United approved for Houston-to-Havana flights (Newark, Miami: cities, requirements, place)

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by DabOnEm

Wow United actually doing something for Houston.

I realize you're being sarcastic, but United is no different than any other big business. It does what benefits United. They aren't doing this for Houston, they're doing it because it makes business sense.

I've been quick to bash United in the past (and in this forum), as I think they are short-sighted in many regards, but lately they seem to be headed in a much better direction. I can only assume it's due to the new CEO.

Originally Posted by Meyerland

It's still not open for tourism, so this isn't a big deal. You can go for educational purposes, visiting family, participating in an event or sporting competition, or journalism. That's it.

ANYTHING is educational. I have a friend who just went, he declared it was for educational purposes, and didn't even have to show or prove anything.

Originally Posted by peterlemonjello

It doesn't work that way. Cuba is not an open skies market and it probably never will be. That means, United has to ask for frequencies. United is only flying it weekly because thats all it asked for. United cannot just increase it at will. All the frequencies are claimed. Another carrier would have to give up their own frequencies or United would have to reduce Newark-Havana to give Houston-Havana frequencies which won't happen.

Bottom line is that it won't grow to daily because it can't grow to daily. All frequencies are spoken for.

You realize they asked for weekly, because that's all they were going to get? If they asked for daily, they would have been refused, and ended up with nothing. So they asked for weekly, knowing it's a possibility. And it worked.

And this is today. Tomorrow may lead to more slots, and more flights.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by peterlemonjello

It doesn't work that way. Cuba is not an open skies market and it probably never will be. That means, United has to ask for frequencies. United is only flying it weekly because thats all it asked for. United cannot just increase it at will. All the frequencies are claimed. Another carrier would have to give up their own frequencies or United would have to reduce Newark-Havana to give Houston-Havana frequencies which won't happen.

Bottom line is that it won't grow to daily because it can't grow to daily. All frequencies are spoken for.

You realize the DOT isn't going to keep the same amount of frequencies allowed the same for the rest of time. The DOT is subject to increase (and possibly even decrease) frequencies, in which United could pick up for Houston or use for another city.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

You realize the DOT isn't going to keep the same amount of frequencies allowed the same for the rest of time. The DOT is subject to increase (and possibly even decrease) frequencies, in which United could pick up for Houston or use for another city.

I'm well aware of that but new markets take preference.

[ethanw]

If you have a chance to go to Cuba please do it. Is a beautiful place. I have several passports so I can travel there just fine. I am also considering purchasing real estate in Cuba if the system is more open. Cuban people are absolutely awesome.

[philopower]

Just so y'all know, if you have an American passport the customs people will not stamp you and just let you through. At least that's how it worked when I went in January. You don't really need an official reason or permission to go, just go if you want to.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by peterlemonjello

I'm well aware of that but new markets take preference.

What about the connecting flights that will basically be coming in from every United passenger west of the Mississippi who wants to go to Cuba? It seems to me this could be a market that may exhibit explosive growth, especially if it is as easy as people say to sidestep the tourist restriction. I do have to wonder though, if there are any Hotels worth staying in on the island, and what that capacity would be and of course will our own Government allow real growth until "reforms" are made in Cuba ?

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by Jack Lance

What about the connecting flights that will basically be coming in from every United passenger west of the Mississippi who wants to go to Cuba? It seems to me this could be a market that may exhibit explosive growth, especially if it is as easy as people say to sidestep the tourist restriction. I do have to wonder though, if there are any Hotels worth staying in on the island, and what that capacity would be and of course will our own Government allow real growth until "reforms" are made in Cuba ?

That's why this is a big deal. Bush is the United hub for this part of the country. People connect here coming from all over, and going to all over. For example, I fly to Colorado all the time. When I chat up people on the flight, they have often flown here from {South America}{Mex & CA}{other parts of TX}{all over this part of US} to connect to CO.

And now they will fly here to get to Cuba!

I think our government will allow as much "growth" towards Cuba as it can, regardless of reforms. Unless a conservative, beholden to the Cuban expat community, president is elected.

And why not? One of the best ways to foster democracy, or at least understanding of our way of life, is to allow Americans to flood a country. Ok, not flood, but you get my gist.

[Jack Lance]

Astros sign Yulieski Gourriel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulieski_Gourriel
He will be able to fly home non-stop from IAH

[ParaguaneroSwag]

The flight began. Now Houston is only missing direct flights to 3 countries in Latin America: Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia. Only Miami has passed this milestone, flying to Bolivia and Uruguay, but still missing Paraguay.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

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