Review of TACA flight from San Francisco to San Salvador in Business

Back in November right after I came back from my trip to Turkey I decided to go to Costa Rica to visit some relatives. When it was time to decide which airline to fly, I chose TACA because I was intrigued by its product. Reports about this carrier's inflight service, especially in Business with pics are a rarity. Furthermore, with the elimination of the brand in 2013 when they fully incorporate into Avianca, this experience will acquire some historic significance.
Browsing through TACA's website I found a fare for $858.31 and bought it immediately. This will mark my first disappointing experience with them. I made sure that the site was set for the USA and the price was quoted in USD. At the end when I tried to finish transaction it signed me off. I never received a confirmation email and when I checked with the credit card company it advised me that the transaction was processed. I also called TA and the rep acknowledged that everything was fine.
I used a Bank of America Cash Rewards Visa and this particular card charges a fee for foreign transactions. When I looked at the statement online I see that I was charged $25 in addition to my ticket because the purchase was processed through TACA Panama. Now, I am not against TACA using a foreign location to process their transactions. It's their site and they can do whatever they want with it, but I think that before hitting the purchase button, prospective customers should be advised that they are not purchasing something within the USA and can make the right decision as to which credit cards they want to use to avoid a surprising charge. I made the mistake to assume that since the site setting was for the USA, the transaction will be processed within the USA.
TA suggests you to be at the airport at least 3 hrs before dept. if you are checking in at the airport. I actually arrived in less than 2 hrs since I only had carry on and was flying up front. The line for J check-in was almost empty except for 1 passenger in front and soon I was checked by an efficient and nonchalant agent. She wished me a pleasant flight at the conclusion of the transaction in a scripted tone. For J passengers departing out of SFO, TA uses the A gates and does not contract any lounges out of here so there is no lounge access.
I arrived at the gate at about 45 minutes before dept. and the gate area looked busy already. There were about 4-5 agents working and the crowd was composed of a healthy mix of foreigners and locals going back home for the holidays. At approximately 35 min. before dept. one of the agents boards all wheelchair passengers first. At 25 min. before dept. an announcement is made inviting J passengers to board along with families with children. The boarding goes smoothly and at the door a FA greets passengers cheerfully.
Plane at the gate in SFO. There were 2 TA planes side by side. One was the red eye and the other for the 5:50A dept.

The cabin looked comfortable and there was already a red pillow on each seat. I think TA can use a more soothing color instead. No pre-dept. drinks and no personal TV screens, but FA offered to hang coats though. After take off, a FA distributed custom forms and then headphones from a tray. Later the purser walks around offering amenity kits followed by sealed blankets. The kit is pretty basic with toiletries contained in a clear plastic pouch. Most items are generic looking and one of the most useful items is a small tube of L'Occitane shea butter cream. I understand that the kits are only distributed on their long haul overnight flights. Most passengers went right to sleep but if you were awake, the purser would take your drink order. I had chamomile tea and she brought a bowl of cold nuts with raisins to accompany it.
Cabin

The nice FA who distributed the forms and later went to work in Y.

Amenity kit

My tea and bowl of nuts

At around 1.5 hours before arrival the purser starts preparing the breakfast. She sees that I am still awake and offers me a choice between french toasts or egg frittata. I love french toasts so I chose the former. She then asks if I want more tea and brings me another hot cup. She hands me a hot towel which I found to be a bit odd smelling (the fragrance seemed just a bit rancid, maybe it was stored for too long?). Then a tray is brought containing the french toasts surrounded in a custard sauce with a few pieces of peach. Unusual way to serve them but I enjoy the change of pace from syrup and sausage links or bacon. A plate of fresh fruit, strawberry yogurt, warm roll, butter and jam are served along with the main dish. One noticeable thing is the lack of salt/pepper shakers or packets and this is the standard on all TA meal trays. I assume that if you need extra condiments it is on request basis. At this point the turbulence becomes stronger waking up some pax. I tell the purser that I can have breakfast later and she gladly stores my tray away. Once the wild ride subsides, she resumes service and brings me my meal quickly. Throughout the flight the purser was attentive and very approachable.
Hot towel

Breakfast

Landing into SAL was on time and I did not have to go through Immigrations since I was connecting to another country. SAL airport needs some renovation in order to make it more welcoming and appealing. The structure reminds me of an utilitarian building in the 80's with a lack of aesthetic touches.