Prohibited Items

IEX Helicopters (Island Express Helicopters Inc.) is a federally regulated Air Carrier. The following items are prohibited from being carried on any aircraft without prior notification and legal exemption from federal regulations: Weapons and ammunition and anything that could potentially be used as a weapon, hazardous materials i.e. explosives, flammable items, lithium batteries, propane, etc., illegal drugs and contraband including marijuana. 

Weight Limits

We are required to complete weight and balance calculations before each flight therefore guests are required to submit their approximate body weights when making a reservation. Depending on the type of aircraft and the number of passengers, body-weight and size limits may apply. All passengers are weighed at check-in, and we reserve the right to refuse service if there is a significant discrepancy between the given weights. Please be as accurate as possible when submitting your weight.

Cancellation Policy

We require 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel or change your flight. Private Charter flights & Tours require 72 hours’ notice. Due to the cost associated with operating the aircraft, you will be charged the full amount of your flight if you cancel after this time.

Check-In Time

All guests must check-in 30 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time. To maintain our flight schedule, reservations are held until 15 minutes before departure. Reservations are automatically canceled after this point with no change or refund options. For Catalina Island flights we recommend arriving up to 45 minutes early to allow for traffic, parking, and check-in.

Baggage

The maximum baggage allowance is 25 lbs per guest. Helicopters have limited cargo holds, therefore please use soft-sided bags that do not exceed the dimensions of standard carry-on luggage (L22″ x W9″ x H18″). Please let us know in advance if you intend to bring any large or odd-shaped baggage with you. We cannot guarantee accommodating coolers at this time. Please remember to review the list of prohibited items before making a reservation.

Children and Infants

All infants who have reached their second birthday must have their own seats. This is an FAA regulatory requirement for their safety and is beyond our control. Infants who have not reached their 2nd birthday may travel on a parent’s lap. Please provide proof of age for all children under the age of two.

Traveling with Animals

All animals fall under this policy regardless of whether they are a “trained service animal”, an “emotional support animal” or a pet. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 382.117 states in part that we: “must permit the service animal to accompany the passenger with a disability at any seat in which the passenger sits, unless the animal obstructs an aisle or other area that must remain unobstructed to facilitate an emergency evacuation.” All helicopter seats are exit row and aisle seating.  For this reason, many helicopter operators have instituted a complete ban on animals in the cabin.  IEX Helicopters will allow animals with the following restrictions which are necessary to fully protect passengers and promote the safe operation of the aircraft.  In order to manage animals who may become stressed or traumatized by the noisy environment of the helicopter, and to prevent unwanted access to flight controls, we cannot accommodate un-restrained animals in the cabin.

Passengers are permitted to transport animals less than 25 pounds in the cabin on your lap, in middle seats only, in a pet carrier not to exceed the following dimensions: length 24”, by width 16” and height 18”.  All other animals can be transported in a carrier in the baggage compartment of the aircraft. All companion animals must comply with this policy regardless of whether they are a “trained service animal”, an “emotional support animal” or a “pet”. We continue to support the rights of all our customers, however, a reasonable restriction that ensures the safety of your flight must always come first. Our priority at IEX Helicopters is the safety of our guests, staff, and the safety of our aircraft in flight. Please contact our guest relations department for a list of animals that are not permitted to fly.

Guests with Restricted Mobility

The Federal Aviation Administration’s rule (Title 14 CFR § 121.585) on exit row seating says that air carriers may place in exit rows only persons who can perform a series of functions necessary in an emergency evacuation. Exit row seats are located in the same row as the emergency exit doors of the aircraft, therefore all seats on a helicopter count as exit row seats.  

While our personnel will assist with loading and unloading passengers, we strongly encourage guests who are unable to perform the required exit row functions to have an accompanying individual with them who is willing and able to do it.  

We always strive to accommodate all baggage however, passenger-helicopters have limited cargo holds. We encourage guests to use lightweight wheelchairs with flip-back armrests, removable wheels, foldable foot- and backrests, and removable push handles. While wheelchairs and other mobility aids do not count towards the general 25 lbs/pax luggage allowance we cannot guarantee to transport equipment that exceeds cargo hold limitations.

If you have any questions or concerns please give our Guest Relations Team a call and they will be happy to assist you.

Alcohol and Drugs

Per Federal Air Regulation, passengers who are or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused service.

Force Majeure

We are not responsible for adverse elements beyond our control, i.e. weather or mechanical breakdown.

Trip Protection

IEX Helicopters offers optional Ticket Protection, allowing passengers to change or cancel their seats up to one hour before their scheduled departure time. It covers against last-minute changes and cancellations at a fee of $15 one way or $30 for a round-trip flight per person. The Ticket Protection add-on itself is non-refundable however it guarantees a refund of the full amount of every seat that it is purchased with.
Passengers may only purchase Trip Protection at the time of booking, it cannot be added at a later time.
Trip Protection is a product of IEX Helicopters and NOT travel insurance backed by an insurance underwriter.
Trip Protection does not cover against “no-shows”. In case of a “no-show”, the entire reservation (incl. the return leg as well as add-ons and extra bags) will be charged. In case of a change, Trip Protection guarantees seats on the next available flight however in some cases this may not be on the same day. Trip Protection allows for 1 change per person per reservation leg.

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For any questions please feel free to call 800-228-2566 or email FLY@iexhelicopters.com. Thank you for flying with IEX Helicopters!