This week, tickets went on sale allowing direct flights to Havana from Tampa for the first time in 50 years. Those who can take the flights are still restricted to travelers with special permissions, but the flights are seen as a major step towards easing the restrictions which have been in place for a half a century.
The ban on travel between the U.S. and Cuba has slowly loosened since President Obama took office. Two years ago, special travel dispensation was granted to those who were born in Cuba, had family there, or are part of religious, educational, or humanitarian efforts. Still, until now, they had to go by charter from Miami or through other countries.
My mother loves to tell the tales of traveling to Cuba from Ft. Lauderdale when she graduated from nurse’s training. I have friends who were born there but fled with their families when Castro tightened his grip. Once, when working for CNN, I came thisclose to actually going myself, but politics and the difficulties of having to go in through another country proved too difficult.
Cuba is on my bucket list and my hopes are up.
The new flights run $450 and are once a day on Thursdays and Sunday. They cannot be booked online and must be made with agents authorized through the U.S. government. The list of who is eligible and the approved agencies are available is here.
