I found RoatanMan's comments re TACA interesting. I can concur with some, but would like to offer a slightly different viewpoint on some others. TACA flights, like visits to Roatan in general, must be viewed in the context of the destination: a third-world country. This should not be seen as a disparagement of Honduras, because I probably would move there in a heart-beat if the opportuity arose. But this simply is not the same as flying from NYC to DC. There are some elements of Honduras that with concurrent regret and pleasure I note to be different and sometimes less sophisticated than the US. So if it doesn't have the polish of Delta, United, etc., it's not a sign that it's bad, just different! Yes, there will be delays, there will be mechanical problems, there will be delayed luggage. And yes, it probably happens more than with some domestic carriers. And if you are going to get caught up in that, you probably won't be able to enjoy Roatan. Taca flights, like Roatan in general, must be viewed as an adventure. With that simple perspective, every flight I've had on Taca (and I've had many) becomes fun inspite of the problems that ensue (and there have been many). You'll meet interesting people from many communities and countries who, in the face of shared problems of delayed flights, redirected flights, etc., you have ample opportunity to become better acquainted with. And don't forget RoatanMan's comment re humor. Many of the Taca staff remember me because when (not if, when!) my bags don't arrive, I am joking and smiling. Apparently the contrast with the typical American pissing, moaning, and threatening to sue anyone is enough to make me memorable!
In the mean time, I would assert that delayed baggage IS the norm. Those who suggest otherwise have incredible luck in the face of high, adverse odds and should be sitting in casinos! Out of my many trips to Roatan over the past 20 years, only once has ALL my luggage arrived and many are the incoming guests who can be seen stewing over missing luggage. Mind you, not all of your luggage comes delayed, just some. Don't be afraid to tell the ticket counter person in Miami or Houston which one has the dive gear and should be recognized as a priority. They will try hard to get it on the plane, but don't assume that it will make it. And even if you see it loaded into the plane, don't assume it will arrive!
But equally important, I have never had luggage from the afternoon MIA-RTB flight that didn't arrive at the resort (AKR) by noon time the next day. The resort staff take care of everything and I don't have to do anything other than provide the Taca folks with info re shape, size, etc. The resort dive staff are good about providing gear backups while you are waiting, so that's never been an issue. Of the many guests I have met, only 2 or 3 had to wait more than a day and only 1 had to wait like 5 days (with Taca popping $100 per day to cover inconveniences).
In some regards, direct flights are better than connecting flights, because every connection increases the possibility of luggage being left behind. Mind you, it's not that the luggage gets lost, it's that they are trying to limit the weight (or at least that's what they have told me). And therefore, because the direct flights tend to be completely filled, weight issues are more likely to arise.
I am intrigued by RoatanMan's observation re tickets issued by one resort vs. another may get better or worse treatment. I'm not necessarily surprised, but I'm curious as to which resorts fare better.
To those that are going to get all stressed out over travel complications, stay home & dive a quarry or go for a cattle call in the Keys. But if your sense of humor and sense of adventure rival your love of diving, get out your credit card & start planning a trip to Roatan!
Allen