BajaNomad

Nothing to do for October?

bajajudy - 9-27-2011 at 08:36 PM

Interjet is running a special ticket for the month of October for 8999pesos to any one of 26 destinations, one of which is Havana.
It is called Interpase
http://www interjet. com.mx

EnsenadaDr - 9-27-2011 at 08:53 PM

TAKE ME AWAY TO CUBA....SOUNDS WONDERFUL!!!

Howard - 9-28-2011 at 06:33 AM

After looking at their website, they offer an additional 20% to anyone over 60 years old.

Seems pretty simple to fly from TJ to Cuba through Mexico City.

Has anyone flown this airlines before?

Also, their change dates fees are very low and you can even change a passenger for very little $.

Marc - 9-29-2011 at 06:42 AM

Havana, ten years ago. My buddies and our guide. We are on the fortress with the city in the background across the channel.

baronvonbob - 9-29-2011 at 06:54 AM

Do you need a passport? Visa? Homeland Security Dude? Would love to go?

Marc - 9-29-2011 at 05:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by baronvonbob
Do you need a passport? Visa? Homeland Security Dude? Would love to go?


It's kinda complicated. We flew to Nassau from Tampa on a round trip ticket. Hopped a flight on a Cuban airliner to Havana. Once at Cuban immigration they gave us a visa no questions asked and did not stamp our passports.

On the return to Nassau we had story ready (we were gambling in Nassau) for the flight back to Tampa. To our horror the US agents were at the departure gate in Nassau so we thought we were busted. They did not question our time in Havana. Seems back the everyone was doing it.

I think now it may be a different story. Best way to do it is from Europe. Us officials are checking on flights now from Bahamas and Mexico.

If you can bring it off it's a fantastic place.


[Edited on 9-30-2011 by Marc]

[Edited on 9-30-2011 by Marc]

Us officials are checking on flights now from Bahamas and Mexico.

Howard - 9-29-2011 at 06:05 PM

I don't get it. If one (certainly not me :biggrin:) was to fly or drive into Mexico, catch a plane to Havana, fly back from Havana into Mexico and then drive or fly back into the US, how would big brother know?

elizabeth - 9-29-2011 at 06:22 PM

The problem for US citizens is that the customs form that you fill out flying to the US will ask what countries you have visited while outside the US.

While it is not in fact illegal to travel to Cuba, it's illegal to spend money! That's the Trading With the Enemy Act...Under the Bush administration there was a crackdown on people traveling to Cuba getting fines of $7,500 to 10,000.

Some years ago, there were US agents at the Cancun airport observing passengers flying to Cuba...have no idea if there is any observation any more.

The problem with the form is that it is signed under oath, and it's a felony to lie to a federal agent.

Doubtful that anyone walking or driving across the border back to the US will be asked that question...so the problem may only arise if flying.

But, yes, you need a passport although it will not be stamped in Havana. You will also need a visa which can be obtained easily at the Mexico City airport...and I would imagine at other airports as well.

EnsenadaDr - 9-29-2011 at 06:34 PM

OK I hear they let you in with a US passport without stamping it...that's it..I have made up my mind...I am going with my new Mexican computer nerd boyfriend...and..he's under 50...wow!!! I am robbing the cradle..

mojo_norte - 9-29-2011 at 07:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Marc
Quote:
Originally posted by baronvonbob
Do you need a passport? Visa? Homeland Security Dude? Would love to go?


It's kinda complicated. We flew to Nassau from Tampa on a round trip ticket. Hopped a flight on a Cuban airliner to Havana. Once at Cuban immigration they gave us a visa no questions asked and did not stamp our passports.

On the return to Nassau we had story ready (we were gambling in Nassau) for the flight back to Tampa. To our horror the US agents were at the departure gate in Nassau so we thought we were busted. They did not question our time in Havana. Seems back the everyone was doing it.

I think now it may be a different story. Best way to do it is from Europe. Us officials are checking on flights now from Bahamas and Mexico.

If you can bring it off it's a fantastic place.


[Edited on 9-30-2011 by Marc]

[Edited on 9-30-2011 by Marc]


Great adventure! Good for you to go for it despite ridiculous out dated US laws - you are a true Nomad!

EnsenadaDr - 9-29-2011 at 08:28 PM

Actually, I have done alot of investigation on the trip and its not against the law to travel there, its against the law to spend money there....

Cuba from TJ

EnsenadaDr - 9-29-2011 at 08:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
The last time I looked at going, they went from TJ to Monterrey Mexico then to Cuba..also Cancun to Cuba was about 45 minutes and really cheap.
After looking at their website, they offer an additional 20% to anyone over 60 years old.

Seems pretty simple to fly from TJ to Cuba through Mexico City.

Has anyone flown this airlines before?

Also, their change dates fees are very low and you can even change a passenger for very little $.

Sidamone - 9-29-2011 at 08:45 PM

"Land of the "free", home of the brave"

While Flying To/From or Transiting Havana

Gypsy Jan - 9-29-2011 at 09:00 PM

It is better to dress down than to look like an American businessman/capitalist in casual designer-labeled sports wear.

Also, do not wear jewelery or nice watches.

Hubby was detained and missed his flight and waited for five hours, had to change his ticket, pay a penalty and change destination.

The shabbily dressed American behind him was passed through Customs and made his flight. He told my husband that he always "dresses for the attitude" when he visits Havana.

Pescador - 9-30-2011 at 05:35 AM

If you drive into Mexico, fly to Mexico City, then on to Cuba, the only thing you need is a US Passport. It will not be stamped and there would be no customs inquiry because your flight originated and ended in Mexico.

It is an experience and a true eyeopener about why you would seriously want to live in a socialist / Communist country. The infastructure is almost non-functional even though they would like to blame it on the embargo from the US, the truth is that things really went downhill when Russia pulled out.

Marc - 9-30-2011 at 06:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
It is better to dress down than to look like an American businessman/capitalist in casual designer-labeled sports wear.

Also, do not wear jewelery or nice watches.

Hubby was detained and missed his flight and waited for five hours, had to change his ticket, pay a penalty and change destination.

The shabbily dressed American behind him was passed through Customs and made his flight. He told my husband that he always "dresses for the attitude" when he visits Havana.


And I thought it was me they liked! (note the Rolex)

elizabeth - 9-30-2011 at 08:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
If you drive into Mexico, fly to Mexico City, then on to Cuba, the only thing you need is a US Passport. It will not be stamped and there would be no customs inquiry because your flight originated and ended in Mexico.



That works if you drive/walk in and out of México...if you fly back to the US even if it's months after the Cuba trip, the customs form requires that you state under oath all countries you have visited while outside the US.

elizabeth - 9-30-2011 at 08:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Actually, I have done alot of investigation on the trip and its not against the law to travel there, its against the law to spend money there....


The US interprets the spending money part as including your airfare no matter what the nationality of the airline because part of your ticket cost goes to landing rights in Cuba!!!