Some Windsor travellers use helicopter to get across border to Detroit
Some Windsor travellers are opting to pay for a helicopter to get across the border into Detroit.
The Canada-US land border is closed to non-essential travel until at least June 21, but travelers can fly across as long as they meet certain requirements, including a negative PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours.
Michigan-based McMahon Helicopter Services shuttles about two groups a week from Windsor Airport to Detroit.
Flights cost $1875 U.S. per trip for groups of up to four passengers. Pricing is the same for 1-4 passengers. All landing fees, customs fees, charter rates and taxes are included in the cost.
“We get numerous requests each day to provide pricing per seat, similar to a scheduled airline service, but unfortunately we’re not able to offer that,” says company president Nick McMahon.
McMahon says it is a competitive rate, considering the fees and restrictions involved.
“We feel that is it competitive given the nature of the travel restrictions,” says McMahon. “We’ve been told by customers that their alternative is to drive up to Toronto, which is a 3-4 hour drive, park at the airport, then take a commercial flight.”
McMahon says they have streamlined the process.
“Everybody has been very positive,” says McMahon. “People that have used us have had needs obviously here in the US, whether they’re property owners or they do business in the United States. They need to get over here no matter what.”
He says there is a combination of business and personal travel reasons.
“Part of the customs form does ask why you are travelling, but a few people have been for medical reason. A few people have been for personal travel,” says McMahon.
The company has informs the passengers of the customs regulations and documentation required before departure. McMahon is a FAA and Transport Canada licensed air carrier.
“You just simply fill out a passenger manifest, we’ll send you a payment link and all the information you need and in 15 minutes you can be in Detroit,” adds McMahon.
He anticipates the company will offer the service until the Windsor-Detroit land border reopens with less restrictions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
developing A bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.