Traveling from SFO to LIM in a few months and found a great fare and schedule on Avianca web site SFO-SAL-LIM and LIM-SAL-SFO the SFO-SAL are "TACA" operated A320 and the SAL-LIM are "Trans American Airlines" operated A330.

Although the fare is the lowest I like that on both directions the flights are during day time - and each leg 4-5ish hrs long - in other words quite manageable on economy - so won't have to spend $$$ or dollars for business class.

However - i have no experience with these airlines. What should I expect regarding quality of the service / punctuality / connection at SAL / meals / safety? And Upgrade opportunities?

Thank you!

--HAF

TACA is just fine. I fly them regularly. They run a pretty good operation into and out of SAL, with flights on time and easy connections at SAL. You literally walk from one plane to next. Hot meals are served in both classes, seating not as tight as US carriers. I have never flown Trans America (at least I don't think so) but if they are more like Avianca, there might be delays on that end. Boarding is usually chaotic and seat reassignments not uncommon. Unless you speak Spanish you may be screwed in that department. It is hard to argue with them in English as workers may not understand. As to safety, as of the last couple of decades, they have been fine (TACA does alot of maintenance for USA carriers at their hub in SAL) As to upgrades, I believe they have a bidding system. Take a look at avianca.com, it is on there somewhere.