Alaska Airlines has joined several other American airlines in seeking to fill the travel void between the US and Cuba.
Since President Obama’s efforts to re-establish a relationship with Cuba after nearly half a century of tension, many airlines are happy to try to get their brand in Cuba.
John Kirby, Alaska Airlines vice president of capacity planning, said in an Alaska Airlines press release, “Together with our 14 global partner airlines, Alaska Airlines offers more than 110 nonstop destinations from Los Angeles.”
It continued, “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.”
Alaska Airlines has proposed two daily flights to and from Cuba.
At least eight airlines have submitted applications to add flights to Cuba, including Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Silver Airways have all applied to add stops in Cuba.
However, those who have actually been there and experienced traveling to Cuba might contend that Cuba isn’t quite ready for wave after wave of new tourists.
For example, Julio Ortiz, who left Cuba in the late 90’s and now visits every once in a while said that in December he traveled back to Cuba and things didn’t go real smoothly.
He said, “We’re talking about chaos.”
He continued, “There’s not enough infrastructure in Cuba that can handle more than 100 flights a day. It’s impossible. All the tourists are going to go — once.”
That doesn’t sound like something the normal American tourist would be too eager to deal with.
What do you think about Alaska Airlines and other major carriers wanting to expand into Cuba?