TACA to Roatan?

[diver 85]

In 2008 there were regular flights with Delta and Continental, there mustbe more to the story as TACA has still been one of the least expensive BUT I am sure TACA is kicking themselves for losing a customer like you

We sold our place in '08--last trip there was in '06, from '94 to '06 we traveled there twice a year, most June & Dec's, with a few March trips thrown in for good measure......Of course on the other hand, could've just gotten tired of the noseeums-----too, lol........

 

[Bay Island Diver]

San Salvador is TACAs main hub and very efficient, i wouldn't worry about a 1 hour connection time.

 

[diver 85]

San Salvador is TACAs main hub and very efficient, i wouldn't worry about a 1 hour connection time.

That's because it's the national carrier of El Salvador......like Aviateca is the national airline of Guatemala(been on this one several times too)......

 

[DandyDon]

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!

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

They used to allow a bag of scuba gear only to be up to 70# with no additional weight charges, just the second bag charge. To be safe, you needed to print out that page - but that allowance is gone now, altho some agents who may have known about it may not be aware that it is gone.

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...

Continental Airlines - Sports Equipment

Some of the old wording that referenced the previous allowance is still there, but no place does it say you can have a bag of scuba gear up to 70# without weight charges anymore.

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!

A case of still getting away with it as mentioned above I think. The agent at that dive destination was aware of the old allowances but had not noticed that they were removed.

Also notice that Cont disallows any liability for lost or damaged scuba gear in luggage. Trip Insurance...!!

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

Back to your question, sometimes TACA can be cheaper and the planes that fly into the US must meet US regs, but once you get out of country - you get whatever they want to fly. I flew them to RTB in 2001 when they were the only ones who went there, then 2003 took SOL, but am so happy that Cont goes there now - worth the extra money in many ways.

When were you looking? I just checked Los Angeles to Roatan aqny days of Mar 24 – Mar 31 and Cont was cheaper than TACA...!

If TACA still appeals to you, see if they have a later connecting flight for the same fare. Getting yourself or your bags stuck in El Salvador could ruin a holiday. :shocked2:

 

[scuba e]

Dandy Don,
We are going mid August. Found another flight from Orange County to houston with United and then from Houston to RTB with Taca. Hour and 20 minute layover in Houstin and 3 plus on the return. Looks safe. A domestic to houston. But should I worry about luggage making it from United to Taca in 1 hour 20 minutes?
The Conti flight is way cheaper and the Taca out of LA is cheaper but both are Redeyes. The flight we are now looking at leaves at 8:30am our time and arrives at 4:30pm roatan time. Pretty easy travel.

 

[DandyDon]

Dandy Don,
We are going mid August. Found another flight from Orange County to houston with United and then from Houston to RTB with Taca. Hour and 20 minute layover in Houstin and 3 plus on the return. Looks safe. A domestic to houston. But should I worry about luggage making it from United to Taca in 1 hour 20 minutes?
The Conti flight is way cheaper and the Taca out of LA is cheaper but both are Redeyes. The flight we are now looking at leaves at 8:30am our time and arrives at 4:30pm roatan time. Pretty easy travel.

I don't think I am finding what you are. For leaving anytime from 8-12 to 8-18, I see the TACA overnight flights or 8am departure for $736, but Unite to Houston is $322 and TACA to RTB is $493 with 3 hours to connect going - but too much money.

 

[scuba e]

we are the 21st to the 28th.

 

[jbjclj]

If you look at the bottom line with fees added in TACA is actually cheaper. Continenal $469 + fees = 776, TACA $679 + fees $735. We are flying TACA this Saturday to Cocoview.

 

[DandyDon]

we are the 21st to the 28th.

Haha, you are keeping me on my meddlesome toes giving me a little info here an there.

I see AA for $222 but that changes in DFW before IAH, then returns to a different airport. TACA is non-stop for $493, but I don't like that.

TACA all the way is not much more, but 2 stops on the way there unless you do the overnight.

I'd go Cont for $777 but that is overnight going.

Hope you find one you like...