TACA to Roatan?

[scuba e]

I have been searching flights for a while now. I have a few options. One of which is a flight on TACA from LAX to San Salvador. The only issue I see is the layover time is 1 hour. I usually like a little more time just to make sure we get on the flight with all our gear.
Guess the real question is; Is TACA reliable enough to get away with a 1 hour layover?
Thanks,
E

 

[georoc01]

Well, the last time we did it, our dive bag sat in San Pedro Sula for 2 months on the return flight. Communication with TACA in English was impossible as they never answered the english speaking line. We had to call the spanish speaking line with a friend serving as an intrepeter.

We finally got the bag back after a representative from Anthony's Key stepped in and flew over to the mainland (or stopped when having to make the trip) and served as a go between.

I'd fly with TACA direct, but not sure I would make a stop where a plane change was required to Roatan going forward. I'm sure many people do this without a problem, but if you have one, resolving it can be a real challenge.

 

[parrotheaddiver]

I wouldn't chance it that is a short layover IMO....I have flown TACA many times from Texas to Roatan w/o any issues but that was a direct flight....for me Continental is a better choice YMMV

 

[ktomlinson]

I just got back from Roatan 2 weeks ago. No problems at all, I thought Taca was a good choice. We flew Orlando to San Salvador with 50 minute layover then to roatan. Taca has a high on time record from what I could find. The San Salvador airport is small and easy to navigate.

 

[Papa_Bear]

I have been searching flights for a while now. I have a few options. One of which is a flight on TACA from LAX to San Salvador. The only issue I see is the layover time is 1 hour. I usually like a little more time just to make sure we get on the flight with all our gear.
Guess the real question is; Is TACA reliable enough to get away with a 1 hour layover?
Thanks,
E

I have done that flight many times and only once on the way back did they delay my gear! The Huston Continental is by fare the most convenient way to go and Continental's dive gear policy is the best in the industry! The TACA flight is usually early and the outgoing runs smooth and they will up grade you faster than any other airline! It opens up coach seats for people on stand by that couldn't afford the upgraded ticket! I have been bumped to FC the last three times I have flown them!

 

[bkpix]

I'm with Papa Bear, the Continental flight out of Houston is easy and gets you right to Roatan.

 

[RTBDiver]

=Papa_Bear;5070842] Continental's dive gear policy is the best in the industry!

What makes it so much better? I have travelled many airlines over the years and as long as I was within weight/size limits have never had an issue, what makes this the best in the industry? Do they let you go overweight? Do they allow oversize? Please, fill us in

 

[ktomlinson]

I just checked out continentals website and it seems that the over 50lb fee may not apply to scuba gear. It implies that at least...

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx

 

[Papa_Bear]

It does! I do it all the time and just got back from Bonaire with a 70lb scuba bag! NO CHARGE! Only the second bag for 30 dollars!

 

[Papa_Bear]

Here you go: Continental Airlines - Sports Equipment

Scuba Equipment

Continental does accept one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport as checked baggage. Scuba equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.

Dive bags weighing over 50lbs (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate dive equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight fee.

Dive bags measuring over 62 linear inches (157 cm) that contain other items in addition to or in place of dive equipment will be subject to the applicable oversize charge.

If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to scuba equipment.

An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a $100 service charge (each way).

An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $100. The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener.

Note: for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4.1% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage.

An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces.

Continental is not liable for damage to Scuba diving equipment.

Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Scuba diving equipment.

This is what makes them special!