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)
Dec 17, 2014, 1:06 pm
#19
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,579
I don't know...maybe because the U.S. market is ten times the size of the Canadian market *and* it's closer and therefore has a potential to be even *more* than 10x the total Canadian traffic today? 
It would change, dramatically. For good or bad depends on one's perspective.
I suspect that *if* Cuba becomes fully open for American tourism, we'd see lots of flights from all of IAH, ATL, DFW, and MIA. All three alliances would get in on that. Perhaps EWR and ORD as well... How well set up is HAV to take on new airlines and many new frequencies per day?
It would change, dramatically. For good or bad depends on one's perspective.
I suspect that *if* Cuba becomes fully open for American tourism, we'd see lots of flights from all of IAH, ATL, DFW, and MIA. All three alliances would get in on that. Perhaps EWR and ORD as well... How well set up is HAV to take on new airlines and many new frequencies per day?
Dec 17, 2014, 1:35 pm
#20
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,536
FYI. Americans are allowed to travel to Cuba. They just can't fly on the same ticket that contains a US destination. Buy a ticket from Canada, Bahamas, Cayman or Mexico and its all good. They won't even stamp your passport.
Dec 17, 2014, 1:36 pm
#21
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PBI / FLL / YUL
Programs: UA 1K, Delta Plat, AA Plat, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 1,983
If you have not made it to La Habana, it is a must see as soon as it becomes more convenient for Americans. I'd imagine all the major alliances would provide lift to HAV, as well as some of the bigger tourist resort destinations like VRA and CCC. It was fun when my family and I would go down there because it would be predominantly Canadians. However, for the benefit of the wonderful people that live down there, a removal of the embargo would be a nice boost to the economy.
Dec 17, 2014, 1:44 pm
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,579
The Cancun/Orlando/Vegas/South Padre crowd is coming.
Dec 17, 2014, 1:53 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: Paid F
Posts: 238
Dec 17, 2014, 2:08 pm
#24
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,536
My comment was simply in reference to those who say "maybe we can start visiting Cuba soon". The fact is that US citizens can visit and have been able to visit Cuba for a long time, now.
Dec 17, 2014, 2:26 pm
#25
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 202
I agree. And to that point, Cuba will be transformed from an amazing place to something akin to Puerto Rico. I will be filled with sadness, but its inevitable.
My comment was simply in reference to those who say "maybe we can start visiting Cuba soon". The fact is that US citizens can visit and have been able to visit Cuba for a long time, now.
My comment was simply in reference to those who say "maybe we can start visiting Cuba soon". The fact is that US citizens can visit and have been able to visit Cuba for a long time, now.
I'm a bit surprised few consider EWR as the hub for HAV. As winter rolls into NJ, HAV looks pretty tempting. There certainly is enough money around here for that venture. And a new relationship seems likely involve more banking and finance (EWR) than oil/chemicals (IAH). Here I assume that Cuba will need to finance all of that new tourist infrastructure (not my field so it is a risky assumption).
Dec 17, 2014, 2:39 pm
#26
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,536
Should people be allowed to travel, the most popular destinations will be:
VRA, CCC, HOC, etc. Those are already up and running and ready for an influx of tourists. Prices will skyrocket, but please keep your expectations in check, Cuba does not have a strong grasp of how a proper 5 star hotel should operate and will need time to adapt.
Flights to HAV are only for those who need to work with the government, or want a cultural trip and its a 2 hour bus ride from VRA, so I think this traffic will be lighter than the tourist destinations.
VRA, CCC, HOC, etc. Those are already up and running and ready for an influx of tourists. Prices will skyrocket, but please keep your expectations in check, Cuba does not have a strong grasp of how a proper 5 star hotel should operate and will need time to adapt.
Flights to HAV are only for those who need to work with the government, or want a cultural trip and its a 2 hour bus ride from VRA, so I think this traffic will be lighter than the tourist destinations.
Dec 17, 2014, 2:58 pm
#27
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,231
Should people be allowed to travel, the most popular destinations will be:
VRA, CCC, HOC, etc. Those are already up and running and ready for an influx of tourists. Prices will skyrocket, but please keep your expectations in check, Cuba does not have a strong grasp of how a proper 5 star hotel should operate and will need time to adapt.
Flights to HAV are only for those who need to work with the government, or want a cultural trip and its a 2 hour bus ride from VRA, so I think this traffic will be lighter than the tourist destinations.
VRA, CCC, HOC, etc. Those are already up and running and ready for an influx of tourists. Prices will skyrocket, but please keep your expectations in check, Cuba does not have a strong grasp of how a proper 5 star hotel should operate and will need time to adapt.
Flights to HAV are only for those who need to work with the government, or want a cultural trip and its a 2 hour bus ride from VRA, so I think this traffic will be lighter than the tourist destinations.
Havana might be an interesting couple of days for viewing old architecture and 50s era cars, but lacks any suitable infrastructure for mainstream tourism.
To the claim upthread that it's OK for Americans to fly secretly from Canada, this option went away years ago when secure flight came into effect and every airline with an overflight through US airspace had to disclose the specifics of their passenger list - which would include your US passport info unless you have another passport to use. Mexico is basically the only safe option left for this tactic.
The travel option is much ado about nothing, unless you can't afford Sandals or Club Med (and want that vibe, albeit with Walmart quality) or have some passing curiosity with Havana. Personally, if I feel like seeing pasty white people show their cracks through ill-fitting bathing suits while getting hammered on cheap rum punch, there are more interesting places to visit where such visions are possible.
Also once on the resort, the resort management and Cuban govt generally block or dissuade attempts to go off the resort "in to town" for a look-see, so you're stuck where-is, as-is for the trip unless that practice eventually changes.
Dec 17, 2014, 2:59 pm
#28
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SFO/IAD
Programs: UA Gold, US, AA, DL
Posts: 97
Silver no longer operates as United Express, but I agree that its extant routes from FLL to Caribbean leisure markets suggest that HAV might fit into their network. It seems well within range of the Saabs Silver operates. It seems unlikely, but perhaps if United wanted to offer connections to HAV at some point in the future, they could partner with Silver again? I know plenty of people who wouldn't visit Cuba even if they could, so I suspect that United or other airline in this country might seek to serve HAV on a test basis before expanding service.
Dec 17, 2014, 3:07 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Coconut Creek, FL
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum-2 MM Starwood Plat,Delta DM
Posts: 975
Just read the USA today article. I do not read it as you will be able to go vacation there. You need to be a professional in certain categories and get a license to go. Or have family there. And only these licensed professionals can bring back up to $400 in goods of which a max of $100 can be cigars and alcohol combined. So basically a few cigars and a bottle of rum.
Check out this article from USA TODAY:
U.S. seeks to normalize relations with Cuba; U.S. prisoner freed
http://usat.ly/1DOw3tc
To keep it on topic, I doubt there would be enough traffic to warrant scheduled UA service. So probably just UA charter.
Check out this article from USA TODAY:
U.S. seeks to normalize relations with Cuba; U.S. prisoner freed
http://usat.ly/1DOw3tc
To keep it on topic, I doubt there would be enough traffic to warrant scheduled UA service. So probably just UA charter.
Robert
Dec 17, 2014, 3:18 pm
#30
was thetravelingRedhead
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Western Michigan
Programs: Delta Silver Medallion, United Silver Premier
Posts: 642
I wish.
But the relaxing of the permit regs is good imo. I could probably get one anyway (if I put the hard leg work in), because of the work I do :O
But the relaxing of the permit regs is good imo. I could probably get one anyway (if I put the hard leg work in), because of the work I do :O