Did you, guys, know that? If so, I apologize. I am NOT unfamiliar with the JetBlue TrueBlue program — in fact I’ve written killer reports on maximizing JetBlue values here, here, and here (yes, I’m humble, too), but I’ve never known you could get that much value out of their currency.

And what a great way to do it by flying to Cuba!

I’ve been doing a research on a completely different thing and suddenly got stumbled upon this JetBlue Cuba travel piece dated July 18. I know, I know, not only am I lazy, I’m slow, too. You can click through to read the whole article.

In all fairness, you can already fly and even redeem miles to Cuba. American has no problem selling you a ticket, but you have to redeem on the phone. You will, however, pay 12,500-15,000 miles for a 1-hour long flight if you fly from Florida.

Where Does JetBlue Fly

This is one letdown for otherwise great news. The JetBlue Cuba flights are limited to three cities in Cuba, none of which can be considered a major destination. If you want Havana, land in Santa Clara, and for Santiago de Cuba, choose Holguin.

Where Is the Value in JetBlue Cuba Flights?

I was intrigued enough by this JetBlue Cuba goodness to try a dummy booking and see how it goes, and I stroke gold at the first attempt.

This is the shortest flight in the new JetBlue Cuba network. You would pay 8,700 points and $47 tax.

You can say, well, it’s a short flight, so what’s a big deal? And you would be right, but see the cash fare.

We need to deduct $47 in taxes, because award travel doesn’t include them, but even so, you get 8,700 points vs. $181 or 2.1 points per penny!

And it’s Cuba, we’re talking about! I don’t know a more exciting way currently to maximize one’s miles/points value. Well, in coach, at least. 🙂

Other JetBlue Cuba flights show the same values in both cash and points when I check around the same dates. Adding connecting flights brings the value down. For example, connecting from New York gets you reasonable 1.7 points on a penny, which is fine, too, I guess.

Check my detailed reviews about the two JetBluie credit cards and their features.

New Barclaycard JetBlue Credit Card with 30,000-Point Bonus

Health Coverage and Cuban Visa Are Included

In an effort to simplify travel to the Caribbean island and reduce potential worry, JetBlue is including Cuban government-required health insurance coverage for all travelers on its Cuba-bound flights.

Adding to the convenience, the airline has made it so customers can complete the U.S. Department of Treasury-required affidavit during the booking process. Under current U.S. regulations, Americans traveling to Cuba must complete an affidavit that affirms they are going for any one of 12 approved reasons. What’s more, JetBlue will make Cuban Tourist Visas available for purchase upon check-in at the airport.

But Is It Legal Now

As long as you stay within the following 12 categories, it is:

Travel-related transactions are permitted by general license for certain travel related to the following activities, subject to the criteria and conditions in each general license: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and certain authorized export transactions.

If you don’t find a “category” that suits your needs … well, then I don’t know. 🙂 The government is winking at you! 🙂 Do read the whole travel section of the above DOS document.

I’m curious if there are other destinations with the same or similar ratio that I’ve missed. Tell me if you know.

Photo By: Bud Ellison