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Some New York Uber passengers can order a helicopter ride on their phone starting this week

Posted at 11:10 AM, Jul 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-09 18:44:44-04

Uber is officially taking to the skies this week.

According to the New York Times, the rideshare company will launch Uber Copter this week, a service that will offer helicopter rides to select passengers.

According to the Times, Uber Copter will begin shuttling passengers between midtown Manhattan and JFK International Airport on July 9.

According to Google Maps, a trip from the MetLife Building in midtown Manhattan would take nearly an hour — and that's not accounting for rush hour. Uber told the Times that an Uber Copter could complete the trip in about eight minutes.

Like its rideshare service, Uber Copter will feature dynamic pricing based on demand — prices will "surge" when demand is high. However, the Times reports that the price is expected to cost about $200 a person.

Passengers are only allowed one carry-on bag weighing a maximum of 40 pounds. Uber will offer the service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Uber says the service is only available to "Platinum" and "Diamond" rewards members. Uber customers who sign up for the rewards program receive a point for every dollar spent on a ride and a point for every $5 spent on Uber Eats and the company offers incentives for using premium products like Uber Black. Rewards members must earn 2,500 points to reach the Platinum level and 7,500 points for the Diamond level.

Uber Copter is the first service offered by Uber Elevate, the branch of the company focused on air travel. In 2016, Wired reported that Uber Elevate's ultimate goal is a fleet of flying cars.