Travel

#Kayak Opens Up Travel-Search Engine to Cuba, Other Online Travel Agencies Might Follow Suit

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Closely on the heels of President Obama’s recent opening up of Cuba, the world of online travel had an announcement of its own: flights and hotels to Cuba are now searchable on travel search-engine Kayak.

On Kayak, users can search for over 300 hotels in Cuba. The flight options are limited, as the search-engine only features connecting flights through other countries. The search-engine sited “significant interest in travel to Cuba” as a reason why they have decided to add the feature.

Americans can now visit Cuba for one of 12 purposes. without having to apply for license. These purposes include visits to close relatives, academic programs, professional research, sports competitions, and journalistic or religious activities. However, tourism is still not legal, so wait before booking your beach vacation.

Travel to Cuba is easier thanks to recent legislation and travel search-engine Kayak. Photo credit: Alexandra Talty.

Prior to the new regulations that were announced on January 16 th. American could travel to Cuba for some of the 12 purposes, but needed to apply for a license, a process that required paperwork and could take a long time. Now travelers can mark a box and be on their way, as long as they keep receipts of their travel transactions for five years after they return. However, United States citizens still need a Cuban visa to visit the country.

While the new regulations open up commercial airline flights to Cuba, airlines have warned that it could take a year or more to negotiate air service agreements. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines. JetBlue Airways and United Airlines are some of the companies that have expressed interest.

It is important to note that as a travel search-engine, Kayak is uniquely positioned to add Cuba-searches before other travel web sites, as the legislation surrounding travel to Cuba remains vague for American companies.

Kayak, as a meta-engine, offers information for booking only and then re-directs users to book through other outlets. For the moment, their services for Cuba will be even less comprehensive.

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