You land at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on a summer Friday and the Hamptons are still a long drive east on the Long Island Expressway and Route 27. A helicopter from LGA to the Hamptons turns most of that drive into a short flight over Queens and Long Island.
This guide covers how the flight works with BLADE, where you can land on the East End, and how to book.
Why Fly a Helicopter to the Hamptons Instead of Driving?
Traffic to the Hamptons is at its worst exactly when most people travel: Friday afternoon heading out and Sunday evening heading back. A drive that is manageable midweek can stretch to several hours on a peak weekend.
BLADE says a trip that takes 3+ hours by car takes as little as 35 minutes by air between Manhattan and the Hamptons, with most flights in the 35 to 45 minute range. From LGA you start in Queens, east of Manhattan, so you also skip the drive across the city.
- Predictable timing. You fly at the time you book, rather than at the pace of the expressway.
- Less time on the ground. You go from your arrival at LGA to the East End without a long car ride in between.
- Room for your group. A private charter carries you, your companions and your luggage on one aircraft.
What Are the Helicopter Charter Options from LGA to the Hamptons?
BLADE's scheduled Hamptons flights depart from Manhattan. From LaGuardia, BLADE arranges the trip as a private charter through BLADE Anywhere, its charter service for helicopters, turboprops and jets. You choose the departure time and destination, and BLADE books the aircraft with a licensed charter operator. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
You have two practical ways to get from LGA to the Hamptons with BLADE:
| Option | Where you board | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Private charter from LGA | LaGuardia Airport | The whole aircraft is yours, on your schedule |
| Scheduled seat from Manhattan | A BLADE lounge in Manhattan | Ride into the city from LGA, then book a seat on a scheduled Hamptons flight, from $795 per seat |
A private charter suits groups, travelers with a lot of luggage, and anyone landing at LGA who wants to go straight east. A scheduled seat from Manhattan suits solo travelers who are already heading into the city.
If you charter and do not need every seat, BLADE also lets you crowdsource the flight. BLADE sells your unused seats in the BLADE app and credits sold seats back to you as BLADE credits toward future flights.
Which aircraft fits your trip
BLADE's Hamptons page sorts the choice by destination, luggage and timing:
- Helicopter. The fastest access to the heliports. Best for East Hampton, Montauk, Southampton and Shelter Island, with short ground transfers.
- Seaplane. Water landings near bays and harbors, such as Sag Harbor Bay or Shelter Island, when you want to arrive close to the marina. Light luggage is recommended.
- Turboprop. Runway access and value for groups. You fly into Westhampton (Francis S. Gabreski Airport), then take a short car transfer east. A strong option for families or teams with extra baggage.
Which Hamptons Destinations Can You Fly Into?
BLADE offers flights to six East End destinations:
- Westhampton (Quogue / Westhampton, at Francis S. Gabreski Airport)
- Southampton
- Sag Harbor
- Shelter Island
- East Hampton
- Montauk
In a straight line, LaGuardia is about 86 miles from East Hampton Airport. Pick the landing site closest to where you are staying. If your plans are flexible, BLADE suggests flying into Westhampton or Sag Harbor Bay and transferring by car to your final address.
How to Book a Private Helicopter Charter from LGA
Booking a helicopter from LGA to the Hamptons takes a few steps in the BLADE app or at blade.com:
- Choose Charter, and enter LaGuardia Airport as your origin and your Hamptons destination.
- Select the number of fliers.
- Select the date and time.
- Select your aircraft.
Tell BLADE how much luggage you are bringing so the aircraft suits your group. BLADE's Flier Relations team is available 7 days a week at +1 844-359-2523 if you have questions about a route.
Charter prices depend on the aircraft, the destination, the date and the time, so check current options when you book.
When to Fly
Demand for Hamptons flights peaks on Friday late afternoon and evening heading out, and on Sunday afternoon and evening heading back. BLADE's advice for avoiding the rush:
- Friday: morning or early afternoon departures avoid the peak.
- Sunday: return Sunday night or early Monday to skip the post-weekend wave.
- Holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day fill early, so book those dates well in advance.
The Takeaway: Flying by Helicopter from LGA to the Hamptons
A helicopter from LGA to the Hamptons replaces a long drive on the Long Island Expressway with a short flight. With BLADE you can charter a private aircraft straight from LaGuardia, or ride into Manhattan and take a scheduled seat to the East End. Choose your destination, pick the aircraft that fits your group and luggage, and book early for summer weekends and holidays.