Originally Posted by
IAH-OIL-TRASH
If every IRROP for every airline in the world was posted, this thread would be thousands of pages long. I've been to Chuuk (formally Truk). There aren't a whole lot of flights, and frankly, it's nice to have UA going there. They're not gonna run 2 flights a day there. The milk run it what it is. Stuff happens. Scuba equipment can be rented there. Most of the diving is in the shallow lagoon and equipment is almost not needed as snorkeling gets you to see most of the wrecks. Pohnpei reef walls is where the equipment is really needed. Freight is an important component of the milk run and perishables in that warm climate will take priority. Wanna go to Chuuk? You're still gonna take UA in all probability.
And there's no chance that there could be a travel problem through Tokyo or Manila? Written by a kettle. Kinda dumb allowing a 45 minute connection in Guam when they could have the milk run westbound. Less comfortable 1st seats, but they would have gotten there.
I must disagree with some of your comments.
Truk or Chuuk is about wreck diving with penetration into the cargo holds, engine rooms and the soft corals on the decks the main reason to visit. The best wrecks are deeper with the best (San Francisco Maru) starting at 170 feet. Also most diver want to use their own equipment which always fits vs getting rental gear to work. Also when that many divers are competing for rental gear at such a remote location supply will become a problem. Pohnpei would be a much better snorkel trip and is a must visit island.
The mistake made by these divers was overnighting in HNL vs GUM. Yes it means spending almost and entire day sitting around GUM but it takes away the problem of delayed diving equipment. Also if you take the Sunday flight (GUM-TKK-PNI-TKK-GUM) gives you a fall back since the Island Hopper leaves GUM Monday morning.
If you are going to dive the Pacific you are going to fly on United. It will take planning on your part to avoid the OP situation.