I just flew LGA-IAH-HNL on CO 1 and conecting to HA to LIH. 2 of my 3 bags made the connection (around 50 mins) My golf clubs did not. It really wasnt that big of a deal as the clubs were delivered to my hotel 4 hours later.

On my way home I did KOA-HNL-IAH-LGA. There was a 50 min layover again in HNL...wouldnt you know it, my golf clubs again didnt make it.

I am assuming that the clubs get some sort of special treatment or something (i.e. slow)

I agree that it was worth it to take the 5:45 AM departure out of LGA vs. the Nonstop. I was checked in my hotel at 3:30. And we enjoyed the beautiful sunset over Bali Hai..the EWR nonstop was still over the Pacific somewhere.

I found the BF seats on the IAH routing had plenty of availbility and was around $500. less per seat vs. the nonstop. With the better timing, it was a no brainer.