A few weeks ago it was announced that commercial air service from Tampa to Havana, Cuba had been granted flight access by the Aviation Authority. Soon thereafter, the first commercial flight departed with a little over 100 people aboard. And now, a plan for regular, weekly service from Tampa to Cuba has been solidified via ABC charters, charter flights operated by American Airlines.
Effective November 22, these flights will depart each Tuesday from Tampa International Airport and land in a second Cuban city called Holguin.
Earlier this year, the Obama administration loosened restrictions on America to Cuba air travel making it easier for Cuban Americans to visit family and other Americans to visit on vacation. That isn't to say you can just hop on any ABC Charter plane and head down to Cuba.
Americans wishing to travel to Cuba must sign up through an authorized tour program. There are around eight authorized programs now including Insight Travel. Many more agencies has applied for approval following recent developments. A trip to Cuba through one of these agencies will run you around $1,500 for a weekend and upwards of $4,000 for a week. Trips like these are run under heavy regulation from the U.S. government. They stick to strict itineraries and focus on cultural education much more than beach relaxation and partying.
Hopefully one day, we'll be able to travel to and from Cuba without restriction, but for now, these flights seem to be a good start.
