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Welcome

Friends,

There is a first time for everything, and yesterday was my first time to take a helicopter to catch a flight.

That is a ridiculous sentence. But also: it was awesome.

Let’s get going.

Updates

We will have more here, soon! Working on tailoring our weekly send cadence a bit, which I am excited about.

Thank you, dear readers, for (seriously) being the best part of this journey!

Story

New York City is fascinating on many levels. From a transportation standpoint, it is semi-unmatched. I had a few meetings there yesterday and needed to get out to JFK for my flight back to Dallas.

So, I booked a seat with BLADE—the helicopter transfer service that runs quick hops from their lounge on West 30th Street to the airport.

It’s a seven-minute flight, and it definitely beats sitting in traffic.

The check-in process was simple and relaxed. Their lounge was quiet, chic, and tucked away just far enough from the noise of Midtown to feel like a breather. I was welcomed, and their team took my bag before offering me a drink while I waited for our inbound chopper to arrive.

Two minutes before departure, we walked out to the tarmac, boarded, and were off. I was one of four, and their helicopters seat up to five.

The flight itself was smooth, and the views were really something. You get a new perspective flying over the city that you can’t get any other way. It was a peaceful moment in the middle of what would’ve otherwise been a rush to the airport.

We landed at JFK and were met by a driver who took me over to Terminal 4. I was through security not long after—thanks to CLEAR and TSA Pre—and had time to visit the T4 Amex Centurion lounge before boarding.

Practically, the real value here is time.

For me though, the trip was more than worth it for the uniqueness of the experience. It was like nothing I have ever done—and I seriously hope to do it again.

After showing the family pictures, my four year old is also now insistent I take her with me next time I ride in a helicopter.

Their fares start at $195, which is expensive by most measures—though I was otherwise going to spend $150 to take an UberX, so it was not so out of the ballpark in my case.

Plus I had a $50 off credit, which I can now share—so if you want to try BLADE, let me know. Seriously.

Big Picture: Taking a helicopter from Manhattan to JFK was a cool way to get to the airport. It made the Uber back to my house in Dallas feel especially underwhelming, but so it is sometimes. I totally recommend trying BLADE when you next need to get from Manhattan to JFK or EWR.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.