A flight that departed from Cuba to the United States last week had only six passengers on board, giving them the entire airplane to themselves.
The unusual event occurred last Saturday and was shared on TikTok by the user Christian, one of the six travelers, who couldn't contain his astonishment and confessed he didn't understand why the aircraft was empty.
"The business is in the belly of the airplane," said an internet user identified as Cubanito 2025 in the comments section of one of the shared videos.
Many Cubans share the view that it was a charter flight without passengers, but filled with packages being sent by agencies for businesses on the Island.
"The charters are loaded with packages for delivery, and the regular airlines are full too, don't be fooled," said a user.
"Six people, 200 briefcases," expressed another.
"And the plane's cargo holds filled with luggage but no passengers are cargo planes without authorization," said a third party.
"The agencies buy the tickets to send luggage," was another comment.
"The only thing they didn't mention is that there are 6 people and the belly of the plane is packed with luggage from the agencies," another one added.
Several testimonies confirm that this practice is not new. A Cuban recounted that he traveled a week ago with American Airlines and half of the plane was empty, both on the way there and back.
"I went three months ago, we were 18 and 16 returned, they were definitely full of luggage"; "My dad just came back from Cuba and he tells me: 'girl, there’s nothing here, I think it’s just me and the pilot on the plane'"; "That’s how my aunt left today. With 6 passengers, I think it was a charter flight"; "Two weeks ago, a friend traveled and there were only 7 people with him" and "My mom left on the 15th and there were fewer than 10 people, just agency suitcases," were some of the testimonies.
A woman reported that although the planes are flying empty, they are leaving passengers on the ground. "It happened to me," she lamented.
These events occur at a time when several U.S. airlines have suspended or reduced flights to Cuba due to a decline in demand and operational challenges.
In 2023, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines announced the reduction of their flights to Havana due to the decline in demand.
In August of that year, JetBlue announced the suspension of all its flights to the Island starting in September.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flights to Cuba and Aid Shipments from the U.S.
Why are some flights to Cuba almost empty?
Some flights to Cuba are almost empty because they are charter flights that primarily transport packages and cargo instead of passengers. This practice allows agencies to send luggage and goods to the island, where often the plane's cargo holds are full of luggage without passengers. This is due to the high demand for shipping products to Cuba, where the scarcity of goods is an ongoing issue.
How does the reduction of flights from U.S. airlines to Cuba affect the situation?
The reduction of flights from American airlines to Cuba, such as United Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue, is due to decreased demand and operational challenges. This impacts flight availability and may limit options for travelers wishing to visit Cuba or send assistance to their families. Additionally, the reduction in flights may increase the burden on charter flights, which are used for the transportation of packages and goods.
Why do Cubans in the U.S. send so much aid to their families in Cuba?
Cubans in the U.S. send help to their families in Cuba to ensure they have the basics amidst the shortage of products on the island. The economic situation in Cuba is critical, prompting emigrants to send food, clothing, medicines, and other essential items. This effort reflects an emotional commitment and a desire to improve the living conditions of their loved ones on the island.
What difficulties do Cubans face when traveling with luggage to Cuba?
Cubans face challenges such as weight restrictions and luggage costs, as well as strict customs controls in Cuba. When traveling, they must carefully plan the contents of their bags to maximize the aid they can send to their families. Additionally, they must be prepared for potential excess weight charges and to explain the contents of their bags during security checks, both in the U.S. and in Cuba.
Filed under:
