter flights. This can be a valuable option for those looking to earn points on luxury travel purchases.
In terms of cents-per-point valuation, the Bilt Palladium Card offers a valuation of 1.5-2.0 cents per point when redeemed for travel purchases. This is comparable to other premium credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citi Premier. However, the limited transfer partners and redemption sweet spots may limit the card’s overall value for some users.
Is It Worth It?
Based on our analysis, Blade Airport Helicopter’s charter service is convenient but pricey, with limited booking windows and no traditional loyalty program. While the service’s aircraft are well-maintained and comfortable, the costs are not significantly lower than those of competitors like NetJets and Wheels Up. We give Blade Airport Helicopter a verdict of 3.5/5, recommending it for those who value convenience and flexibility above all else.
However, for those on a budget or looking for more competitive pricing, we recommend exploring alternative options, such as NetJets or Wheels Up. Additionally, consider using a premium credit card like the Bilt Palladium Card to earn points on luxury travel purchases, which can help offset the costs of charter flights. Ultimately, whether or not Blade Airport Helicopter is worth it depends on your individual priorities and budget.
