Regularly scheduled commercial flights to Cuba will kick off starting August 31.
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For example, the carrier says it will “include Cuban government-required health insurance coverage for all travelers on all Cuba-bound flights so that customers do not have to worry about obtaining the insurance separately”.
Flights beginning in August will depart Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and the daily service will start on October 1, 2016, according to JetBlue press release. While it will be possible to fly to Cuba using JetBlue at these low fares, there will be limited availability and will of course be on a first come, first served basis.
Silver Airways is set to be the second USA airline to operate flights from the United States to Cuba, launching service from Fort Lauderdale to Santa Clara on September 1. Daily flights to Camaguey will start November 3. The U.S. Department of Transportation gave approval for six airlines to offer flights to Cuba, with these three being the first to share their plans for flight routes and fares.
There are also plans for at least two more routes to Cuba flying out of Fort Lauderdale.
Jet Blue thus becomes the first U.S. commercial airline started its commercial operations with Cuba for more than 50 years.
American Airlines begins service on September 1.
However, while rules on travel to Cuba are being relaxed, there are still restrictions.
JetBlue has also tentatively been awarded four daily flights between Havana and Fort Lauderdale, New York City and Orlando.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) director of Aviation Mark Gale said: “We are honored to partner with JetBlue as they launch this historic inaugural service to Cuba for Broward County residents and the South Florida Community”.
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What’s more, JetBlue will make Cuban Tourist Visas available for purchase upon check-in at the airport. Separate from the USA regulated 12 categories, visitors must also obtain an entrance visa into Cuba. The insurance requirement has been in effect in Cuba since May 2010 and applies to all visitors as well as to Cubans living overseas.
