Jan 17, 2015, 12:47 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United Airlines Service to Havana Starts November 29
Book your flight to Havana from New York/Newark and Houston today
CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The countdown to Cuba is officially underway at United Airlines after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the company final approval to launch service to Havana from two of its hubs this fall. Beginning Nov. 29, United will start daily nonstop flights to the Cuban capital from New York/Newark and Saturday nonstop service from Houston with both services subject to government approval. Customers can begin booking flights to Havana via united.com today.
Since the DOT announced its preliminary Havana route awards in July, United has been working closely with the Cuban government to prepare for the start of its operation into José Martí International Airport.
"I'm incredibly proud of all the dedicated aviation professionals here at United who are working hard to get our historic Cuba service ready for takeoff in November," said Oscar Munoz, United's CEO. "The final approval by the DOT reaffirms that our flights will ensure better choice, convenience and competition for all travelers on this important route, and I want to thank the DOT for their decision."
United's services to Havana will mark the company's 13th new international route launched in 2016. Since March, United has started nonstop service between the U.S. and Auckland, New Zealand; Tel Aviv, Israel; Xi'an, China; Singapore; Hangzhou, China; Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Nassau, Bahamas, and Lisbon, Portugal.
Book your flight to Havana from New York/Newark and Houston today
CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The countdown to Cuba is officially underway at United Airlines after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the company final approval to launch service to Havana from two of its hubs this fall. Beginning Nov. 29, United will start daily nonstop flights to the Cuban capital from New York/Newark and Saturday nonstop service from Houston with both services subject to government approval. Customers can begin booking flights to Havana via united.com today.
Since the DOT announced its preliminary Havana route awards in July, United has been working closely with the Cuban government to prepare for the start of its operation into José Martí International Airport.
"I'm incredibly proud of all the dedicated aviation professionals here at United who are working hard to get our historic Cuba service ready for takeoff in November," said Oscar Munoz, United's CEO. "The final approval by the DOT reaffirms that our flights will ensure better choice, convenience and competition for all travelers on this important route, and I want to thank the DOT for their decision."
United's services to Havana will mark the company's 13th new international route launched in 2016. Since March, United has started nonstop service between the U.S. and Auckland, New Zealand; Tel Aviv, Israel; Xi'an, China; Singapore; Hangzhou, China; Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Nassau, Bahamas, and Lisbon, Portugal.
U.S. Department of Transportation awards United flights to Havana from its global gateways in New York/Newark and Houston
Airline expects to offer its first flights to Havana by fall 2016
CHICAGO, July 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, United Airlines customers will have a historic opportunity to board one of the first commercial flights to Havana, Cuba in more than a half century. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) tentatively awarded the airline nonstop flights to the Cuban capital from its global gateways in New York/Newark and Houston. By providing access from key, geographically diverse locations across the U.S., United's newly awarded routes will help ensure better choice, convenience and competition for travelers between the United States and Cuba.
"These flights open the door to a new world of travel and opportunities for our customers," said Oscar Munoz, United's president and CEO. "We are proud of the important and historic role our airline will play in connecting the U.S. and Cuba, as commercial air travel takes flight between these countries for the first time in more than 50 years."
United expects to begin its first flight to Cuba from New York/Newark and Houston later this year, which would make it one of the first U.S. airlines to provide commercial service to Havana – and the first airline to offer U.S.-Havana service from outside Florida.
Daily nonstop service from New York/Newark (EWR)
United's daily nonstop flight from Newark Liberty International Airport will provide unique value in serving the New York City/Newark region, the largest metropolitan area in the country and home to the second-largest population of Cuban Americans. For more than 20 years, United has offered the New York City/Newark region the most flights to the most destinations around the world.
"Today is an exciting day for people who want the opportunity and better options to visit Cuba," said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. "Newark will benefit greatly from United's new competition in the U.S.-Cuba market, which will spur economic activity and job creation in our area. United service enables the nearly 80,000 Cuban Americans living in New Jersey – along with many more Americans throughout the largest metropolitan area in the country – new travel choices and business development opportunities. I thank Secretary Foxx and the DOT for recognizing the value of this route, and want to also thank United Airlines for supporting Newark as a gateway to Cuba."
Saturday nonstop service from Houston (IAH)
Recognized by "Trusted Traveler Network" as one of the most international-friendly points of entry for foreign travelers, Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport is United's gateway to Latin America. United offers 91 daily nonstop flights to 52 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean from its Houston hub. Bush Intercontinental will be an important gateway for service to Havana and will directly connect 20 markets across the central and western United States to Cuba with just one stop. The Cuban-American population in the Houston metropolitan area ranks among the top ten cities in the country.
"Secretary Anthony Foxx and the U.S. Department of Transportation made an outstanding decision by approving United Airline's application for Saturday service between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Havana's Jose Marti international Airport," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. "Secretary Foxx and United both recognized the very significant economic and consumer benefits these flights to Cuba will bring to Houston-area residents, travelers, businesses and entrepreneurs. While there are nearly 20,000 Cuban Americans in Houston alone, United's service will also connect communities across the central and western U.S. Again, I would like to thank Secretary Foxx and United Airlines for making our great city one of the first new gateways to Cuba."
Airline expects to offer its first flights to Havana by fall 2016
CHICAGO, July 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, United Airlines customers will have a historic opportunity to board one of the first commercial flights to Havana, Cuba in more than a half century. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) tentatively awarded the airline nonstop flights to the Cuban capital from its global gateways in New York/Newark and Houston. By providing access from key, geographically diverse locations across the U.S., United's newly awarded routes will help ensure better choice, convenience and competition for travelers between the United States and Cuba.
"These flights open the door to a new world of travel and opportunities for our customers," said Oscar Munoz, United's president and CEO. "We are proud of the important and historic role our airline will play in connecting the U.S. and Cuba, as commercial air travel takes flight between these countries for the first time in more than 50 years."
United expects to begin its first flight to Cuba from New York/Newark and Houston later this year, which would make it one of the first U.S. airlines to provide commercial service to Havana – and the first airline to offer U.S.-Havana service from outside Florida.
Daily nonstop service from New York/Newark (EWR)
United's daily nonstop flight from Newark Liberty International Airport will provide unique value in serving the New York City/Newark region, the largest metropolitan area in the country and home to the second-largest population of Cuban Americans. For more than 20 years, United has offered the New York City/Newark region the most flights to the most destinations around the world.
"Today is an exciting day for people who want the opportunity and better options to visit Cuba," said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. "Newark will benefit greatly from United's new competition in the U.S.-Cuba market, which will spur economic activity and job creation in our area. United service enables the nearly 80,000 Cuban Americans living in New Jersey – along with many more Americans throughout the largest metropolitan area in the country – new travel choices and business development opportunities. I thank Secretary Foxx and the DOT for recognizing the value of this route, and want to also thank United Airlines for supporting Newark as a gateway to Cuba."
Saturday nonstop service from Houston (IAH)
Recognized by "Trusted Traveler Network" as one of the most international-friendly points of entry for foreign travelers, Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport is United's gateway to Latin America. United offers 91 daily nonstop flights to 52 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean from its Houston hub. Bush Intercontinental will be an important gateway for service to Havana and will directly connect 20 markets across the central and western United States to Cuba with just one stop. The Cuban-American population in the Houston metropolitan area ranks among the top ten cities in the country.
"Secretary Anthony Foxx and the U.S. Department of Transportation made an outstanding decision by approving United Airline's application for Saturday service between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Havana's Jose Marti international Airport," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. "Secretary Foxx and United both recognized the very significant economic and consumer benefits these flights to Cuba will bring to Houston-area residents, travelers, businesses and entrepreneurs. While there are nearly 20,000 Cuban Americans in Houston alone, United's service will also connect communities across the central and western U.S. Again, I would like to thank Secretary Foxx and United Airlines for making our great city one of the first new gateways to Cuba."
United Airlines Applies to Serve Cuba from Four Global Gateways
Flights from Newark/New York, Houston, Washington and Chicago to Havana will offer greater choice, convenience and competition for customers
UnitedtoCuba.com details benefits of airline's proposed service to customers and communities
CHICAGO, March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today submitted its formal application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to provide service from four of its largest U.S. gateway cities – Newark/New York, Houston, Washington, D.C. and Chicago – to Havana's José Martí International Airport. If approved, United will be one of the first U.S. airlines to offer customers daily, nonstop scheduled service to Cuba.
"This is a historic moment for our company, our employees and, most importantly, our customers," said Oscar Munoz, United's president and chief executive officer. "We want to be the first choice for passengers traveling between the U.S. and Cuba. We're able to offer customers the best access, convenience and connections to and from Havana through our industry-leading global route network, and we're excited to compete for this important service."
United's proposal to DOT outlines its planned service to Havana from hubs serving four of the country's largest Cuban-American populations. The service would include a total of 11 roundtrip flights per week with daily service from Newark Liberty and one additional Saturday flight (eight weekly flights), along with a Saturday-only flight from Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Washington Dulles and Chicago O'Hare (three weekly flights). If United's application is approved, service to Havana on these routes will be operated with United Wi-Fi-equipped Boeing 737-800 two-cabin aircraft featuring 16 United First, 90 United Economy and 48 extra legroom United Economy Plus seats.
Flights from Newark/New York, Houston, Washington and Chicago to Havana will offer greater choice, convenience and competition for customers
UnitedtoCuba.com details benefits of airline's proposed service to customers and communities
CHICAGO, March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today submitted its formal application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to provide service from four of its largest U.S. gateway cities – Newark/New York, Houston, Washington, D.C. and Chicago – to Havana's José Martí International Airport. If approved, United will be one of the first U.S. airlines to offer customers daily, nonstop scheduled service to Cuba.
"This is a historic moment for our company, our employees and, most importantly, our customers," said Oscar Munoz, United's president and chief executive officer. "We want to be the first choice for passengers traveling between the U.S. and Cuba. We're able to offer customers the best access, convenience and connections to and from Havana through our industry-leading global route network, and we're excited to compete for this important service."
United's proposal to DOT outlines its planned service to Havana from hubs serving four of the country's largest Cuban-American populations. The service would include a total of 11 roundtrip flights per week with daily service from Newark Liberty and one additional Saturday flight (eight weekly flights), along with a Saturday-only flight from Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Washington Dulles and Chicago O'Hare (three weekly flights). If United's application is approved, service to Havana on these routes will be operated with United Wi-Fi-equipped Boeing 737-800 two-cabin aircraft featuring 16 United First, 90 United Economy and 48 extra legroom United Economy Plus seats.
United Airlines plans flights to Cuba from U.S.
Jan 15 {2016} (Reuters) - United Airlines said on Thursday it planned to serve Cuba with flights from Houston and Newark, New Jersey, subject to government approvals.
"We plan to serve Cuba, subject to government approvals, and look forward to doing so from our global gateways of Newark and Houston," spokesman Rahsaan Johnson said in a statement.
Jan 15 {2016} (Reuters) - United Airlines said on Thursday it planned to serve Cuba with flights from Houston and Newark, New Jersey, subject to government approvals.
"We plan to serve Cuba, subject to government approvals, and look forward to doing so from our global gateways of Newark and Houston," spokesman Rahsaan Johnson said in a statement.
UA Service to Havana Starts Nov 29, 2016 - from EWR (daily), IAH (weekly)
Apr 16, 2017, 6:07 pm
#226
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 62
UA in Havana
I just returned to the states after a few days in Havana. Flew UA to/from EWR. Wanted to share a few tips.
1. Visa - as I was coming in from ORD, had to get a visa at the gate in EWR. It's $50/person plus a $25/person processing fee. The line moves slow, so if you have a short connection I'd recommend going right to the gate to get this done. You get a sticker for your BP and a form to fill out that you get stamped at Immigration in Havana and on the way back to the states.
2. Arrival in Havana. Be prepared. Immigration can take a long time! If you have kids, try to go to the lines on the left side of the building. They were holding off pax without kids to give preference to families. At immigration, they take your photo. No questions were asked.
After you get past immigration, you have to go through a metal detector/bag scanner before you get your checked baggage. No bags, you can move toward the exit where your customs forms will be collected.
If you need to exchange to CUC, there is an exchange outside the terminal to the right (so I heard). I got lucky and a cab driver took USD to the hotel.
3. Leaving Havana. Go to Terminal 2! Our driver argued that we had to go to Terminal 3. Cost an extra 10 CUC to get another cab to drive from T3 to T2. Enter on the left. Just push through the crowd if needed. There is a premier checkin line but doesnt seem to mean much.
After checkin, back to immigration Another photo, collect your form. The embarkation card was never looked at or collected. Then through security.
The "gate" is a big waiting room. There's a small cafe and coffee shop. Duty free is mostly booze and cigars. There are only 3 gates. If you are hungry, there isn't much choice so be prepared.
They put out the boarding lane signs when an earlier Eastern flight was boarding. Once the United flight was announced, people had already boarded. There's a premier line but again doesn't seem to mean much. Its a bit of a scrum for a full flight.
4. Flight back to EWR. Limited catering - only snack boxes and such. No hot food, as its only provisioned out of the US. It was interesting to see a number of "security" personnel on the flight and a UA mechanic. One of the neat parts about Havana is the assortment of Soviet and Chinese aircraft. In various states of disrepair.
Don't forget to clap when you land!
1. Visa - as I was coming in from ORD, had to get a visa at the gate in EWR. It's $50/person plus a $25/person processing fee. The line moves slow, so if you have a short connection I'd recommend going right to the gate to get this done. You get a sticker for your BP and a form to fill out that you get stamped at Immigration in Havana and on the way back to the states.
2. Arrival in Havana. Be prepared. Immigration can take a long time! If you have kids, try to go to the lines on the left side of the building. They were holding off pax without kids to give preference to families. At immigration, they take your photo. No questions were asked.
After you get past immigration, you have to go through a metal detector/bag scanner before you get your checked baggage. No bags, you can move toward the exit where your customs forms will be collected.
If you need to exchange to CUC, there is an exchange outside the terminal to the right (so I heard). I got lucky and a cab driver took USD to the hotel.
3. Leaving Havana. Go to Terminal 2! Our driver argued that we had to go to Terminal 3. Cost an extra 10 CUC to get another cab to drive from T3 to T2. Enter on the left. Just push through the crowd if needed. There is a premier checkin line but doesnt seem to mean much.
After checkin, back to immigration Another photo, collect your form. The embarkation card was never looked at or collected. Then through security.
The "gate" is a big waiting room. There's a small cafe and coffee shop. Duty free is mostly booze and cigars. There are only 3 gates. If you are hungry, there isn't much choice so be prepared.
They put out the boarding lane signs when an earlier Eastern flight was boarding. Once the United flight was announced, people had already boarded. There's a premier line but again doesn't seem to mean much. Its a bit of a scrum for a full flight.
4. Flight back to EWR. Limited catering - only snack boxes and such. No hot food, as its only provisioned out of the US. It was interesting to see a number of "security" personnel on the flight and a UA mechanic. One of the neat parts about Havana is the assortment of Soviet and Chinese aircraft. In various states of disrepair.
Don't forget to clap when you land!
Apr 16, 2017, 6:21 pm
#227
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,455
Apr 16, 2017, 8:39 pm
#229
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,455
HAV isn't exactly a backwater airport, but given its relatively small number of 737 operations and the political backdrop, the belt-and-suspenders approach has some merit. If a major repair became necessary, I'm sure UA would fly a 'rescue' flight down with a AOG team of mechanics and a replacement part from HOU, MCO, etc.
May 7, 2017, 8:01 am
#231
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K/MM, AA GLD
Posts: 1,709
UA is applying to go daily on IAH-HAV, from their current 1x weekly, with the option of using either mainline 737s or Mesa E75s:
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2016-0021-1198
(no change to EWR service)
From an armchair CEO perspective, I wish they had also requested 1x weekly ORD-HAV.
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2016-0021-1198
(no change to EWR service)
From an armchair CEO perspective, I wish they had also requested 1x weekly ORD-HAV.
May 7, 2017, 10:23 am
#232
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,011
UA is applying to go daily on IAH-HAV, from their current 1x weekly, with the option of using either mainline 737s or Mesa E75s:
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2016-0021-1198
(no change to EWR service)
From an armchair CEO perspective, I wish they had also requested 1x weekly ORD-HAV.
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2016-0021-1198
(no change to EWR service)
From an armchair CEO perspective, I wish they had also requested 1x weekly ORD-HAV.
May 7, 2017, 11:31 am
#233
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
UA is applying to go daily on IAH-HAV, from their current 1x weekly, with the option of using either mainline 737s or Mesa E75s:
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2016-0021-1198
(no change to EWR service)
From an armchair CEO perspective, I wish they had also requested 1x weekly ORD-HAV.
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2016-0021-1198
(no change to EWR service)
From an armchair CEO perspective, I wish they had also requested 1x weekly ORD-HAV.
Sep 26, 2017, 2:53 pm
#234
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,861
United's daily service application aims to improve air service opportunities to Havana for customers in Houston and 44 other destinations in the central and western U.S.
HOUSTON, Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines (UAL) today completed its application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for authority to provide daily service from Houston to Havana's José Martí International Airport. United's proposal, subject to government approval, will expand its service from Saturday-only to daily service.
Launched in December 2016, United's successful Saturday-only service between Houston and Havana reflects the airline's optimism about future growth potential and will provide customers with greater choice and convenience when planning travel to Havana.
Houston is the only gateway involved in the DOT proceeding not located on the East Coast and is geographically well situated to connecting flights from the central and western U.S. to Havana. As the U.S. airline with the least amount of service to Havana, an increase in service by United will ensure greater competition in the marketplace and will improve air service opportunities to Havana for customers in Houston and 44 other destinations in the central and western U.S.
Houston is a large exporter of raw materials that are in high demand in Cuba, including building materials, drainage and water supply systems, and parts and services related to the oil and gas industry. The Port of Houston exports grains, soybeans, corn, and chicken to Cuba, and Houston's central U.S. location makes the city a prime location for further trade development.
"There are a number of synergies between Cuba and Houston when it comes to energy, medicine, education, the arts – even in sports," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. "United's daily air service from Houston to Havana will greatly increase opportunities to connect family and friends while significantly increasing potential for trade and investment between Houston and Cuba."
"United's application to increase to daily service between Houston and Havana is well supported thanks to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, as well as from Texas Congressmen Kevin Brady, Gene Green, Pete Olson, Ted Poe and the Houston Airport System and the Greater Houston Partnership," said Steve Morrissey, United's vice president of regulatory. "These are just a few examples of the supporters interested in improving air service between Houston and Havana and offering customers throughout the central and western U.S. more opportunities to make convenient connections in Houston."
Onboard products and services
If approved, United will operate service between Houston and Havana with either Boeing 737-800 mainline aircraft or Embraer E175 regional aircraft operated by Mesa Airlines as United Express. United's Embraer E175 two-cabin regional jet offers 12 seats in United First and 64 seats in United Economy, including 16 extra-legroom United Economy Plus seats. United Economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. Additionally, the seats feature an adjustable headrest and a personal on-demand entertainment system.
The E175 also offers more personal space for customers, with wider seats and aisles than other regional aircraft; a power outlet at each United First seat; United Wi-Fi; free access to a library of movies and TV shows that customers can watch on their personal devices, and large overhead bins that can accommodate standard-size carry-on bags.
United in Cuba
Since December 2016, United has provided Saturday-only service to Havana from Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and daily service to Havana from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). United offers the only service to Havana from both Houston and New York/Newark. This year, United Airlines opened its first city ticket office in Havana. The ticket office enables United to provide Cubans and other international customers the opportunity to purchase travel on United Airlines.
Sep 26, 2017, 7:02 pm
#235
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,011
Interesting that they are still planning on expanding service, given that my understanding was that it was going to get harder to go to Cuba from the U.S.
Mar 30, 2018, 6:52 pm
#236
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,861
United and Mesa Airlines Receive Tentative Approval to Increase to Daily Service Between Houston and Havana
United's increased service will improve air service opportunities to Havana for customers in Houston and 44 other destinations in the central and western United States
HOUSTON, March 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today tentatively awarded United Airlines and Mesa Airlines authority to begin offering daily nonstop service between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Havana's José Martí International Airport. Subject to final government approval, United will expand from Saturday-only service to daily service.
"On behalf of United Airlines, we applaud the U.S. Department of Transportation's decision to increase United service between Houston and Havana from Saturday-only to daily," said Steve Morrissey, United's vice president of regulatory and policy. "We also want to congratulate Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, as well as Texas Congressmen Kevin Brady, Gene Green, Pete Olson, Ted Poe, the Houston Airport System, the Greater Houston Partnership and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for supporting our collective goal to improve air service between Houston and Havana and offering customers throughout the central and western United States more opportunities to make convenient connections in Houston."
Launched in December 2016, United's successful Saturday-only service between Houston and Havana has provided thousands of customers with greater choice and convenience when planning travel to Havana.
Houston, United's gateway to Latin America, is geographically well situated to connect flights from the central and western United States to Havana. United's increase in service will ensure greater competition in the marketplace and will improve air service opportunities to Havana for customers in Houston and 44 other destinations in the central and western United States.
Onboard products and services
United plans to operate service between Houston and Havana with either Boeing 737-800 mainline aircraft or Embraer E175 regional aircraft. Mesa Airlines will operate regional jet aircraft as United Express. Embraer E175 two-cabin regional jet offers 12 seats in United First and 64 seats in United Economy, including 16 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats.
United Economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. Additionally, the seats feature adjustable headrests and personal on-demand entertainment systems.
The E175 also offers more personal space for customers, with wider seats and aisles than other regional aircraft; a power outlet at each United First seat; United Wi-Fi; free access to a library of movies and TV shows that customers can watch on their personal devices' and large overhead bins that can accommodate standard-size carry-on bags.
United in Cuba
From Houston, United provides the only service to Havana from the entire central and western United States. In 2017, United Airlines opened its first city ticket office in Havana enabling United to provide Cubans and other international customers the opportunity to purchase travel on United Airlines.
United's increased service will improve air service opportunities to Havana for customers in Houston and 44 other destinations in the central and western United States
HOUSTON, March 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today tentatively awarded United Airlines and Mesa Airlines authority to begin offering daily nonstop service between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Havana's José Martí International Airport. Subject to final government approval, United will expand from Saturday-only service to daily service.
"On behalf of United Airlines, we applaud the U.S. Department of Transportation's decision to increase United service between Houston and Havana from Saturday-only to daily," said Steve Morrissey, United's vice president of regulatory and policy. "We also want to congratulate Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, as well as Texas Congressmen Kevin Brady, Gene Green, Pete Olson, Ted Poe, the Houston Airport System, the Greater Houston Partnership and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for supporting our collective goal to improve air service between Houston and Havana and offering customers throughout the central and western United States more opportunities to make convenient connections in Houston."
Launched in December 2016, United's successful Saturday-only service between Houston and Havana has provided thousands of customers with greater choice and convenience when planning travel to Havana.
Houston, United's gateway to Latin America, is geographically well situated to connect flights from the central and western United States to Havana. United's increase in service will ensure greater competition in the marketplace and will improve air service opportunities to Havana for customers in Houston and 44 other destinations in the central and western United States.
Onboard products and services
United plans to operate service between Houston and Havana with either Boeing 737-800 mainline aircraft or Embraer E175 regional aircraft. Mesa Airlines will operate regional jet aircraft as United Express. Embraer E175 two-cabin regional jet offers 12 seats in United First and 64 seats in United Economy, including 16 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats.
United Economy offers complimentary food, soft drinks, juices, beer and wine, tea, coffee and inflight entertainment. Additionally, the seats feature adjustable headrests and personal on-demand entertainment systems.
The E175 also offers more personal space for customers, with wider seats and aisles than other regional aircraft; a power outlet at each United First seat; United Wi-Fi; free access to a library of movies and TV shows that customers can watch on their personal devices' and large overhead bins that can accommodate standard-size carry-on bags.
United in Cuba
From Houston, United provides the only service to Havana from the entire central and western United States. In 2017, United Airlines opened its first city ticket office in Havana enabling United to provide Cubans and other international customers the opportunity to purchase travel on United Airlines.
Apr 4, 2018, 12:45 pm
#237
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,942
In a few weeks, I'll be flying IAH-Havana.
For folks who have done this before, is there anything particular I need to know (other than allowing for sufficient time to get the entry permit at the gate). Is there a separate line to buy the permit?
Doesn't look like I will have (free) access to a lounge in HAV, on the return.
For folks who have done this before, is there anything particular I need to know (other than allowing for sufficient time to get the entry permit at the gate). Is there a separate line to buy the permit?
Doesn't look like I will have (free) access to a lounge in HAV, on the return.
Apr 4, 2018, 2:29 pm
#238
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NorCal - 1K 2MM
Posts: 2,089
If you are expecting a lounge at HAV you may need to readjust your expectations. You'll be happy to find a chair. I love the Cuban people, and the place is fascinating, but for the airport, think Uzbekistan or Central African Republic.
