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Buy a Flight to Cuba and Get One Free with Silver Airways

July 05, 2016
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3 min read
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Buy a Flight to Cuba and Get One Free with Silver Airways
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It's a huge year for travel to Cuba. In March, several airlines proposed nonstop flights from the US to a handful of Cuban destinations, and last month the Department of Transportation approved new service on several US-based carriers — including American, Southwest, JetBlue and Silver Airways, among others. Now, that latter airline is working to fill seats on its first flights, first offering a 33% discount code and now giving customers an opportunity to buy one flight and get another for free (before taxes and fees), to take later in 2016.

While you might not be planning to visit Cuba once this year, let alone twice, it could be worth checking out this promotion. Here's how it works:

  • Buy a non-refundable ticket to Cuba using the CUBA4FREE promo code by July 11, 2016
  • By July 30, you'll receive a voucher (via email) for the full value of the reservation's base fare
  • Redeem your voucher at least 10 days before departure for travel on/after September 5 and on/before December 20, 2016
  • The voucher is transferrable, so you can use it for a friend
  • Pay taxes and fees on the new ticket "starting from $10.10 for each passenger for each segment will apply, up to $140 within the United States or $304 for to/from international flights"
  • Pay $35 for the first checked bag, $50 for the second and $150 for the third

Silver Airways' flights to Cuba kick off on September 1, with a new nonstop from Fort Lauderdale to Santa Clara. Here's the full breakdown of Silver's approved flights:

You can also fly the airline throughout Florida and the Bahamas, though the free voucher only applies to flights to Cuba.

While Cuba is clearly a very exciting new addition for US carriers, it's possible that the flights aren't quite as popular as airlines may have hoped, especially given the saturation at launch. This promotion gives Silver Airways an opportunity to drum up some interest while filling seats throughout the year. While it may be a good deal if you're looking to visit Cuba twice in 2016 (or you can share the voucher with a friend), your best bet for travel from Florida to Cuba may be to redeem British Airways points for American Airlines flights, which may be available for as little as 4,500 Avios each way.

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You might also want to consider cruising to Cuba. TPG Senior Editor Kaeli Conforti recently returned from the first cruise to Cuba in more than 50 years. She found the locals to be friendly and very welcoming to American tourists, and while you'll definitely have a busy few days on the ground, you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience Cuban culture. Click here for her full review of the cruise.

Are you planning to visit Cuba this year?

H/T: View from the Wing

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.