Flying by helicopter might sound like something reserved for movie stars or royalty, but it’s becoming an increasingly practical option for travellers who value speed, flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re heading to a city centre meeting, a remote countryside event, or just want a unique way to see the sights, a helicopter charter can get you there efficiently — and in style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a helicopter charter involves, why it might be the right choice for your trip, what to expect and how much it could cost. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether a helicopter is the right travel solution for you.
What Is Helicopter Charter?
A helicopter charter is the private hire of a helicopter exclusively for you and your group. It gives you the freedom to travel entirely on your own schedule and reach destinations that are often hard to access — from remote countryside locations to city centres. With the ability to land on fields, private estates or even rooftops, you can go directly to where you need to be, skipping transfer times, traffic and airport check-ins altogether.
Why You Might Want to Charter a Helicopter
If you’re heading to a remote event, a countryside pursuit with no airport nearby, or deep into the city and want to avoid traffic and endless transfers, a helicopter charter is the perfect solution. Helicopters are faster than trains or cars, helping you cut down travel time and arrive feeling refreshed.
They also offer complete discretion — ideal for high-profile individuals or anyone who values privacy. And with the option to be collected directly from your home or near your office (provided there’s a suitable landing area), you can bypass airport check-ins altogether, which is ideal for short journeys.
When a Helicopter Charter Makes Sense
There are plenty of occasions when chartering a helicopter simply makes sense. Whether you’re travelling for business, leisure or an event, it’s often the most efficient and enjoyable way to get exactly where you need to be.
Here are some of the most common scenarios:
- Tight schedules: When time is critical and you need to reach multiple destinations in a single day — for example, business meetings across different cities or site visits in remote locations — a helicopter allows you to travel directly and efficiently, without the wasted hours of ground transfers.
- Sightseeing experiences: A helicopter is the perfect way to take in the scenery from above, whether you’re flying over London’s skyline, along the coast or across breathtaking countryside.
- Country pursuits: For shooting, fishing or rural events, a helicopter can land close to your destination — often right on private estates or nearby fields — saving you the time and effort of navigating country roads.
- Major events: Races, golf tours, sailing regattas and other large events often involve crowded roads and parking challenges. Arriving by helicopter means you can skip the traffic, arrive relaxed and make the most of your day.
What to Expect From a Charter Flight
When you charter a helicopter, the experience is designed entirely around your needs. Most helicopters can comfortably carry between four and eight passengers, depending on the model, and the number of people in your party will help determine the right aircraft for your journey.
Flight times vary depending on your destination, but most helicopter trips tend to last between 20 and 30 minutes — ideal for short transfers after a flight, travelling between meetings or reaching a local destination quickly. Longer flights are, of course, possible, and your charter team will plan fuel stops and timings to make the journey seamless.
You’ll usually receive a short safety briefing before boarding, and your pilot will talk you through the route. Once in the air, you can sit back and enjoy smooth, direct travel with stunning views — a far more relaxing and efficient way to get from A to B.
NOTE: One practical point to keep in mind is that luggage space can be limited, particularly on smaller helicopters or if you’re travelling with a larger group. Many passengers get around this by having their luggage transported separately, which keeps the cabin comfortable and spacious.
How Much Does a Helicopter Charter Cost?
Like private planes, the cost of a helicopter charter depends on a variety of factors. The size of the aircraft, the model, and the distance you’re travelling all play a part in determining the final price.
Some of the key factors to consider include:
- Single or twin engine – different engines come with different operating costs.
- Departure and destination points – remote locations or city-centre landings can affect fees.
- Landing fees – certain helipads charge landing or parking fees.
- Overnight expenses – if the aircraft and crew need to stay away, these costs are added.
- Number of passengers – this can influence the size of the helicopter you’ll need.
- Dates of the flight – peak periods or weekends can sometimes be more expensive.
- One-way or return – a return flight is naturally going to cost more.
- Number of pilots – some flights require two pilots, which impacts the overall cost.
It’s difficult to give an exact figure, but helicopter charters typically operate on hourly rates, starting from around £2,000 per hour. The good news is that your Bookajet team can help you work out a clear estimate based on your specific journey, so you know exactly what to expect.
How to Book a Helicopter Charter
Booking a helicopter charter is easier than you might think. If you’re interested, just reach out to our team at Bookajet and we’ll take care of the rest. We can help figure out which helicopter suits your group, plan the timing and route, and make sure everything runs smoothly so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy the ride.
Whether it’s a quick hop across the city, a countryside getaway, or a full-day itinerary, we can help you work out the details. You can drop us a call, send an email, or use the online form — whatever works best for you.
Even if you’re just curious or want a rough idea of how it works, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to chat through the options and help you see if a helicopter charter makes sense for your plans.
Is Helicopter Charter Right for You?
Helicopter charters aren’t for every trip, but for the right journey, they can be a game-changer.
Charters are ideal if you value flexibility, efficiency and privacy — whether it’s hopping between cities, reaching a remote countryside event or skipping traffic to make the most of your day. They’re particularly useful when time is tight, when road or airport travel would be slow, or when you simply want the convenience of going directly to your destination.
Ultimately, helicopter charter is about convenience and experience. If speed, ease and a little adventure appeal to you, it could be the perfect choice. And if you’re unsure, a quick chat with a charter team like Bookajet can help you decide if it fits your plans and needs.
