For a cool $1,200, sunseekers can shuffle off to Buffalo then drive southward

Julia Sacco
Special to The Lake Report

Canadian snowbirds wanting to escape to the southern United States have been flocking to Niagara-on-the-Lake to hop on a helicopter for a quick flight to Buffalo – then hopping in their car and heading to warmer climates.

It's a seamless but not inexpensive option – and it doesn't violate any government COVID rules, says Great Lakes Helicopter general manager Dwayne Henderson.

Flights cost $1,200 plus tax for up to three passengers and they'll also transport your vehicle over the border (by car carrier) to meet you. That's another $700 – or $1,600 for larger vehicles. From arrival in NOTL to getting in your car in Buffalo is about four hours, he said.

The same flying rules apply to the chopper flights as scheduled airlines flying from Pearson airport to Florida. It's been so busy that some days Great Lakes, based in Cambridge, Ont., has four helicopters ferrying people over the border from Niagara District Airport.

“We’ve probably done 250 runs and we will probably have between now and the end of February close to 150 so close to 400 (flights have dispatched),” Henderson said in an interview.

“We’ve had people travel from Nova Scotia, lots from Quebec, Montreal, lots of 613 and 705 area codes,” he said.

Henderson said the people using the service are “typically retired snowbirds” in “reasonable good health.”

The flights from Niagara District Airport abide by all COVID safety protocols, he said.

The limited contact and being able to pick up your car on the other side are attractive options for customers, he said.

“You don’t have any security lineups and you have no customs lineups, the only interaction you have with anybody is the pilot and, of course, that’s all masked and the aircraft is cleaned," he said.

In Buffalo, customs officials come out to the helicopter and clear passengers without having to wait in line.

"You’re in a private waiting area. We have the entire Niagara District terminal when we’re there so you have no other passengers and then when you go over to Tac Air in Buffalo there’s virtually no one else there,” said Henderson.

Flights usually operate four times daily, Thursday through Monday, beginning at 7:15 a.m.

“You show up at 6:45 in the morning. We take the keys to your vehicle, we do your COVID screening, you go in, sit down, we offer coffee and donuts, you sit there and wait for your helicopter,” said Henderson.

“You take off and 20 minutes later you’re landing in Buffalo.”

Despite criticisms from some quarters, Henderson insists that Great Lakes Helicopters is no different than flying out of any other major airport on a plane during the pandemic.

“There is no loophole, there is not a rule that we’re taking an interpretation of. The rule is that you can fly into the U.S. We’re flying into the U.S.,” said Henderson.

Fliers feel they can isolate just as well in Florida ‘homes’

Doug and Joan Young from Barrie woke up extra early Sunday to head to Niagara-on-the-Lake to catch a cross-border helicopter flight and begin their trek to Florida.

They needn't have worried –  there was barely any traffic thanks to the lockdown.

The two own a home in Port Charlotte, Fla., and feel even though Florida is a COVID hotbed, they're safe in their gated community.

"We'll just stay in our own house, like we're doing here, and at least we can get out and walk and golf," Doug Young said.

"And we figure this situation is probably the best in terms of safety, because all we have to worry about is the helicopter pilot."

The Youngs were on one of two 9:15 a.m. flights, along with their dog Bentley, a miniature poodle.

They said they heard about Great Lakes Helicopter's service to Buffalo from a friend who used it in December. He brought his cat down.

Another couple they know is leaving Jan. 21 and bringing two cats.

"It's the safest way for us to travel," said Joan. "Better than going on a plane and then we don't have our car."

Cassandra Vinckers and her dog Fancy (a lurcher), were on the other 9:15 a.m. flight.

She was headed to Ocala, Fla., where other snowbirds were waiting for her. 

"This is an adventure. It sure beats staying at home," she said. "And it was already organized before this whole stay-at-home thing came into effect."

She emphasized the flights are not violating any laws or pandemic rules. "We're not in direct contravention of anything just yet," she said.

"I feel I can self-isolate in the south as well as up here, maybe better, as there are more opportunities to get outside and get some exercise with my dog."

Part of the draw of the helicopter flight is being able to bring her large dog. 

Doug Young said he and his wife could have taken a plane, but he thinks it's a lot more dangerous.

They said it will be their first time flying since the beginning of the pandemic — and a first-ever helicopter trip for Joan.

They said once they got into their vehicle they planned to drive straight to Florida, not staying at any hotels.

The only place they'll need to stop is for takeout food along the way.

"We'll probably eat Wendy's or McDonald's all the way so we can just go through the drive-thru," Joan said.

"We're gonna be as safe as we can," Doug added.

"When we're in our own home down there it's like being on our own home here, except we've got nice weather, can sit out, and we're on a golf course."