This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
American Airlines Will Start Offering Flights From LAX To Cuba Soon
Havana (Photo by Tod Seelie/Gothamist)
Soon, you'll be able to fly from LAX to Cuba—if you can come up with one of 12 acceptable reasons to do so. The U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba reopened last week after 54 years, and today, American Airlines announced that they'll be offering charter flights from LAX to Havana starting December 12. This is the first time direct flights via Los Angeles to Cuba have been available since the restrictions were loosened. The flights are a partnership between American and Cuba Travel Services, and tickets will start at $899 per person, the L.A. Times reports.
Passengers will still have to provide their reasons for visiting Cuba, and it can't be tourism. There are 12 acceptable reasons, and they include journalism, visiting relatives or some sort of cultural exchange, such as artist collaborations, education or volunteerism.
When it comes to commercial flights, the proverbial ball is the government's court.
"We stand ready to offer scheduled service as soon as the U.S. and Cuba allow commercial flights," American Airlines senior VP Art Torno said in a statement.
American has been offering charter flights from Florida to Cuba since 1991. American Airlines also has flights from Miami and Tampa to Havana, Camaguey, Cienfuegos, Holguin and Santa Clara.
Related:
How To Go To Cuba Right Now: A Travel Primer
Havana Nights: Where To Party In Cuba
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
