Cuban and U.S. flags stand before the start of a press conference on the sidelines of talks between the two nations in Havana, Cuba. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File)

1. Netflix brings its streaming video service to Cuba
2. US: Cuba completes release of 53 political prisoners
3. Embargo of Cuba is a policy failure
4. Cuba protests planned in Miami, but turnout unclear
5. No word yet from Fidel amid historic US-Cuba shift
6. Exiles divided on changing US-Cuba relations
7. Eltife buys Cuban art for his restaurant walls
8. US, Cuba to normalize relations; Obama to speak
9. US co-opted Cuba’s hip-hop scene to spark change
10. Americans cling to claims for property seized by Cuba
11. US, Cuban presidents expected to meet Saturday at Panama summit
12. US-Cuba relations challenge MLB baseball players, but bring hope
13. Plan unveiled to open path to Cuba for US businesses

NEW YORK (AP) — The first direct charter flights between New York City and Cuba are now taking off.

Cuba Travel Services has started offering a weekly Tuesday charter between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Havana. The flights are operated by Sun County Airlines, and cost $849 round-trip. The price includes airfare, Cuban medical insurance and U.S. departure taxes.

In January, the Obama administration announced it would be easing travel restrictions.

Despite improving relations, tourism is still banned. Travelers must still declare a purpose that fits into one of the 12 approved categories, including family visits, government work and journalism. But most visitors no longer need to apply for a special license and wait for U.S. government approval.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.