I am thinking of going to cuba this summer.
By far the cheapest airline is Cubana. Does anyone have any
idea what they are like ? In particular horror stories
about overbooking , safety , delays etc. I heard something
about a crash last summer but haven't been able to find out
more.
Any views would be welcome.
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Check out the BBC Watchdog report on Cubana
-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/stories/cubanair.shtml
Do not plan on traveling within Cuba on Cubana (unless you
have your ticket via your travel agent). It is very
difficult to obtain tickets as most flights are full and you
will have to go on a standby basis. Even the main Cubana
office has most flights booked three or four days in
advance. If you want to travel within Cuba on Cubana you
will most likely have to go to the airport and check at the
office there.
One source that you might check for that travel is AeroTaxi.
Sometimes they will pickup the standby passagers. They
mostly fly an old bi-wing plane that holds about 12
passagers and that is a great experience. Their phone in
Havana is 297570 or 297310. Also they have an office at the
airport and that number is 454644 Ex 21-13 or Ex 26-60.If
you phone the number at the airport ask for Vilma. If there
is a group of you going and want to travel within Cuba you
can charter a plane with them. But be advised if you
charter it for the return trip to Havana BE SURE to phone
them the day before your return.
Have fun it is a great place to visit.
There were two crashes in July 1997 and September 1998
involving Soviet-built aircraft operated by the national
airline, Cubana. Most transatlantic routes are operated
using modern DC-10 aircraft and Cubana is introducing
non-Soviet aircraft on some regional and domestic routes.
I went to Cuba with Cubana from Heathrow. I'm sorry to tell
you that although our very old plane was probably safe
during the 12 hour flight the over head panneling on some
parts of our plane fell off! Also the cussions and other
things were piled up in front of emergency exit. Also if you
want a drink or anything during the flight you have to go up
and make it yourself, seriously! the hostesses are the most
miserable and unhelpful I've ever come across. But apart
from that I'm sure you'll have a go
Hi Griff,CU transatlantic flights no problem, uk ex Gatwick
uses a french maintained DC10 of A.O.M. Airlines, I've had
four flights with no problems other than a miserable bunch
of geriatric brits on one of the homeward flights. The
cabin crews that i've met have been fine, drinks, after the
first, i usually go to the back where an informal bar
operates, can be a very sociable place! depends on fellow
passengers. Food is also ok, much better than outfits like
Continental or uk charters.
Internal flight s are another matter, mostly old soviet
craft, can be Cubana, Gaviota, or AeroCaribbean, its a case
of take a chance if you do want to fly internally, some of
the Gaviota fleet is now ATR42 which are better but you
dont know until the plane turns up which line you are
actually flying with, also if flying into Havana, domestic
and intl flights use different terminals on opposite sides
of airport, Go and enjoy it before it changes!