Downtown Philadelphia Helicopter Tour

Flying high over Philadelphia’s skyline sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime thrill—especially if you love seeing a city from above. For about $125 per person, you’ll get roughly 12 minutes of airborne adventure, with your flight starting at 9800 Ashton Rd. This tour promises sights of the Delaware River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Nickel Bridge, and the towering Comcast Center, among others.

What we appreciate about this experience is how it offers an exhilarating perspective of Philadelphia’s familiar sights, transforming them into a breathtaking panorama. The view of the Delaware River shimmering in the sunlight and spotting skyscrapers up close can be quite memorable—if the weather cooperates. Plus, since it’s a private tour, you won’t be sharing your aerial view with strangers, making the experience more personal.

However, some potential drawbacks are worth noting. The short duration—just 12 minutes—means you might find yourself wishing for a bit more time in the air. Also, the reviews are limited and notably low, with a combined rating of only 1.5 out of 5, suggesting that many travelers felt the experience didn’t quite meet expectations. If you’re considering this tour, it’s good to weigh whether a quick flight is worth the cost and potential disappointment.

This helicopter ride appeals most to those looking for a unique way to see the city from above, especially if they’re celebrating a special occasion or simply crave a thrilling bucket-list experience. But if you’re expecting a smooth, well-organized adventure with high-quality service, you might want to explore other options or read more reviews beforehand.

Key Points

• Short but scenic: 12-minute flight offers a quick but exciting view of Philadelphia’s skyline and river.
• Private experience: Only your group participates, making it more personal.
• Stunning vistas: Views of the Delaware River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and Comcast Center are highlights.
• Limited feedback: With only two reviews and low overall ratings, experiences vary significantly.
• Booking in advance: Most travelers book about 20 days ahead, so plan accordingly.
• Weather-dependent: Clear days will give you the best views; poor weather could limit visibility.

In-Depth Look at the Philadelphia Helicopter Tour

Flying over a city like Philadelphia gives a fresh perspective that ground-level sightseeing can’t match. We love how a helicopter ride turns familiar sights into a panoramic artwork, with the Delaware River curving through the cityscape and the skyscrapers piercing the sky. It’s a quick jaunt—just 12 minutes—but packed with visual drama.

Itinerary Breakdown

Start Point and Meeting:
The adventure begins at 9800 Ashton Rd, a location that might not be central but is straightforward enough for those familiar with the area. From there, the helicopter lifts you into the air, with an immediate focus on the Delaware River.

First Stop – The Delaware River:
The initial part of the flight offers an impressive view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, an engineering marvel connecting Philadelphia to Camden, New Jersey. You’ll see the river sparkling in the sunlight, and if weather permits, the sights of boats and ships floating below. One reviewer appreciated this part, mentioning the “fantastic views” of the river from above.

Second Stop – The Philadelphia Skyline:
As you circle upward, the Philadelphia skyline comes into full view. Expect to see the imposing Comcast Center, one of the tallest buildings in the city, along with other skyscrapers forming the iconic skyline. The experience of seeing the city’s grandeur from above is what makes this worthwhile for many.

The Return:
The helicopter then gently returns to your starting point, offering a final glimpse of the city’s skyline and river. Since this is a private tour, your group gets this entire journey without interruptions, a detail that some travelers find appealing.

What to Expect During Your Flight

Given the 12-minute duration, your window of aerial sightseeing is brief. The actual flight time might be slightly longer or shorter, but it’s enough to get a glimpse of key sights. The flight path seems to focus on highlighting the river, bridge, and skyline, giving you a rundown of downtown Philadelphia’s most recognizable features.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

One traveler booked this for Mother’s Day, hoping to share a first helicopter ride with their toddler, calling it “really cute” and a “special thing”. While the experience was cherished, others mention that the overall impression was mixed, with some feeling the short flight left them wanting more.

Another reviewer aimed to surprise a lady friend, expressing excitement about the view of the city from the air. Yet, responses from the provider suggested issues with incorrect contact info, which affected their plans—highlighting the importance of confirming details ahead of time.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At $125 per person, you’re paying a premium for this short aerial adventure. Given the limited flight time, it’s essential to consider whether the view justifies the price. For those who truly want a bird’s-eye view of Philly’s skyline and river, it can be a memorable experience, especially if combined with a special occasion.

However, with only two reviews and a low overall rating, some travelers might feel the value doesn’t fully match the cost. If your main goal is to see Philadelphia from above, you might want to compare this with other sightseeing options like a double-decker bus tour or even a nighttime city tour, which might offer longer or more comprehensive sightseeing at similar or lower prices.

Practical Considerations

Booking in Advance:
Most travelers plan about 20 days ahead, which indicates this tour might not be available last-minute. Confirm your reservation, especially since contact info issues have been noted.

Weather:
Since visibility is key, clear days will enhance your experience. Be prepared for possible cancellations or rescheduling if the weather isn’t cooperative.

Duration and Group Size:
The private nature of the tour means your group is the only one in the helicopter. This can be a big plus for privacy and personalized attention but also potentially more expensive per person.

Physical Requirements:
Total weight per passenger is up to 300 lbs, so if you’re close to that limit, check with the provider. Most travelers can participate without issues, but it’s good to confirm.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventure lovers, cityscape enthusiasts, or those celebrating a special occasion who want to see Philadelphia from a different perspective. It might also appeal if you’re traveling with family members who love helicopters or flying. Keep in mind that the short duration is better for those with limited time or a desire for a quick thrill, rather than a comprehensive aerial tour.

If you’re expecting a luxurious, polished experience, some reviews suggest that might not be the case. But if your priority is the stunning views and the excitement of flight, this tour could deliver on that—and at a memorable height.

The Sum Up

The Downtown Philadelphia Helicopter Tour is a brief but visually striking way to see some of the city’s most iconic sights from above. While the duration is limited, the views of the skyline, river, and bridges can be quite memorable, especially if the weather cooperates.

However, with low reviews and a high price, it’s important to temper expectations. If you’re seeking a short thrill and appreciate personalized, private flights, this might be a good choice. But if you’re after more extensive sightseeing or a more polished experience, explore other options.

This tour is best suited for those craving a unique perspective of Philadelphia, willing to spend a bit for a quick adventure, and ready to accept the possibility of variability in experience quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the helicopter tour last?
The flight is approximately 12 minutes, giving you a brief but scenic view of downtown Philadelphia.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at 9800 Ashton Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19114. Be sure to confirm your booking and arrive on time.

What sights will I see during the tour?
You can expect to see the Delaware River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Nickel Bridge, and Philadelphia’s skyline, including the Comcast Center.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the reviews don’t specify age restrictions. Given the short duration and private setting, it could be suitable for families, but check with the provider for specific age or weight restrictions.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this a shared or private tour?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, which offers a more exclusive experience.

What should I consider when booking?
Book well in advance—most travelers do about 20 days ahead—and confirm all contact details to avoid issues. Clear weather will enhance your experience, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Whether you’re looking for a short thrill or a memorable photo opportunity, this helicopter tour offers a quick glimpse of Philadelphia from a perspective most don’t get to see. Just keep your expectations in check and enjoy the stunning views that make flying above a city so special.