Downtown Philadelphia Helicopter Tour

If you’re thinking about adding a helicopter ride to your Philadelphia itinerary, you’ll want to read this. The downtown Philadelphia Helicopter Tour, offered by MyFlight Tours, promises a thrilling 12-minute flight over the city’s skyline, river, and iconic landmarks. While it’s an experience that sounds spectacular on paper, it’s worth exploring whether it lives up to expectations in real life.

What we like about this tour is the stunning aerial views it offers—particularly of the Delaware River and the impressive skyline, including the Comcast Center. It’s a quick trip, making it accessible for most schedules, and the private group aspect ensures a more personal experience. On the flip side, at just 12 minutes, some might find it too brief for the price, especially if they’re looking for a more immersive adventure.

This tour could be perfect for those celebrating a special occasion, or anyone eager for a thrilling perspective on Philadelphia. However, travelers seeking a more comprehensive or longer helicopter experience might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Brief, high-impact experience: At around 12 minutes, this tour offers a quick but memorable aerial glimpse of Philadelphia.
• Breathtaking views: Expect stunning sights of the Delaware River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the city’s skyline, including the Comcast Center.
• Private tour: Your group is the only one on the helicopter, making it more intimate and personal.
• Price point: At $125 per person, it’s a somewhat premium experience for its duration, so weighing value is important.
• Booking in advance: On average, this is booked 20 days ahead, which suggests good planning is recommended.
• Limitations: With a maximum weight per passenger of 300 lbs, it’s accessible for most, but those with mobility or weight concerns should check.

An In-Depth Look at the Downtown Philadelphia Helicopter Tour

What Does the Itinerary Include?

This tour is designed as a panoramic snapshot of Philadelphia’s skyline and riverfront. It begins at the meeting point on Ashton Road—an accessible spot in Philadelphia—and takes off for a 12-minute flight that covers some of the city’s most photogenic areas.

Your first stop is a view of the Delaware River, where you’ll get an aerial perspective of the waterway that’s so central to Philadelphia’s history and commerce. You’ll fly past notable bridges such as the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Nickel Bridge. These structures are not only engineering marvels but also great photo opportunities with the cityscape as a backdrop.

Next, you’ll soar above the city’s towering skyscrapers, with special attention paid to the Comcast Center, a defining feature of the skyline. While the tour’s duration means you won’t get a detailed tour of landmarks, you will have plenty of chances to capture the sprawling urban landscape from above.

What Do Past Reviewers Say?

The two reviews available are somewhat mixed, but both highlight the stunning views as the main attraction. One reviewer, celebrating a Mother’s Day gift, appreciated the “really cute” experience for a young child, emphasizing the novelty of their first helicopter ride. The other reviewer wanted to surprise a lady friend and was eager about the experience, though their review was cut off, indicating perhaps some disappointment or logistical frustration.

A common theme is the value of the spectacular scenery—both reviewers found it a memorable, photo-worthy adventure. However, the brevity of the ride was not explicitly criticized, but some might find 12 minutes too short to justify the cost, especially if they’re more used to longer helicopter experiences.

Practical Details for Travelers

• Flight duration: About 12 minutes, which flies by quickly but can still provide ample views of the city’s highlights.
• Price: At $125 per person, it’s a premium for the short duration. Travelers should consider whether the views, privacy, and experience match the cost.
• Booking and availability: Most travelers book about 20 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.
• Transportation: The activity starts and ends at the same meeting point, on Ashton Road. Ensure you factor in travel time to this location.
• Weight limit: Each passenger can weigh up to 300 lbs, so check this if you have concerns.
• Cancellation policy: Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, offering some flexibility.

What Does This Experience Mean for You?

While the tour’s compact duration might seem like a quick thrill, it offers an excellent overview of Philadelphia’s skyline and riverfront that’s hard to match from the ground. If your goal is to get a sense of the city’s layout or capture breathtaking views for your social media, this is a solid choice. For those with a special occasion, it’s a memorable way to mark the day, but keep in mind that it’s more about the vistas than a comprehensive tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter ride is best suited for travelers who:

• Are eager for a short, impactful aerial experience.
• Want to see stunning city and river views from above.
• Are celebrating a special event or looking for a unique photo opportunity.
• Don’t mind the premium price for a brief but memorable flight.

However, if you’re after a longer, more in-depth helicopter experience, or if you’re traveling on a tight budget, you might want to explore alternative activities or add this as a “bonus” to a broader sightseeing plan.

The Sum Up

The Downtown Philadelphia Helicopter Tour offers an exhilarating way to see the city from a fresh perspective. Its spectacular views of the skyline, river, and bridges make it a memorable highlight, especially if you’re short on time but want a quick dose of adventure. The private group setup enhances the experience, making it more personal and exclusive.

That said, the short duration and price might leave some feeling it’s a bit of a splurge for the amount of time you get. It’s best for those who prioritize the view and a special moment over length. If you’re after a quick thrill with stunning visuals, this tour could be just the ticket.

For travelers wanting a more detailed, longer aerial tour, or those on a tighter budget, it’s worth shopping around or considering other sightseeing options in Philadelphia. Ultimately, this helicopter ride is about capturing breathtaking cityscapes from above—a fantastic way to add a dash of adventure to your visit.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour?
The flight lasts approximately 12 minutes, providing a quick but impactful aerial view of key Philadelphia landmarks.

What is the cost per person?
It’s $125.00 per person, which can be considered a bit of a premium for such a short experience, so weigh what you value most—views, privacy, and thrill.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel for free if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, giving some flexibility if plans change.

Where does the tour start and end?
The activity begins and ends at the same meeting point: 9800 Ashton Rd, Philadelphia.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Past reviews mention a 2.5-year-old son enjoying his first helicopter ride, indicating it can be suitable for young children, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

What are the weight restrictions?
Each passenger can weigh up to 300 lbs, so most travelers will be accommodated, but it’s good to confirm if you have any doubts.

In the end, this helicopter tour in Philadelphia offers a brief but dazzling glimpse of the city’s skyline and river—ideal for those seeking a quick, memorable aerial view. We recommend considering it as part of a broader exploration of Philadelphia’s sights, especially if capturing stunning aerial photographs is a priority.