Flying from LA to Cuba...anyone done it?

[Jude Starr]

Hey there! My plan is to go to LA for my 50th birthday. My husband was also looking into a side trip of a few days in Cuba (a place I have ALWAYS wanted to go!). Alaska airlines now does a flight from LAX to Havana, but I gather there are restrictions on reasons a foreigner can travel to Cuba via USA (stupid politics). Followed a link from the Smart Traveller website, bvut honestly the information didn't really answer many questions. So, what I would like to know is has anyojne here done it (LAX to Cuba) and if so how hard was it and what things would we need to put in place (visas, etc )?

 

[Milboo]

Sorry it's not clear if you're asking about going to Cuba via LAX in general or that particular Alaska flight.

If it is the former then I flew from LAX to Mexico City on a Delta marketed, AeroMexico operated flight. I overnighted at the Hilton in the airport (due to flight times and the fact I'd also flown SYD-LAX) and then flew on Interjet to Havana.

Flight on Interjet was excellent.

I simply got my visa for Cuba at airport in Mexico and didn't get it in Australia due to massive cost differentials.

I left on an Air Canada (Rouge) flight to Toronto as I was heading to NYC.

 

[Jude Starr]

OK, kool. Sorry if I was unclear...I don't really care who the flight is with...AeroMexico sounds fine too. So, did you have any issues with the questions about what you are going there for, having started in USA? I looked at a test booking on the AeroMexico website and there is a question there because the flight originates in the USA. They seem to want to know what the purpose of the visit is, and have a list of acceptable options such as visiting family, journalistic purposes, educational purposes etc, but I wasn't sure if they need any proof of declared reason?

 

[Milboo]

I booked seperate flights as that is what suited me - so as far as US Border knew I was heading to Mexico.

I did get asked what I was doing in Mexico - and I said, transitting to Cuba. He made a comment re not bringing back cigars but otherwise could not have cared less. I am not an American citizen so there is nothing stopping or restricting my travel to Cuba.

Mexico don't care if you're going to Cuba.

Seriously - don't stress about it! Book your flights BNE - MX and then to Havana seperately, as you can't book all the way anyway.

 

[Jude Starr]

Awesome! Thank you!

 

[kpc]

I haven't looked recently but you can fly on one PNR Lax-Pty-Hav on Copa....you may still be able to use Lifemiles to book ....3 years ago I flew Sju-Pty-Hav rtn in J on Copa using Lifemiles. I was a bit worried abour returning to Sju (US port) but had no issues whatsoever with US immigration