Get ready to pack your bags. American and Cuban officials signed an agreement on Tuesday to resume commercial flights between the two countries.
It's been more than 50 years since the last scheduled flight between the United States and Cuba. The agreement allows up to 110 daily round-trip flights between the U.S. and Cuba's 10 airports.
Airlines now have until March 2 to apply to the Department of Transportation in order to offer flights to Cuba. One likely applicant — American Airlines. That's based on its congratulations tweet to the departments of State and Transportation.
After 50 years of isolation, the U.S. and Cuba began restoring diplomatic relations in 2014 with a prisoner swap.
Americans will still need to have an authorized reason for traveling to Cuba. Among the 12 approved categories — family visits, humanitarian projects and educational activities. Others include religious activities, athletic competitions and "support for the Cuban people."
This agreement does not affect chartered flights to Cuba, which can continue as normal.
Flights between Cuba and the U.S. could start as soon as this fall.
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