Mother's Day? Flights from the United States to Cuba in May: low prices, multiple routes, and baggage policy benefits.
The first half of May 2025 (from the 5th to the 18th) offers abundant flight options between the United States and Cuba.
This period includes Mother's Day on the island (Sunday, May 11), a key date when many residents abroad travel to visit their mothers, grandmothers, or wives.
Prices, for now, haven't increased significantly. For those planning a family reunion, May offers both affordable flights and availability on several routes to different provinces.
Airlines and direct routes to Cuba
The following airlines currently operate commercial flights between the United States and Cuba:
American Airlines: Daily flight from Miami to Havana, with frequent connections to Santa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba and Varadero.
Delta Air Lines: Two daily frequencies between Miami and Havana.
United Airlines: One daily direct flight between Houston and Havana.
Southwest Airlines: Daily service from Tampa to Havana.
Additionally, charter flights organized by agencies such as Havanatur and Cubazul operate, departing from Miami and Tampa to several Cuban cities, including Cienfuegos, Holguín, and Santa Clara.
JetBlue suspended all flights to Cuba in September 2023. Since then, there are no direct flights from New York or Fort Lauderdale, so travelers must connect via Miami or Tampa.
Ticket prices between May 5 and 18
Round-trip tickets from Miami to Havana range from $600 to $640 in economy class. American Airlines offers one-way flights between $305 and $335 during the week leading up to Mother's Day. The lowest price found is $305 each way on May 12, 13, and 14. On May 11 itself, the ticket costs $310.
Delta offers similar and even cheaper fares. Deals have been spotted as low as $172 one-way on dates like May 14. Some promotional flights in previous years have dropped as low as $220 round-trip, reflecting this year's downward trend.
In business class, prices range from $670 to $770.
Routes to inland provinces: cheaper than Havana
Flights from Miami to Santa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín, Santiago, or Varadero can be even cheaper than those to Havana. A ticket to Santa Clara during the first week of May starts at $163 one-way (about $326 round-trip).
To Holguín or Santiago, prices range from $400 to $500 round-trip. Tickets to Holguín have been seen for $445 for dates such as April 28 to May 2. In general, these routes offer competitive fares and are an opportunity for those traveling to other provinces.
There are also options from Tampa and Houston
Southwest Airlines connects Tampa to Havana with round-trip fares between $460 and $500. Tickets start at $233 each way.
United Airlines, with its exclusive route from Houston, has prices ranging from $440 to $475 round-trip. On days like May 10, fares range from $165 to $180. Although it's a longer route, prices remain competitive due to the lack of direct competition in that city.
The cheapest days to fly are just after May 11th, with prices as low as $305 each way. Even on Mother's Day itself, you can find tickets without any markups.
Baggage policies, a key factor when choosing an airline
Passengers flying to Cuba often bring food, medicine, clothing, and hygiene items for their families. Baggage policies vary by airline and can significantly affect the total cost of the trip.
American Airlines
Allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. In standard Economy class, the first checked bag is included. In basic fare, the first bag is charged $35 and the second $150. No more than two bags weighing 23 kg are allowed per passenger (up to 32 kg are allowed on flights to Cuba).
Delta Air Lines
Includes carry-on baggage and personal items. The first bag is charged $30 and the second $40. There's a maximum of two bags per person. Passengers with SkyMiles status or Delta cards can get their first bag free.
United Airlines
The first bag is charged $35 and the second $45. Up to two bags weighing 23 kg are allowed. Some special allowances apply to Premier customers or United cardholders.
Southwest Airlines
Includes two checked bags free of charge, up to 23 kg each. One carry-on bag and one personal item are also allowed. Cuba is limited to no more than two bags per passenger. This policy still applies during the first half of May; it may change later in the month.
Charter flights
Although more expensive, they allow for larger baggage volumes. Some flights accept up to five pieces of luggage per passenger, including boxes and large suitcases. Many travelers choose this option when they need to bring merchandise or supplies to their families.
Quick comparison of prices and baggage by airline
American AirlinesFrom $305 each way. First bag included (standard fare). Second bag: $150.
Delta Air LinesFrom $172 each way. First bag: $30. Second: $40.
United AirlinesFrom $165 each way. First bag: $35. Second: $45.
Southwest AirlinesFrom $233 each way. Two checked bags included free of charge.
Charters: More flexible with baggage, but more expensive and without mileage accrual.
Airline | main path | Average round-trip fare | baggage policy |
---|---|---|---|
American Airlines | Miami – Havana and provinces | ≈ $ 610 (from $305 one way) | 1st suitcase included in Economy 2nd suitcase: $150 Max. 2 suitcases of 23 kg |
Delta Air Lines | Miami – Havana | ≈ $350–$600 (offers from $172 one way) | 1nd suitcase: $30 2nd suitcase: $40 Max. 2 suitcases of 23 kg |
United Airlines | Houston – Havana | ≈ $ 475 (from $165 one way) | 1nd suitcase: $35 2nd suitcase: $45 Max. 2 suitcases of 23 kg |
Southwest Airlines | Tampa – Havana | ≈ $ 470 (from $233 one way) | 1st and 2nd suitcase FREE Max. 2 suitcases of 23 kg |
Charter flights | Miami/Tampa – Provinces | $500–$700 (approx.) | Up to 4 or 5 suitcases Charge by weight or package Greater flexibility |
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