Fly Tampa to Havana on Southwest Airlines
US airlines have been cleared for commercial air service to Cuban cities! The specific routes have been awarded to cities like Santa Clara, Holguin, and of course the most popular, Havana. Flights have already started for many of these routes, but there is one in particular I have my eye on – daily non-stop service from Tampa to Havana on Southwest Airlines starting December 12, 2016!
The New Route
The daily flight will depart Tampa at 6:15am and return from Havana at 6:05pm. The round-trip fares work out to be a reasonable $150 for the 1 hour and 15 minute journey south and back!
While the inaugural flight is sold out, there is still availability throughout December, as well as through the 2017 schedule, so be sure to check out the Southwest Fare calendar for dates that work for you.
Travel Requirements
While travel to Cuba is easier, keep in mind that trips related purely to tourism are still restricted. So make sure that you do your proper research prior to taking flight! The U.S. Government requires that every passenger certify eligibility to travel to Cuba. This can be done under either one of twelve general license categories or a specific license.
Per Southwest – “Customers traveling on a general license will select and certify their reason for travel to Cuba during check-in at Tampa.”
My Final Thoughts
These new routes (including Tampa to Havana) will be the first US to Cuba commercial air travel in over 50 years. Tampa has a large Cuban influence and it makes sense that this route was one to be awarded!
I do admit that I like the fact that US travelers will have easier access to the country of Cuba… but I realize that there are differing perspectives on the improving US – Cuba relationship, and I am purely posting from a travel perspective. I am very interested in travel to Havana and this route makes the trip much more appealing to me!
Happy Cuban Travels!
DW
