Contact Us

FAQs

• The Service

  Question	Answer
  Will you fly to both Tresco and St Mary's?	Penzance Helicopters is the only service to fly to both Tresco and St Mary’s. Both islands provide excellent onward connections to Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes.
  How much do the flight cost?	Standard flight prices start from £122.50 one way. Prices and availability can be seen on the booking page.
  How long is the flight?	Your flight will take around 15 minutes and passes out across Mount’s Bay and the West Cornwall peninsula and coast before heading across to the Isles of Scilly.
  How many passengers do your helicopters carry?	Using an AW139 we can carry up to 15 passengers per flight.
  Will passengers with mobility difficulties be able to use the helicopter?	One of our overriding aims is to improve access to the Isles of Scilly for all, and we will do all we can to make all passengers welcome, within the constraints of safety regulations and the size and layout of the aircraft. Please inform us of any disability or reduced mobility at the time of booking. Depending on the nature of your disability, we may ask you to travel with another passenger who can provide the necessary assistance. For further information, please contact us.
  Can my Assistance Dog travel on the flight?	Assistance Dogs will be carried free of charge but please inform us of this requirement at the time of booking. We reserve the right to make a charge if an adjacent seat has to be removed to accommodate a passenger with an Assistance Dog.
  Can my dog or other animal travel with me?	We hope to take dogs and other small animals onboard soon; please check back for details. Assistance dogs will be carried free of charge but please inform us of this requirement at the time of booking. We reserve the right to make a charge if an adjacent seat has to be removed to accommodate a passenger with an assistance dog.
  Will the helicopter service operate all year round?	Yes, we aim to provide access to and from the islands throughout the year and anticipate flying six days a week all year.
  Are there toilets and refreshments onboard?	Due to the short flight and the size of the aircraft there are no refreshment facilities or toilets onboard our helicopter.
  How much time do I need to leave to arrive for onward travel?	Check-in closes 45 minutes before the departure so it is imperative that you leave yourself plenty of time to make your flight without the need to rush. Please allow enough time for checking-in, collecting luggage, and possibly refreshments. If you have any questions about time allowance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Penzance Helicopters cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations, or missed departures that may affect your onward travel.
  I am pregnant. Can I fly with you?	This depends on the stage of your pregnancy at the time of your return flight: From 27 weeks to 36 weeks: Please provide a valid Doctor’s or Midwife’s certificate stating you are fit to travel. From 36 weeks: Please provide a valid Doctor’s or Midwife’s certificate stating you are fit to travel, issued within 7 days of departure. We will need to provide consent in writing to you travelling. At or past due date: Please provide a valid Doctor’s or Midwife’s certificate stating you are fit to travel, issued within 24 hours of departure. We will need to provide consent in writing to you travelling and you must be accompanied by an escort.

  Question & Answer
  Will you fly to both Tresco and St Mary's? Penzance Helicopters is the only service to fly to both Tresco and St Mary’s. Both islands provide excellent onward connections to Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes.
  How much do the flight cost? Standard flight prices start from £122.50 one way. Prices and availability can be seen on the booking page.
  How long is the flight? Your flight will take around 15 minutes and passes out across Mount’s Bay and the West Cornwall peninsula and coast before heading across to the Isles of Scilly.
  How many passengers do your helicopters carry? Using an AW139 we can carry up to 15 passengers per flight.
  Will passengers with mobility difficulties be able to use the helicopter? One of our overriding aims is to improve access to the Isles of Scilly for all, and we will do all we can to make all passengers welcome, within the constraints of safety regulations and the size and layout of the aircraft. Please inform us of any disability or reduced mobility at the time of booking. Depending on the nature of your disability, we may ask you to travel with another passenger who can provide the necessary assistance. For further information, please contact us.
  Can my Assistance Dog travel on the flight? Assistance Dogs will be carried free of charge but please inform us of this requirement at the time of booking. We reserve the right to make a charge if an adjacent seat has to be removed to accommodate a passenger with an Assistance Dog.
  Can my dog or other animal travel with me? We hope to take dogs and other small animals onboard soon; please check back for details. Assistance dogs will be carried free of charge but please inform us of this requirement at the time of booking. We reserve the right to make a charge if an adjacent seat has to be removed to accommodate a passenger with an assistance dog.
  Will the helicopter service operate all year round? Yes, we aim to provide access to and from the islands throughout the year and anticipate flying six days a week all year.
  Are there toilets and refreshments onboard? Due to the short flight and the size of the aircraft there are no refreshment facilities or toilets onboard our helicopter.
  How much time do I need to leave to arrive for onward travel? Check-in closes 45 minutes before the departure so it is imperative that you leave yourself plenty of time to make your flight without the need to rush. Please allow enough time for checking-in, collecting luggage, and possibly refreshments. If you have any questions about time allowance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Penzance Helicopters cannot be held responsible for any delays, cancellations, or missed departures that may affect your onward travel.
  I am pregnant. Can I fly with you? This depends on the stage of your pregnancy at the time of your return flight: From 27 weeks to 36 weeks: Please provide a valid Doctor’s or Midwife’s certificate stating you are fit to travel. From 36 weeks: Please provide a valid Doctor’s or Midwife’s certificate stating you are fit to travel, issued within 7 days of departure. We will need to provide consent in writing to you travelling. At or past due date: Please provide a valid Doctor’s or Midwife’s certificate stating you are fit to travel, issued within 24 hours of departure. We will need to provide consent in writing to you travelling and you must be accompanied by an escort.

• Travelling with Children

  Question	Answer
  Is there a minimum age for passengers?	Infants (under two years old) and children (aged between two and 11) are allowed on the flights. Please note there is a maximum of two infants permitted per flight. Please do inform us beforehand if a child’s pushchair or similar will be carried onboard.
  Can my child travel unaccompanied?	This depends on their age. Passengers under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a passenger over the age of 18 who will take full responsibility for them. Passengers between 12 and 16 years of age may travel unaccompanied provided they have a completed consent form and a copy of their parent or guardian’s passport or identity document.
  Do you offer cheaper fares for children?	Yes, a reduced fare of £102.50 (one-way) is available for children aged between 2 and 11.

  Question & Answer
  Is there a minimum age for passengers? Infants (under two years old) and children (aged between two and 11) are allowed on the flights. Please note there is a maximum of two infants permitted per flight. Please do inform us beforehand if a child’s pushchair or similar will be carried onboard.
  Can my child travel unaccompanied? This depends on their age. Passengers under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a passenger over the age of 18 who will take full responsibility for them. Passengers between 12 and 16 years of age may travel unaccompanied provided they have a completed consent form and a copy of their parent or guardian’s passport or identity document.
  Do you offer cheaper fares for children? Yes, a reduced fare of £102.50 (one-way) is available for children aged between 2 and 11.

• Luggage

  Question	Answer
  How much luggage can I bring?	We are delighted to offer a generous inclusive luggage allowance of 20kg per passenger. Each passenger may check in one item of luggage to be carried in the hold of the aircraft. Bags should be soft and are limited to a size of 70 x 39 x 31 cm. No single bag should weigh over 20kg. Passengers may also carry a small item aboard the aircraft, such as a small handbag, coat, book, camera or binoculars.
  Can I purchase excess luggage?	We may permit excess luggage at our absolute discretion, provided it is booked in advance and at a charge of £10 for up to an extra 5kg. If the excess luggage cannot be carried on your flight due to payload it will be carried on the next available flight with sufficient space.
  Can I carry sporting equipment such as golf clubs and bicycles?	These items may be carried, subject to availability and space, but will be in addition to your luggage allowance and charged as excess luggage.
  Are there items I cannot take in my luggage?	You must not carry the following items in your luggage: compressed gases; corrosives; explosives; flammable liquids and solids; radioactive materials; poisons; infectious substances; oxidising materials; or briefcases with installed alarm devices. At our discretion we may refuse to carry other items deemed dangerous, unsafe, too heavy, fragile or perishable or because of their shape and character. Firearms and ammunition are prohibited from carriage, except for hunting and sporting purposes. For full details on items prohibited from carriage, please see our full Conditions of Carriage.

  Question & Answer
  How much luggage can I bring? We are delighted to offer a generous inclusive luggage allowance of 20kg per passenger. Each passenger may check in one item of luggage to be carried in the hold of the aircraft. Bags should be soft and are limited to a size of 70 x 39 x 31 cm. No single bag should weigh over 20kg. Passengers may also carry a small item aboard the aircraft, such as a small handbag, coat, book, camera or binoculars.
  Can I purchase excess luggage? We may permit excess luggage at our absolute discretion, provided it is booked in advance and at a charge of £10 for up to an extra 5kg. If the excess luggage cannot be carried on your flight due to payload it will be carried on the next available flight with sufficient space.
  Can I carry sporting equipment such as golf clubs and bicycles? These items may be carried, subject to availability and space, but will be in addition to your luggage allowance and charged as excess luggage.
  Are there items I cannot take in my luggage? You must not carry the following items in your luggage: compressed gases; corrosives; explosives; flammable liquids and solids; radioactive materials; poisons; infectious substances; oxidising materials; or briefcases with installed alarm devices. At our discretion we may refuse to carry other items deemed dangerous, unsafe, too heavy, fragile or perishable or because of their shape and character. Firearms and ammunition are prohibited from carriage, except for hunting and sporting purposes. For full details on items prohibited from carriage, please see our full Conditions of Carriage.

• Check-In

  Question	Answer
  When should I check-in for my flight?	We recommend you check-in one hour before your flight. Check-in closes 45 minutes before your flight departure time. After this time you may have to book a new ticket at your own cost.
  Is there car parking available at Penzance Heliport?	Yes, there is parking for around 270 cars at Penzance Heliport and this will be at a rate of £7 per day, payable on exit. You can also reach the heliport by public transport using the bus and train. There is an electric shuttle-bus that runs regularly from Penzance rail station.
  Do I have to bring identification to check-in?	Yes, you will need to present a valid proof of identity at check in. This can be a valid passport; valid photographic driving licence; Citizen card; a school; college or university identity card; a valid government; armed forces or police identity card; or a council-issued photo bus pass. Children aged 16 and under accompanied by an adult do not need identification.

  Question & Answer
  When should I check-in for my flight? We recommend you check-in one hour before your flight. Check-in closes 45 minutes before your flight departure time. After this time you may have to book a new ticket at your own cost.
  Is there car parking available at Penzance Heliport? Yes, there is parking for around 270 cars at Penzance Heliport and this will be at a rate of £7 per day, payable on exit. You can also reach the heliport by public transport using the bus and train. There is an electric shuttle-bus that runs regularly from Penzance rail station.
  Do I have to bring identification to check-in? Yes, you will need to present a valid proof of identity at check in. This can be a valid passport; valid photographic driving licence; Citizen card; a school; college or university identity card; a valid government; armed forces or police identity card; or a council-issued photo bus pass. Children aged 16 and under accompanied by an adult do not need identification.

• Amendments, Delays and Cancellations

  Question	Answer
  Can I amend my ticket?	Flights can be amended up to 24 hours before departure. The amendment fee will be 10% of the total original price paid for each passenger for whom an amendment has been made, and any difference in fare. Within 24 hours of departure you will need to purchase a new ticket at your own expense.
  Can I cancel my ticket?	You may cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before your flight and receive a partial refund on your total fare. If you cancel your booking more than 14 days before your flight you will be refunded 80% of the fare paid. If you cancel less than 14 days but more than 48 hours before your flight, you will be refunded 50% of the fare paid. If you cancel within 48 hours of your flight you will not receive any refund.
  What happens if my flight is delayed?	If we change the flight time or cancel, delay or divert a flight, we shall make reasonable efforts to inform the Booker of the changes or delays, using the contact details provided to us upon booking.
  Do I still have to go to the Heliport if my flight has been delayed?	If we have to delay a flight, we shall inform the booker of the delays using the contact details provided and will advise when they should go to the heliport.
  The weather doesn’t look bad here. Why is my flight cancelled?	We never cancel a flight unless it is completely necessary. We follow very strict guidelines with regards to flying in hostile weather conditions and therefore flight schedules are never disrupted without cause. Although weather conditions and visibility may appear suitable for flying from one location, this does not mean that the arrival destination has the same appropriate conditions for landing safely.
  What options do I have now that my flight has been cancelled?	If we have to cancel a flight, you will have a choice of re-booking your flight with us at a different date and time, or obtaining a refund in accordance. We may be able to assist you re-booking with an alternative air carrier or other transport provider.
  Do I need travel insurance? Do you offer this?	We strongly recommend that you have sufficient travel insurance in place to cover disruption to your flight due to bad weather or other eventualities. You should ensure your insurance provides cover for, among other liabilities, delayed flights; cancellations; lost luggage and money; accidents; personal liability; and medical expenses.

  Question & Answer
  Can I amend my ticket? Flights can be amended up to 24 hours before departure. The amendment fee will be 10% of the total original price paid for each passenger for whom an amendment has been made, and any difference in fare. Within 24 hours of departure you will need to purchase a new ticket at your own expense.
  Can I cancel my ticket? You may cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before your flight and receive a partial refund on your total fare. If you cancel your booking more than 14 days before your flight you will be refunded 80% of the fare paid. If you cancel less than 14 days but more than 48 hours before your flight, you will be refunded 50% of the fare paid. If you cancel within 48 hours of your flight you will not receive any refund.
  What happens if my flight is delayed? If we change the flight time or cancel, delay or divert a flight, we shall make reasonable efforts to inform the Booker of the changes or delays, using the contact details provided to us upon booking.
  Do I still have to go to the Heliport if my flight has been delayed? If we have to delay a flight, we shall inform the booker of the delays using the contact details provided and will advise when they should go to the heliport.
  The weather doesn’t look bad here. Why is my flight cancelled? We never cancel a flight unless it is completely necessary. We follow very strict guidelines with regards to flying in hostile weather conditions and therefore flight schedules are never disrupted without cause. Although weather conditions and visibility may appear suitable for flying from one location, this does not mean that the arrival destination has the same appropriate conditions for landing safely.
  What options do I have now that my flight has been cancelled? If we have to cancel a flight, you will have a choice of re-booking your flight with us at a different date and time, or obtaining a refund in accordance. We may be able to assist you re-booking with an alternative air carrier or other transport provider.
  Do I need travel insurance? Do you offer this? We strongly recommend that you have sufficient travel insurance in place to cover disruption to your flight due to bad weather or other eventualities. You should ensure your insurance provides cover for, among other liabilities, delayed flights; cancellations; lost luggage and money; accidents; personal liability; and medical expenses.

There will be a preferential rate for Island residents, details will be announced in due course.

If your question is not answered here, visit the contact us page and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.