• Submitted by: manso
• Business and Economy
• 01 / 22 / 2011

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January 21st, 2011.Tampa Tribune (Florida). Here are key points regarding the new policy on Cuba charter flights:

Q. Why are Tampa International Airport's prospects to host charter flights to serve Cuba promising?

Answer: The airport meets qualifications the U.S. government has set to host the flights and the size of the local Cuban-American population favors Tampa.

Q. Which airlines might fly between Tampa and Cuba?

Answer: That depends on which become interested. About eight airlines have served Miami International Airport and Cuba at any one time.

Q. When will service begin?

answer: After the airport qualifies with the new federal policies, the timing of service will depend on the airlines.

Q. How much will tickets cost?

Answer: The average charter airline ticket between Miami and Havana is about $500, even with competition among carriers. It would remain for carriers to set fares from Tampa.

Q. How will flights be booked?

Answer: Private travel agencies advertise flight arrangements between the United States and Cuba online and elsewhere, and travelers can contact carriers directly.


Q. Who is allowed to visit Cuba from the United States?

Answer: Travel has been restricted to those with close relatives in Cuba, with exceptions such as those doing business in medical and agriculture sectors. But guidelines are being loosened for education and religious activities.

Q. Does the charter service policy reflect a chance Cuba travel will become open to all?

Answer: The U.S. government is calling the new policies "a step forward." Additional steps will depend on unpredictable political relations.

Ted Jackovics, Tampa Tribune (Florida)

Source: www.airportbusiness.com/online/