Hello, I'm new to posting on flyertalk and was looking for some input on ]flight itineraries I was considering. I have a Nexus pass, for background.

I'm going to be flying Toronto-San Salvador, and I will be checking a bag. I'm not really that concerned about the most comfortable option or best amenities with this particular flight, just the likelihood of missed flights, cancellations, lost bags etc (I am going to be volunteering, and my checked bag will be full of medical supplies).

I will by flying back on Avianca as this was the best return option. My two best departure flight options are:
1) Jan 20th, 2024:, American Airlines, YYZ-MIA-SAL, 6am-11:50am with a 45 minute connection in Miami. I should be able to do pre-clearance in YYZ, but this still seems like a tight connection?
2) Jan 19th, 2024: Avianca, YYZ-SAL direct, 3:55pm-8:10pm.
I liked the option for a direct flight with Avianca, vs the tight connection with AA. However I'm more familiar with AA than Avianca.
Another flight option was with United Airlines on Jan 20th, though the flight is currently more expensive and gets in a bit later than I'd like. However it has a slightly longer connection time of 1 hr 7 minutes in Houston: YYZ-IAH-SAL 6:10am-1:19pm, so that might be safer than the AA option?

I would appreciate any input!
--Leslie