I've read quite a bit on here about airfare to Belize but haven't seen much mentioned about TACA Airlines - except once where it was referred to as "Take A Chance Airlines". We booked with TACA for June 20 because of the price ($510 from Los Angeles). Even tho it's too late to change, should we be concerned about the airline or about the stopover in San Salvador?

Because of some flight connection problems in April, Continental put 6 of us on TACA from Houston to BZ. I would say that we were very apprehensive, but lo and behold, this was a VERY nice experience. On the approach to BZE instead of bellowing about the seat backs and tray tables, the very pleasant attendant informed us it was "last call". Landing at Goldson with a fresh cocktail in one's hand is a most civilized way to travel.

Is there smoking on TACA? I took a flight from Texas to Mexico about 6 years back (don't remember the airline) and as soon as the plane crossed the border all the smokers lit-up. It didn't much matter if you were in a smoking section as the whole plane filled with smoke.

To be honest, I find that TACA is far superior to any US airline I've ever flown. First the pilots are really cool. When they take off, they let ALL out, and climb very fast. Its like being on a military mission. Next, the attendants are all very attentive and just so courteous. And lastly, the meals are actually very good. It has been acouple of years since I've flown TACA, so I'm hoping that the good service has not changed for the worse.

Thanks for the encouraging comments about TACA. I was beginning to wonder if I had made a big mistake when I booked with them. When we get back, I'll let everyone know how our flight was. By the way....did any of you happen to have a lay-over in San Salvador?

We loved TACA, but have not flown with them in a few years, but all was much like Bill said. Free drinks then.
Yes, we had a lay-over in San Salvador, (unscheduled) flying to Costa Rica. What a trip, but looking back it was a real sitcom experience.

We have used TACA twice now from LAX and the last time was June 2001. Both times where just fine. Service and Food was not bad at all and the planes where in very good condition (at least the passenger cabins) The San Salvador Airport is very nice, new and modern with the cleanest toilets and fun little shops as well as several places to eat a snack or have some cervecas. We had no problem with our luggage and we would us TACA again in a heart beat. No worries!!!!

I agree...TACA has always been a great airline for us. Of our 9 trips to Belize, 4 have been on TACA. Excellent food with REAL eating utinsels, good service and always a clean and fresh smelling cabin. We've been in San Salvador 1 time, coming from Costa Rica to Belize. A clean and modern facility, nice shops, interesting people to watch, comfortable seating and fairly clean bathrooms. Don't be afraid to fly TACA, enjoy the nice change of hospitality from US airlines.

Not to worry about the smoking...all flights to and from Belize are non smoking now. Not sure how they managed to do that (the no smoking thing is strictly a USA concept...cough cough hack hack...) but they did. Maybe it was the flight attendants' union lawsuit...I am deathly allergic and used to suffer on TACA.
TACA has a tendency to overbook and they have more "unscheduled" changes in routing than Continental. But they take good care of you while you are on the plane, they have the best food and free booze.