With the easing of tensions between the United States and Cuba and the recent visit by President Obama to the island nation, travel rules between the two countries have been somewhat relaxed. Northeastern has been granted FAA approval to fly its charter aircraft to Cuba and now offers private charters to Cuba.
Cuba, roughly 780 miles long, located in the Caribbean Sea and 90 miles from Florida, has been off-limits to most American travelers. However, the categories of people who can now travel to Cuba have been expanded. Visiting just for tourism is still forbidden. But the new regulations open up this culturally rich paradise to more American visitors.
WHY PRIVATE CHARTER TO CUBA NOW?
Cuba is a geographically and architecturally rich island with forests, tobacco fields, colonial cities, rugged mountains, and rivers.
Cuba’s most famous cities, Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, display brightly painted 
Spanish-Colonial buildings, cobblestoned streets, mambo rhythms and bustling neighborhoods. According to USA Today, many of Cuba’s architectural Spanish-Colonial buildings have been pristinely preserved including the San Pedro del la Roca Castle in Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba, and the Urban Center of Cienfuegos, a Spanish colony founded in 1819.
Cuba is a car enthusiasts dream. American cars from the 1950s fill Cuban streets due to a law requiring government permission to buy a new foreign car. Cubans have learned how to preserve their vintage American cars.
Agriculturally, Southeast Cuba has an abundance of coffee plantations dating back to the 1800’s. Hundreds of unspoiled white-sand beaches access both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Rugged mountains and ecological preserves provide for challenging hikes and bird watching.
Cuban art and music has been influenced by African and European traditions, making Cuba a fascinating travel destination for those in search of unique art and soulful music.
CHARTERS TO CUBA FROM THE UNITED STATES
Provided that you meet certain criteria, it is possible to fly direct to Cuba from the United States. Keep in mind that travel to Cuba as a tourist is still banned, but you can travel providing you fall under the 12 categories outlined by the U.S. Government. These categories include:
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activity
- Professional research and professional meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
- Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.
In addition, under current guidelines, below are the 19 gateway airports that your charter flight must depart from and return to. There is no requirement for you to leave and return to the same airport:
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (KATL)
- Austin (KAUS)
- Baltimore (KBWI)
- Chicago O’Hare (KORD)
- Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW)
- Fort Lauderdale (KFLL)
- George Bush (KIAH)
- John F. Kennedy (KJFK)
- Los Angeles (KLAX)
- Key West (KEYW)
- Miami (KMIA)
- New Orleans (KMSY)
- Oakland (KOAK)
- Orlando (KMCO)
- Palm Beach (KPBI)
- Pittsburgh (KPIT)
- San Juan (TJSJ)
- Ft. Myers (KRSW)
- Tampa (KTPA)
So, if you are contemplating a visit to Cuba, let Northeastern Aviation handle the details. While it may seem intimidating, our experienced charter coordinators can help you plan your travel by offering assistance with every detail of your flight, from ground transportation to 24/7 concierge service and in-flight gourmet catering. Should your travel be domestic or international, Northeastern can provide you with the ultimate in convenience and luxury.
If you want to experience ‘authentic Cuba’, now is the time to plan your trip. Call us today at 1-800-234-0046 or click here to request a quote!
