A plane full from Havana to the United States offers among laughter 2,000 dollars to those who get off and stay in Cuba: "We can no longer take anyone else on board."

A flight from Havana to the U.S. went viral when the crew joked about offering $2,000 to passengers willing to get off due to overbooking, reflecting the Cuban migration crisis.

Return flight to the U.S. from CubaPhoto © @reflejoyk / TikTok

A comedic and surreal moment unfolded on a flight departing from Havana to the United States when the crew, joking with passengers about the overbooking, announced that they were offering $2,000 to anyone willing to get off the plane and stay in Cuba.

“Two thousand dollars for three passengers, and we can’t take anyone else on board,” is heard through the loudspeaker from one of the crew members in a humorous tone, while laughter erupts among the passengers who captured the moment with their mobile phones.

The video of the incident was shared on the TikTok account of user @reflejoyk, and quickly went viral due to the relaxed and festive atmosphere in the cabin, despite the evident overcapacity on the flight.

“Turn it up to three thousand!” is heard shouted by someone in the aisle, provoking even more laughter amidst the tension that a packed flight can create.

This kind of joke from the crew, while clearly not part of a real offer, humorously reflects the migratory drama that Cuba is experiencing, where most flights to the United States are filled with passengers leaving the island in search of better opportunities.

The video also highlights the logistical limitations and the high demand for flights between Cuba and the U.S., in a context where thousands of Cubans emigrate each month, quickly depleting the available seats.

Frequently asked questions about migration and the situation in Cuba

Why were passengers offered $2,000 to get off the plane in Cuba?

The offer of $2,000 was a joke from the crew due to the overbooking of the flight departing from Havana to the United States. Although the announcement was made in a humorous tone, it reflected the high demand for flights and the migratory crisis that Cuba is experiencing, where many seek to leave the country in search of better opportunities.

What does the airplane incident reflect about the migration situation in Cuba?

The incident reflects the migratory drama that Cuba faces, where thousands of Cubans attempt to emigrate each month in search of better opportunities outside the island. The high demand for flights and the overbooking of airplanes indicate the logistical limitations and the desperation of the population to leave the country.

What problems do Cubans face when emigrating to other countries like the United States?

Cuban immigrants to the United States face adaptation challenges, such as economic difficulties, feelings of isolation, and pressure to send remittances to their families in Cuba. Adapting to life in the United States is not always easy, leading some to contemplate self-deportation or returning to Cuba, as seen in recent cases on social media.

How is the crisis in Cuba reflected in the treatment of public transport passengers?

The treatment of passengers on Cuba's public transportation often reflects the frustration and collapse of the system. A viral video showed a bus driver speaking aggressively to passengers, highlighting the harsh working conditions and the transportation crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by the lack of fuel and vehicle deterioration.

Filed under:

Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.