US gives tentative OK to flights to Cuba from 10 US cities

Originally, 12 United States airlines applied for licences to operate scheduled passenger and cargo service to Havana amounting to almost 60 flights a day which well exceeds the 20 daily flights agreed between the two governments.

“Reopening travel relations with Cuba is about more than just restoring the freedom to travel there for all Americans —it’s about opening Cuba to new ideas, new values and improved human rights that our 50-year-old policy of isolation could not achieve”, said Sen. “U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and United recognize the very significant economic and consumer benefits these flights will bring to Houston-area residents, travelers, businesses and entrepreneurs”.

As part of the push to normalize relations, U.S. President Barack Obama has loosened “people-to-people” cultural and educational visits to Cuba, and Americans are now able to plan their own trips and self-certify that they comply with U.S. regulations.

A dozen US airlines applied for the chance to operate scheduled passenger and cargo service to Havana.

Other airlines tentatively selected are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.

USA citizens hoping to visit Cuba must have a VISA and fall under one of twelve approved categories. There are still limitations on who can travel, and in order to visit, you have to meet one of 12 qualifications, which include visiting family, journalistic activities, religious activities and more.

The carriers were chosen with the aim of having a variety of airlines – from expensive to low-priced – and from a wide range of airports and cities with extensive Cuban populations, USA officials said.

Currently, the first commercial flight to Cuba is set to be flown by Silver Airways on September 1 from Fort Lauderdale to Santa Clara.

DOT has only issued a tentative decision, and airlines will not be authorized to sell tickets or operate scheduled flights until a final decision is reached sometime later this summer. Many US airlines are already gearing up to begin scheduled service to Cuba.