In the midst of the fall of tourism and the growing complaints about the experience in Cuban airports, several terminals on the island are promoting a "different treatment" payable in dollars that promises comfort and priority before boarding. This VIP service is especially targeted at travelers flying from Miami.
What is the "different treatment"?
The package is presented as aComplete VIP Experiencewhich includes:
- Access to exclusive roomswith air conditioning
- Refreshments and drinksincluded
- Priority in trip processes(Check, boarding)
- Wi-Fi via cardsof connection
- Comfortable seatsfor waiting
- Greater peace of mindaway from bustle
This commercial thrust occurs while the airport network tries to capture currencies in an environment of deteriorated and terminal services with operational problems. In 2024 the expansion of VIP rooms in Vip was already reported as a road to capture dollars, and in 2025 the impulse continues.
How much does it cost?
According to information shared by content creators and reports on social networks, the referential cost isapproximately 25 USD per personIn some specific cases.
Important: Amount and services may vary considerably according to:
- Specific terminal (Havana, Varadero, Santiago, etc.)
- Date and season
- Availability and occupation
- Specific services included
Why now?
The commitment to VIP services in USD appears ascollection responsein front of a complex scenario:
- Tourism without full recovery: Tourism numbers have not fully recovered
- Deteriorated experience: Passenger experience accumulates constant criticism
- Poor infrastructure: Terminals seek to compensate income without improving basic services
- Currency collection: The system privileges dollar payments to guarantee supply
Who is it directed to?
The communicational emphasis constantly mentionsMiami travelers, one of the most sensitive and more traffic markets towards Cuba. The promotion of "different treatment" is spread with headlines and posts that appeal to that specific audience and focus onPayments in dollars.
The reality behind the promise
Here two different stories coexist:
✅ The VIP promise
- Expanding rooms in several terminals
- Additional services available
- Differentiated experience of the general public
⚠️ The operational reality
Previous reports have indicateddeficiencies even in "premium" areas:
- Cleaning problems
- Operational delays
- Service limitations
- Irregular experience according to airport, turn and passenger flow
Recommendations for travelers
Before hiring the VIP service, validates these aspects:
1. What exactly includes
- Access to room only or also priority?
- Does the priority apply to check, security, migration or shipping?
- What refreshments and drinks are included?
- How much access time do you have?
2. Specific conditions
- Updated price on your terminal
- Room Operation Hours
- Policies for companions
- Reservation requirements
3. Payment methods
- Save all receipts
- If you can, pay with traceable method
- Confirms that they accept USD in cash or card
4. Manages expectations
- The benefits and executionThey vary considerably
- The "priority" is not the same in all airports
- Consider extra times for check/security even with "priority"
The background: dollars, branding and perception
The "different treatment" offer is not just comfort: it is acommercial policy signal. In 2024-2025, the airport ecosystem in Cuba has proven:
- New consumption spaces
- Expanded VIP Salas
- Bars and "snack bars" inside terminals
- Private business advertising in terminals
- Strategies to monetize waiting time
- Raise the average ticket of each passenger
All this in an effort toCapture currencies while base infrastructure does not improve homogeneously.
Is it worth the VIP service?
The strategic question is:Do you compensate you?
✅ It can be worth it if:
- You are looking for less noise and more comfort
- You travel with children or older adults
- You have prolonged waiting time
- You value tranquility on savings
- Your flight is peak schedule
❌ You may not be worth it:
- You expect all operating bottlenecks to solve
- Your travel budget is adjusted
- Your connection time is short
- You prefer to invest that money in the destination
Practical tips for your trip
-
Check VIP conditionsFrom your specific terminal and reserve in advance if you travel on peak days
-
Consider extra timesFor check/security even with "priority" - not all steps depend on the VIP room
-
Compare complete pricesof the trip and decide whether the cost of the VIP really improves the experience
-
Check recent experiencesof other travelers in your specific terminal before hiring
-
It has effective in USDIf you plan to hire the service, since there is not always card availability
The segmentation of the airport experience
The VIP services push suggests that, while base infrastructure does not improve homogeneously,Airports are segmenting the experienceFor those who can pay more.
This represents:
- A strategy ofCurrency collectionNo investment in basic services
- Atwo -speed model: Premium for those who pay in dollars, basic for the rest
- A commitment tomonetization rather than operational improvement
Conclusion
The "different treatment" in Cuban airports is a commercial reality that reflects the need to capture currencies in a context of tourist crisis. For the traveler, it represents a valid option if expectations are managed correctly.
The key is in:
- Investigate well before hiring
- Validate what exactly includes in your terminal
- Consider whether the price justifies the real benefits
- Do not wait for all operating problems to solve
Do you fly from Miami to Cuba?
Before deciding whether to hire the VIP service,Compare flight prices per full monthand evaluate your total travel budget. Sometimes, finding a cheaper flight allows you to invest in comforts that really improve your experience.
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