American Airlines & United Airlines Are Correcting Their Internet Sites About Using Credit Cards In Cuba
/Texas-based American Airlines and Illinois-based United Airlines have inaccurate language on their respective Internet sites relating to use in the Republic of Cuba of credit cards and debit cards issued by United States-based financial institutions. Both airlines have been notified and are addressing the issue.
American Airlines
“Cash- no credit cards or debit cards can be used in Cuba."
United Airlines
"Please note that U.S. credit and debit cards currently do not work in Cuba."
Washington-based Alaska Airlines
“Most US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba yet.”
Texas-based Southwest Airlines
"With very few exceptions, U.S. Credit and Debit cards do not currently work in Cuba, so remember to bring enough cash with you to last your entire trip. U.S. dollars can be exchanged into Cuban convertible currency at the airport, hotels, or exchange houses."
Georgia-based Delta Air Lines
Link to the Internet page of the United States Embassy in Havana, Republic of Cuba, which has this statement: "With very few exceptions, U.S. credit and debit cards do not currently work in Cuba. Please bring enough cash to last your entire trip. U.S. Dollars can be exchanged into Cuban convertible currency (CUC) at most airports, hotels, and exchange houses."
https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/traveling-to-cuba/
New York-based JetBlue Airways
Link to the Internet page of the United States Embassy in Havana, Republic of Cuba, which has this statement: "With very few exceptions, U.S. credit and debit cards do not currently work in Cuba. Please bring enough cash to last your entire trip. U.S. Dollars can be exchanged into Cuban convertible currency (CUC) at most airports, hotels, and exchange houses."
https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/traveling-to-cuba/
Background
On 1 March 2015, Purchase, New York-based Mastercard Worldwide removed its restriction (block) on the use of its branded products in the Republic of Cuba.
Currently, Pompano Beach, Florida-based Stonegate Bank and San Juan, Puerto Rico-based Banco Popular of Puerto Rico, and Florida-based Natbank have authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury and from the Central Bank of the Republic of Cuba to have their Mastercard-branded credit cards and debit cards valid for use in the Republic of Cuba.
In addition, Visa credit cards and Mastercard credit cards issued by non-United States-based financial institutions are valid for use in the Republic of Cuba; and there are individuals subject to United States jurisdiction who possess such cards and are authorized to use them while within the Republic of Cuba.
In 2016, there was an issue with information on the Internet site of Stamford, Connecticut-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (a subsidiary of Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott International) relating to its Sheraton Four Points Havana property which opened in June 2016. The company was incorrect in stating on its Internet site that credit cards issued in the United States were not permitted to be used at the property.
The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council worked with the company to resolve this issue, but it unnecessarily required one-hundred (100) days to resolve. The following are blog post links about the issue and the process of resolution:
http://www.cubatrade.org/blog/2016/10/28/sjnn09px8h13nagf1hrzkflnqlw5dt?rq=credit%20cards
