U.S., Cuba announce they will resume scheduled commercial airline service

[brooklynite]

Source: Reuters

The United States and Cuba have agreed to restore scheduled commercial airline service between the two countries, the two countries said on Thursday, the first anniversary of the Cold War foes' announcement they would normalize relations.

The deal, the latest step this year to restore U.S.-Cuba ties after more than half a century of hostility, is expected to increase tourism and business on the communist-ruled island.

It will allow U.S. airlines to sell tickets on their websites for flights to Cuba. However, the move does not lift the U.S. ban on general tourism to the Caribbean island. U.S. travelers still must meet at least one of 12 criteria to visit, such as being Cuban-American or partaking in educational tours or journalistic activity.

...snip...

"While U.S. law continues to prohibit travel to Cuba for tourist activities, a stronger civil aviation relationship will facilitate growth in authorized travel between our two countries— a critical component of the President’s policy toward Cuba," the U.S. State Department said in a statement announcing the deal.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-usa-aviation-idUSKBN0U01XZ20151217

[forest444]

1. "The name on the reservation, sir?"

"Luis Posada Carriles"

"And will you be checking any luggage on this flight?"

"Definitely."

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article23119197.html

[mainer]

2. Finally. Now if Cuba can just build some infrastructure.

Hotels are always booked. Air BNB exists in Havana, but most owners don't speak English and you have to communicate through an intermediary. And running water not always assured.

[mgmaggiemg]

3. hip hip hurray and 3 cheers for progress.

maggie

[Waitsman]

4. Good News

A step in the right direction. Planing to go there on my own boat, I had to learn the laws. It is STILL illegal for American to go to Cuba for tourism. It is also illegal for the few 12 exceptions: religious, journalist etc, to spend money while there. The U.S. banks want in, and they usually get what they want, so I expect to see many changes for the better in the next few years.