Star Alliance member Air China is offering a nonstop deal from Madrid to Havana, Cuba starting at just €350. This deal includes 3x 23kg checked luggage. Buying flights with the same amount of checked luggage from Madrid to Cuba on Iberia will cost you €1,130, while Air Europa charges €870. Departures are available in May and June.
For entry into Cuba, you will need a valid passport. A visa, in the form of a “tourist card,” is required. Additionally, all travellers must submit a health declaration. This must be submitted online within 48 hours before check-in via the D’Viajeros system, along with further information on entry and customs requirements.
It should be noted that people who visited Cuba are not allowed to enter the US with an ESTA. You might require a visa for any future travel plans to the United States.
Our flight search will forward you to Air China or Skyscanner with your selected flight dates. On Skyscanner you can check what OTAs have to offer, as they sell these tickets up to €30 cheaper:
You will flight non-stop with Air China from Madrid to Havana on their Boeing 787 with 3-3-3 configuration. This flight starts in Beijing and operates the Madrid – Havana segment with these prices thanks to the 5th freedom.
Search & Book
This deal doesn’t have an expiration date. A minimum stay of one day, and a maximum stay of three months applies. Departures are available in May and June.
To search for the best dates, you have two options:
You can use the Skyscanner calendar, where you can view the best prices on the dates that website users have searched for.
If you prefer a different option, you can use the Matrix ITA Software (tutorial). In this case, you will have access to Air China’s inventory from their platform.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Miles & Points
This ticket is issued in booking class P. Here are the miles and points you can earn from this deal:
- 18,548 Miles on Aegean Miles+Bonus
- 2,782 Miles on ANA Mileage Club
- 2,318 AsiaMiles on Asia Miles
- 2,318 Miles on Asiana Club
- 2,318 Miles on Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- 2,318 Award Miles + 120 Points on Miles&More
- 2,318 Miles on Avianca LifeMiles
- 2,318 Miles on Copa ConnectMiles
- 2,318 Miles on Ethiopian ShebaMiles
- 2,318 Miles on EVA Infinity MileageLands
- 2,318 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 2,318 Miles on TAP Miles&Go
- 2,318 Miles on Thai Royal Orchid Plus
- 2,318 Miles on Air Canada Aeroplan
- 2,318 Miles on Egyptair Plus
Booking class P used to be a first class booking class. Most programs have updated their earning tables to reflect the change to economy class, but Aegean Miles+Bonus has not done that yet. Nevertheless, do not count on earning over 25,000 miles there with these flights. You’ll probably either get around 3,000 miles or maybe even none if you’re unlucky.
Destination
Information & Tips for Cuba
Cuba has developed its very own charm throughout the decades of embargoes and socialism and stands out clearly from the other islands in the Caribbean. In addition to the many fantastic beaches, cigars, rum, salsa and American vintage cars attract numerous tourists to Cuba every year despite the difficult political situation. Nevertheless, the island is still not nearly as touristically developed as many other islands in the Caribbean.
Best Time to Visit
Although Cuba has warm temperatures between 25 – 30°C all year round, the dry winter months between November and April are particularly popular. During this time the humidity is clearly lower than in the high summer during the rainy season.
For travel between June and October, one should be aware of the risk of hurricanes. The last hurricane to hit Cuba was “Irma” in September 2017.
Immigration and Visa Requirements
To enter Cuba, most EU citizens needs a passport valid for at least six months and a visa in the form of a tourist card (A1 visa) for up to 30 days. These must be obtained from the Cuban embassy in Berlin before entering the country. At least one person must appear there in person, but can also obtain the visa for other companions. This costs 22€ for the person appearing in person and 25€ for all other companions. It is much easier to purchase the tourist card directly from your airline: (all data without guarantee)
- Condor: 25€, in Frankfurt/Main at the ticket counter or transit area
- Eurowings: 25€, in Cologne/Bonn at the check-in desk / in Munich at the ticket counter & check-in desk
- Air Canada: Will be handed out free of charge on board before landing. In addition, however, an electronic travel permit (eTA) is required for the transfer in Canada!
Additionally you have to show valid health insurance coverage in Cuba, e.g. a travel health insurance. If possible, the policy should be in Spanish. German or English policies are also recognized nowadays. Otherwise you have to take out a Cuban insurance at the airport for 2 – 3 CUC per day.
→ All Dealz for Cuba