A private Sikorsky S-76 charter is one way to fly from New York City to the Hamptons. The S-76 is a twin-engine helicopter with a larger cabin than the single-engine helicopters often used on the route. This page covers what the aircraft offers, how a Hamptons charter works with BLADE, and how it compares with BLADE's scheduled Hamptons flights.
Key Takeaways
- The S-76 is a twin-engine, medium-size helicopter. The current S-76D seats 5 to 8 in a typical VIP layout.
- BLADE arranges private helicopter charters between Manhattan and the Hamptons, as well as scheduled by-the-seat flights. Hamptons flights take about 35 to 45 minutes.
- The aircraft on a charter depends on operator availability. If you want an S-76, ask for it when you request the flight.
Sikorsky S-76: Your Premier Hamptons Charter Choice
Sikorsky has delivered more than 870 S-76 helicopters since 1979. For more than three decades, corporate executives and heads of state have used the S-76 series. Sikorsky stopped taking new S-76 orders in 2022, so the aircraft on your charter will be one already in service.
Published figures for the S-76D, the latest model:
| Specification | S-76D |
|---|---|
| Engines | Twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S, with dual FADEC |
| Passengers | 5 to 8 in a typical VIP layout, up to 12 certified |
| Max cruise speed | 155 kts (287 km/h) |
| Range | 398 nm with a 30-minute reserve |
| Baggage | 38-cubic-foot baggage compartment |
Older S-76 models, such as the S-76C++, are also used in charter service. Specifications vary by model and by the operator's cabin layout, so confirm the details for your aircraft when you book.
Why choose BLADE for Hamptons helicopter travel
- Time. BLADE Hamptons flights take about 35 to 45 minutes. BLADE puts the same trip at 3+ hours by car.
- Lounges at both ends. BLADE has private terminals in Manhattan and the Hamptons, so you move through in minutes.
- Choice of service. Book a private charter, a shared charter or a seat on a scheduled flight.
- One point of contact. BLADE's Flier Relations team is available seven days a week at +1 844-359-2523.
BLADE is an air charter broker. All flights are operated by licensed air carriers.
Exceptional Comfort and Safety Features
The S-76D's cabin is large and rectangular, with limousine-style cabin doors for easy entry and exit. Sikorsky's VIP options include a cockpit-cabin divider, tinted cabin windows, cabin climate control and executive seating. Twin engines with dual FADEC are a core part of the design.
Cabin equipment differs from one aircraft to the next. Ask what your aircraft has before you fly.
Flight Details and Destinations
BLADE flights leave from its private Manhattan lounges. BLADE's lounges are at the West 30th Street Heliport, the East 34th Street Heliport and the Wall St. Heliport.
BLADE's Hamptons page lists six destinations:
- Westhampton (Francis S. Gabreski Airport)
- Southampton
- Sag Harbor
- Shelter Island
- East Hampton
- Montauk
Helicopters suit East Hampton, Montauk, Southampton and Shelter Island, where the transfer at the other end is short.
Escape New York Traffic with Elegance
The drive to the Hamptons runs on the Long Island Expressway and NY-27, and summer weekends are the busiest time on both. A helicopter skips the road. You spend about 35 to 45 minutes in the air and arrive close to the beaches, marinas and villages.
Best times to book a Sikorsky charter to the Hamptons
- Peak demand: Friday late afternoon and evening heading out, Sunday afternoon and evening heading back.
- Easier windows: Friday morning or early afternoon outbound, Sunday night or early Monday return.
- Holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day fill early. Book well in advance.
A specific aircraft type, such as the S-76, is easier to secure when you book early.
Customized Travel Experience Aboard Sikorsky Charters
A private charter departs when you choose. You pick the departure point, the destination and the time, and the aircraft carries only your group. Tell BLADE about luggage, timing and the aircraft type you want when you request the flight.
The Sikorsky Fleet: Synonymous with Luxury Aviation
The S-76 series has a long record in executive and VIP transport. Its twin-engine layout and larger cabin set it apart from single-engine helicopters such as the Bell 407, which seats six passengers in a typical layout.
Comparing Sikorsky S-76 charters with other Hamptons helicopter options
- Private S-76 charter: more cabin space, two engines and room for a larger group. You book the whole aircraft.
- Scheduled BLADE flights: for the 2026 summer season, BLADE's scheduled Hamptons flights used Bell 407 helicopters and amphibious Grand Caravan seaplanes. You buy a seat, from $795.
- Seaplane: lands on the water near Sag Harbor Bay and Shelter Island. Light luggage recommended.
- Turboprop: suits groups with extra baggage, flying into Westhampton with a short car transfer east.
Planning Your Flight: What to Expect
- Request a charter on blade.com or in the BLADE app. Choose your origin, destination, date, time and number of passengers.
- Ask for the aircraft type. Note that you want an S-76, and BLADE will check availability.
- Confirm the details. Price depends on the aircraft, the route, the date and any wait time for a same-day return. Check the quote when you book.
- Arrive at the lounge before departure, and fly.
Beyond the Hamptons: Expanding Your Horizons
BLADE also arranges private charters beyond the Hamptons through BLADE Anywhere. There is no scheduled BLADE service to destinations such as Nantucket or the Bahamas, so those trips are charter only. The aircraft depends on distance. A helicopter suits shorter regional trips, and a turboprop or jet suits longer ones.
Bottom Line: Hamptons Sikorsky Helicopter Charter
A Sikorsky S-76 charter gives your group a twin-engine helicopter with a larger cabin for the 35 to 45 minute flight to the Hamptons. Book early, ask for the S-76 by name, and check the quote. If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a seat on a scheduled BLADE flight may suit the trip better.
FAQs about Hamptons Sikorsky Helicopter
How much does it cost to charter a Sikorsky S-76?
Charter prices depend on the aircraft, the route, the date and any wait time. Request a quote from BLADE for your trip. Scheduled BLADE Hamptons seats start from $795.
How long is the helicopter ride from NYC to the Hamptons?
About 35 to 45 minutes. BLADE puts the drive at 3+ hours.
How many passengers does a Sikorsky S-76 carry?
The S-76D seats 5 to 8 passengers in a typical VIP layout and is certified for up to 12. The layout varies by aircraft.
Can you land a helicopter in the Hamptons?
Yes, at approved landing sites such as airports and heliports. BLADE's Hamptons page lists six destinations: Westhampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, East Hampton and Montauk.
What makes the Sikorsky S-76 a premier choice for charter flights to the Hamptons?
Two engines, a larger cabin and room for a bigger group than single-engine helicopters, on a flight of about 35 to 45 minutes.