Is a Helicopter Faster Than a Car to NYC Airports?

New Yorkers know that it can take a while to get to Newark or JFK airports by taxi during peak hours. A new company called Gotham Air is hoping to make things easier for commuters by offering them the chance to transport there in just six minutes. Via helicopter.

The service, which started on Tuesday, lets users choose flights from three different locations in Manhattan to either Newark Liberty International Airport or JFK International Airport, according to a company press release.

First-time flights can be booked for $99, though any trip you make after that could cost between $199 and $219, depending on departure time.

"This changes everything about travel," says Gotham Air CEO Tim Hayes said in a press statement.  "Our customers can go from sitting in a car to relaxing in one of our luxe choppers within minutes.  We plan to bring a new level of luxury and convenience to people's lives."  

Interested customers can find seats now at GothamAir.com, and this February the Gotham Air app will be released to make things even easier.

A regular flight schedule will be set by this spring, though Gotham Air is already accepting crowd-sourced flight reservations. It's worth mentioning that helicopters will only fly if at least four passengers have made reservations.

"We make getting to the airport fast, luxurious and exciting and have created an enjoyable experience that people can look forward to," Gotham Air President Colleen Cowan said in a press statement. "Our fast and smooth Bell 407 choppers are the sports car of helicopters, with speeds of up to 160 mph with first-class seating allowing customers to take in breathtaking views of the city."

Helicopters are designed with interiors that feature Hermes leather furnishing and complimentary hors d'oeuvres from the world renowned Chef Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery.

Beverage services are available for afternoon flights, along with VIP lounges and ground support concierge services.

And get this: when winds are too high or cloud cover is too low, Gotham Air will pick up guests at their home or office in Manhattan and take them to the airport in a Tesla. So you're covered even during a nasty rainstorm.