The U.S. Department of Transportation has tentatively
approved eight U.S. airlines to fly United States-Havana flights as diplomatic
relations between the United States and Cuba thaw. Flights can begin in the
fall. While 20 United States-Havana round-trips per day were available, 12
airlines applied for 60 flights. The DOT awarded service to areas with substantial
Cuban-American populations and to aviation hubs, according to a press release,
which said the department also prioritized variety of airports, choice of
nonstop and connecting flights and type of airline, from network to low-cost to
ultra-low-cost.
The DOT's proposal:
- Alaska Airlines: once a day from Los Angeles
- American Airlines: four times a day from Miami & once a
day from Charlotte
- Delta Airlines: once a day from New York John F. Kennedy
International Airport, once a day from Atlanta & once a day from Miami
- Frontier Airlines: once a day from Miami
- JetBlue Airways: twice a day from Fort Lauderdale except once
a day on Saturdays, once a day from JFK & once a day from Orlando
- Southwest Airlines: Twice a day from Fort Lauderdale &
once a day from Tampa
- Spirit Airlines: Twice a day from Fort Lauderdale
- United Airlines: Once a day from Newark International
Airport & once a day on Saturdays from Houston
The DOT previously had awarded flights between the United
States and other
Cuban cities.
Objections to the DOT’s choice of carriers to fly to Havana
are due by July 22, and answers will be provided by July 29. The DOT expects to
reach a final decision this summer.
What Kind of Travel
Is Allowed
According to an agreement that U.S. Transportation Secretary
Anthony Foxx and U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for Economic and
Business Affairs Charles Rivkin signed on Feb. 16 to resume scheduled air
service between the two countries after more than 50 years, the U.S. Department
of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control authorizes travel from the
United States to Cuba for family visits; official business of the U.S. government,
foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalism;
professional research and professional meetings; education; religion; public
performances, clinics, workshops, athletic, other competitions and exhibitions;
"support for the Cuban people"; humanitarian projects; private
foundation, research and educational work; exportation, importation or
transmission of information or information materials; and certain authorized
export transactions.
The agreement also allows use of U.S. credit and debit cards
in Cuba and removes a per diem the U.S. had placed on authorized travelers'
expenses, so there is no limit on what travelers can spend on living expenses,
goods and consumption.
Charter flights from the United States to Cuba
will continue to be unlimited.