A Cuban traveling from Tampa to Havana received an unexpected surprise upon arriving at the airport: the airline Southwest Airlines has stopped including free checked baggage on its flights to Cuba.
“Gentlemen, free luggage to Cuba is over, at least for Southwest,” said user Reinier Cruz in a video posted on his TikTok account. He explains that the first suitcase now costs 35 dollars and the second 45 dollars. “Remember, this is just for now; assigned seats haven’t started yet,” he added, indicating that it is still possible to board without an assigned seat.
The young man recorded his entire journey from Tampa Airport to Terminal 2 in Havana, documenting each step of the process. First, he boarded the airport’s internal train to reach the boarding gate area, noting that flights to Cuba usually depart from gate A3.
"When they called for boarding, I was surprised by the number of people there were. This flight, the one at noon, is usually not this full," he commented. He also noted the absence of police checks, something he had observed on previous trips: "There was absolutely nobody; you could go straight to the plane without anyone stopping you."
Once on the plane, he noticed that nearly all the seats were occupied, which was uncommon in his previous experience. The flight went smoothly, although there was some turbulence due to bad weather.
Upon arriving in Cuba, he explained that, as is customary at Terminal 2 of José Martí International Airport, no jet bridges are used for disembarkation, so passengers were transported by shuttle bus to the terminal. "Once you enter immigration, the officer greets you and says 'welcome to the homeland,'" he shared. After collecting his suitcase, he completed his journey to Rancho Boyeros.
This change in luggage policy had already been announced in March of this year by Southwest Airlines. According to the company at that time, they would stop offering the two free checked bags on their international flights, including those operating to and from Cuba, a measure considered “historic” by industry analysts. At that time, Southwest explained that the decision was due to operational and economic adjustments to maintain its competitiveness. You can read the official announcement here.
The video, which has already amassed thousands of views, reflects how these changes are beginning to directly impact Cuban travelers, right in the midst of the high summer season and with a growing demand for flights between Florida and the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Changes in Southwest Airlines’ Baggage Policies and Travel Experiences to Cuba
What are the new costs for checking luggage on Southwest Airlines flights to Cuba?
In Southwest Airlines flights to Cuba, the first checked bag now costs $35 and the second $45. This change eliminates the previous policy of free checked baggage and was implemented to adjust operations and maintain the airline's competitiveness.
Why did Southwest Airlines eliminate free checked baggage on its international flights?
Southwest Airlines has eliminated free checked baggage on its international flights, including those operating to and from Cuba, due to operational and economic adjustments needed to maintain its competitiveness in the market.
What was the experience of the passengers on the flight from Tampa to Havana?
The flight from Tampa to Havana with Southwest Airlines was unexpectedly full, with almost all seats taken, which surprised passengers used to less crowded flights. The boarding process was smooth and there were no police checks, allowing passengers to board the plane directly.
What unusual incidents have been reported on flights to Cuba recently?
Recently, flights with enhanced security controls have been reported, such as the presence of officers with dogs at Tampa airport. Flights with few passengers have also been documented, suggesting that some aircraft may be used primarily for cargo transport.
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