Here’s a way to travel to the airport in a bit more style … and at no extra cost.
JetBlue is offering a deal that could land you a free airport transfer aboard Blade, the helicopter service that will fly you from Manhattan to the airport in a matter of minutes.
Over the next week, travelers can earn a free Blade transfer when booking a flight in JetBlue’s premium Mint cabin to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
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Blade’s rides can get you to the airport in mere minutes, compared with the long wait travelers often find sitting in traffic or on public transportation en route to the airport.
Typically, the chopper transfers start at $195. Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue members who reach top-tier Mosaic 4 elite status earn four transfers as a loyalty perk.
So, this could be a great opportunity to try out the service, particularly if it’s something you’ve long had on your travel wish list.
A JetBlue Mint suite on an Airbus A321LR aircraft. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYPromotion details
The Blade promotion unveiled Tuesday is available for trips booked between now and Feb. 21, and taken between Feb. 15 and March 8.
Again, to qualify, you have to book a trip in JetBlue’s Mint cabin. Keep in mind, Mint isn’t available on many JetBlue aircraft; the airline offers it on transatlantic routes to Europe, plus other select routes within the U.S. and Latin America.
A big caveat: You’ll only earn a Blade ride if your flight arrival or departure at JFK or Newark is within the company’s hours of operation. Those hours shift slightly depending on whether you’re using Blade’s facilities at West 30th Street or East 34th Street, and whether you’re using JFK or Newark.
Generally speaking, though, the company operates on weekdays (save for very early mornings or late nights) and Sunday afternoons.
Check the specific hours of operation for Blade’s JFK and Newark service on its website if you’re booking a Mint ticket with this perk in mind.
If you book a round trip from New York as part of this promotion, you’d be eligible for two transfers — one to the airport ahead of your departure, and another back to Manhattan after you arrive.
Your free Blade ride is not transferable to another, later date.
Booking your Blade transfer
After booking your JetBlue Mint accommodations, you’ll receive an email with instructions for booking your helicopter transfer.
Once your travel day arrives, you can show up at the specific Manhattan departure lounge you booked — if it’s for a departure — before your five-minute ride to the airport. Upon landing at the airport, a Blade vehicle will whisk you off to the terminal.
If you’re using the service for an arrival in the New York area, Blade will coordinate on a terminal pickup and escort you to the departure lounge before your ride to Manhattan.