CHARLOTTE -- A cloudy Charlotte day didn't keep the excitement away at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Wednesday as the first American Airlines non-stop flight to Cuba was given a water cannon salute.
"Anytime there's a new flight there’s excitement. There's hope," said Capt. Domingo Alfaro, one of the pilots handpicked by the airline. "It has special meaning for me being American Airlines employee and an emotional meaning because I was born there and really don't know much about it."
Alfaro was just 13 months old when he left. The only memories he has of the Caribbean island are those passed down from his parents.
"I went back several times in the 80s but it was under a different time where we couldn't leave the airport,” said Alfaro. “The pilot couldn't leave the airplane.”
The U.S. and Cuba had an embargo for 56 years until President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro decided to re-establish diplomatic relations.
The airline decorated passengers at the gate with Cuban hats, and chocolate Cuban cigars. Some passengers were crying with emotion while walking through the gate.
"I love all things history and I just said, ‘I just have to go," said passenger Stephanie Walters, a guidance counselor from Virginia who got her visa just for this trip. "Of course try the rum and smoke a cigar. Just soak up the culture right now everything has been kept. I just want to see how it is and experience it."
An experience many have been waiting a lifetime to share.
"Now I'll be able to share what I see with my children and grandkids," said Alfaro.