Whilst searching Ciao for my next literary piece I discovered an article on Cubana airways. Since I used the airline last year in November and December why not write about my experience.
Pre-flight experiences first. When researching and costing my trip to Cuba (Had to go as I was giving my sister's hand away in marriage - hard for some isn't it) I was getting many differing quotes and discovered the cheaper ones were with Cubana airways. So not wishing to put my family and myself at risk I thought I'd better ask a few questions, as the reputation for Cubana Airways (CUB) wasn't all that good but it seemed that the people giving me their opinions had never actually used the airline but had had a friend who had. Eventually I discovered that most of the cross Atlantic fleet was subleased from Air France and serviced by them as well (I didn't ask what type of aircraft so they didn't tell me - more on this later). A good start I thought to myself. I'd used an independent travel operator who arranged a customised package deal (for approximately £800 less than the nearest rivals who were offering standard package deals) and said that I'd receive my tickets direct from CUB a couple of weeks before departure. They arrived exactly 2 weeks before. Still good! Also they offer a mid afternoon Saturday departure - great if you have kids.
Arrived at the airport checked in friendly service and although we couldn't reserve which seats before hand we got seated together. Waiting for the plane was with all the other passengers nothing unusual here, and, then we saw the plane. A DC10!! Gulp I thought. My wife looked a little concerned, as it must have been all of 30 years old. Anyhow no going back. Again final check-in for the flight was well orchestrated and we took our seats and waited for take-off.
As it was an older plane we got a little surprise - the legroom in the normal class was good I'm 6 foot and I still had room to spare even with the seat in front of me down. The same was true for the width of the seats I had a largish bottom (so does my wife - may have gone too far on that one - ouch) but I have flown business class in Europe before with about the same space. The plane was obviously used but clean.
The airhostesses were polite and smartly dressed and they spoke good English (my Spanish is bad so I was quite relieved) and they went about their jobs proficiently. The kids thought it was great when on came a Harry Potter movie. Them sorted for the next couple of hours. Good! All the In-flight drinks were free and not just local brands but included wines, spirits, beer etc. and a selection of cold soft and hot drinks - tea/coffee. Very relaxing, but a little noisy. DC10's are not exactly the quietest aircrafts. After a while you got used to it and as I don't fly well I had earplugs in most of the time so it was OK.
Food served included 3 courses. Starters were cold only choice here was vegetarian/meat. 3 types of main course and a cold desert. After a few complimentary drinks I don't remember what they were but do remember that I ate all that was put in front of me (and so did the kids) so it can't have been all that bad. One meal down. A lighter lunch was served about 2 hours before landing. Again this went down well.
Our flight was not direct outward from Gatwick and we touched down at Hoguin airport at the far end of Cuba where we had a ¾ hour stay at the cafeteria / bar /shop and the first taste of Cuban air (8.30 in evening and it was hot – is this November or what?) The return flight would be direct so no need to worry about stopping again. The plane had been cleaned and one hour later we touched down in Havana. Polite good byes and smiles even though the stewardesses must have been tired then on with our 2-week break.
I’ll write about Cuba itself another time but suffice to say that I’d go again tomorrow! One important point though is don't be put off by the Cuban customs!! The people are not like that.
Now I haven’t finished yet because on the way home as it was a little later in the evening (10.30 pm flight) I upgraded to First Class. (After a little haggling it came to 600 equivalent for the four of us not really that expensive). Things do get a little easier from this point. You have the use of the club lounges with free food, TV, magazines, papers, drinks, shower facilities and you are told when you need to board by a person who finds you. The kids ate all the food they could find; the missus and me settled down and relaxed after finishing off the duty free shopping.
On the plane – The seats were huge and had many adjustable positions (more than economy) and when fully laid out the family went to sleep very comfortably. Champagne at take-off and during the flight the drinks again were all included. The food was great (I do love my Champagne so apologies can’t remember what it was) and even the kids ate all. The Airhostesses again were polite with a larger hostess to traveller ratio a little quicker to respond. To be honest I didn’t want to get off when we arrived back in the UK. I felt First Class is more comfortable but not essential however it was very enjoyable and reasonable value for money.
The golden question would I do it again with Cubana Airways. YES!!
Flying by the seat of your pants? I don't think so.
More details
Class flown most frequently
Economy
How often do you travel with this airline
First time
Where did you book
Other
Safety
Good
How well does it cater for disabled people
Don't know
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