Alaska Airlines to Fly from Los Angeles to Havana, Cuba!

¡Buenos Dias!  Alaska Airlines filed today with the US Department of Transportation to have the rights to fly from Los Angeles to Havana, Cuba as early as the end of this summer.

Jon and Ben have been flying and collecting miles for years now. Together they travel the world, in first class of course, at least once a month for pennies on the dollar. You can read all about Jon and Ben's travels on their website, www.NoMasCoach.com

Ever since travel restrictions were lightened last year for Americans wanting to plan a visit to Cuba, airlines have been petitioning the USDOT for the right to start commercial service to the Caribbean island.  While visiting strictly as a tourist is still off limits, you can go as part of an educational or cultural group, as a journalist, with medical and religious organizations or for a family visit.

Per Alaska’s press release today:

“Together with our 14 global partner airlines, Alaska Airlines offers more than 110 nonstop destinations from Los Angeles. As the largest West Coast-based airline, we’re well positioned to offer our customers convenient access to one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations,” said John Kirby, Alaska Airlines vice president of capacity planning.

Citing Alaska’s expansive West Coast route structure and low fares, Kirby said Alaska is excited for the opportunity to offer commercial service from the United States to Havana for the first time in over 50 years. With nearly three decades of international service from Los Angeles, Alaska Airlines offers nonstop service to nine destinations in Latin America with the most peak season flights from Los Angeles to popular Mexican resort destinations including Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.”

Alaska’s looking to fly two daily flights to the island, and it clocks in at 2,300 miles.  They’ll be using their new 737-900ER airplanes that feature the new Boeing interior and carry just over 180 passengers per flight.

Personally, I’m looking forward to this flight as it gives another option for those of us on the West Coast to get to Havana.  Right now there are flights out of New York and Miami, but with Alaska having dozens of options to get to the Los Angeles area every day, this certainly opens up the options even more.

Don’t look for the flights to be loaded into the ticketing system anytime soon, as there are still tons of government hoops to jump through, but as soon as it does, get ready to book.  Heck, maybe we’ll even be able to use miles to get there?

Are you planning on visiting Cuba any time soon?