Blade, a helicopter company catering to city elites with pricey trips to the Hamptons, is launching a luxurious yet more affordable coach service called Blade Streamliner. The service fills the gap between a $40 Jitney ride and a $1,000 helicopter flight, offering first-class amenities such as deep-recline seats, ultra fast Wifi, pillows, blankets, and hot-towel service. With just 19 high-tech seats, each with five feet of legroom, passengers can stretch out comfortably compared to standard coaches that fit around 50 travelers.
The seats on the Blade Streamliner buses are specially designed by Bose to reduce bumps and vibrations by 90% and prevent motion sickness. Called “HoverSeats,” they’re touted as the most advanced passenger seats in the world. Passengers can choose to spend $195 for a double seat on the right side of the bus or $275 for a single seat on the left side. Additionally, passengers can bring their dogs for an additional fee, with luxury pet accessories from Bonefly available.
The amenities on Blade Streamliner buses offer a stark contrast to the Hampton Jitney, which has received complaints about falling into disrepair in recent years. With Passenger Experience Team Members on board, passengers can enjoy light food and drinks, pillows, blankets, and hot towels at the press of a button. Morning service includes offerings from NYC’s Popup Bagels along with a full bar stocked with Château La Coste’s rosé. The lavatory is also spacious enough for passengers to change comfortably.
Blade Streamliner currently operates from 33rd Street and 11th Avenue in New York City to the Hamptons, making it convenient for employees of companies in Hudson Yards such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Blackrock, Facebook, and JPMorgan. On the return journey, the Streamliner stops on the East side of Manhattan before making a final stop at Hudson Yards. Unlike the Jitney, passengers will avoid stops at JFK Airport and potential bus transfers in Long Island.
The company aims to attract customers who typically pay $350 to $750 for a car service to the Hamptons but may not be willing to splurge on helicopter travel. Roisin Branch, CMO of Blade, notes that until electric vertical aircraft are more affordable, Blade will focus on enhancing the ground travel experience. The company seeks to elevate the standard of ground travel, which has remained largely unchanged for over a century, by providing a luxurious and comfortable alternative to existing transportation options.
