Bilt Cash Now Redeemable for Blade Helicopter Flights

Bilt Rewards members can now redeem Bilt Cash and Bilt Points for Blade helicopter transfers, a highly anticipated feature that was previously listed as "coming soon." This new redemption option became available in the Bilt app this week, allowing users to book flights between Manhattan and major New York City area airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The integration aims to provide a faster alternative to ground transportation, bypassing traffic congestion.

Under the new redemption structure, Bilt members can use Bilt Cash for up to two Blade flights per calendar year. Each seat can be covered by up to $350 in Bilt Cash. Scheduled helicopter transfers between Manhattan and JFK or EWR typically range from $200 to $250 per seat. This means that in many cases, the $350 Bilt Cash limit per seat may be sufficient to cover the entire cost. However, for longer routes, such as flights to the Hamptons which start at $795 per seat, members may need to supplement the Bilt Cash amount with cash or additional Bilt Points to cover the remaining balance.

Bilt Cash was introduced earlier this year as part of Bilt's 2.0 transformation, offering cardholders a new way to earn rewards. A key consideration for Bilt members is that only $100 of Bilt Cash earned rolls over at the end of the year. This rollover limit has created some urgency for members to find ways to utilize their earned Bilt Cash before the year-end deadline, making the addition of Blade flight redemptions a timely development.

For instance, new applicants for the Bilt Palladium Card could receive $300 in Bilt Cash as part of their welcome offer, alongside 50,000 bonus points and Bilt Gold status. This welcome bonus alone could significantly offset the cost of several Blade flights, especially when combined with the ability to use Bilt Points for any remaining balance. The ability to combine Bilt Cash and Bilt Points offers flexibility for members to book these premium travel experiences.