$45 Airport Transfer - by Chopper

By AMY LANGFIELD

Updated 9:59 AM EST, Wed, Oct 29, 2008

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U.S. Helicopter

Taking a helicopter to the airport is now so cheap, you might be better off flying than paying for a cab.

U.S. Helicopter, which offers 8-minute shuttle service to JFK and Newark airports, is running several specials through the end of the year.

Delta has just extended the deal for its economy-class passengers flying in or out of JFK that allows them to take a Manhattan helicopter transfer for only $45. The offer is good for flights purchased after Nov. 1 for travel through December 31.

Better yet, the helicopter flight is free if you've got a Delta first class, business class or unrestricted economy ticket for JFK. (Taxes and some fees still apply.)

Continental is offering the same $45 deal, but at Newark 's airport. The Continental $45 offer is set to expire October 31. However the helicopter connection will remain free for Continental's passengers at Newark who have BusinessFirst tickets for Europe, Asia, Tel Aviv, Delhi , Mumbai , Brazil or Argentina.

For everyone else, there is the $99 fall fare sale, which is good through the end of the year. Normally the price is $159 one way. And before you go thinking this is a crazy post-Wall Street meltdown fire sale, note that the same deal was offered last year.

U.S. Helicopter flies weekdays only from Manhattan with service to Kennedy and Newark Liberty. It serves both airports from two locations on the East River, at East 34th Street and near Wall Street. In addition to the quick flight, Delta JFK passengers and Continental Newark passengers will not need to pass through security again at the airports as the US Helicopter security at Manhattan is approved by the TSA.

Passengers for other airlines are still required to go through extra security as they will have to leave the secure side of the airport to reach the other terminals.