How to get to | Tahiti

I’ve travelled to a lot of different places (about 100 countries currently depending on which list is used), and intend travelling to a lot more. Sometimes I get asked how to get to country X, where X is perceived to be (and may be really) hard to get to. While I do not mind answering these types of questions privately, if there is reader interest I’ll blog about it too. If anyone has a request please feel free to contact me by making a comment or through the email link at top right.

I’ll start off with Tahiti (French Polynesia).

Tahiti (French Polynesia)

While some cruises do include Tahiti, most travellers arrive by air. A few main airlines fly to Tahiti:

• Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles, Paris, Sydney and Auckland – they have codeshares and partnerships with both Qantas, Air New Zealand and American Airlines
• Air New Zealand (Star Alliance) from Auckland (the Los Angeles and Rarotonga flights have been dropped)
• Hawaiian from Honolulu
• Air France (Sky Team) from Paris and Los Angeles
• LAN (oneworld) from Santiago via Easter Island

Fares generally are high, especially in premium cabins. Tahiti is difficult to get to on round-the-world tickets due to the lack of onward flights in all 3 alliances and backtracking rules.

TIP book early on a business class award for the best value and a comfortable (long) flight to and from the islands.

TIP Moorea and Bora Bora are far more attractive than the main island of Tahiti but will require a ferry (Moorea) or flight (all the islands on Air Tahiti). These extra flights are unable to be booked on any award or round-the-world ticket. Watch out for schedules as often an overnight stop in Papeete is required to make the connection.

Musings of the Global Traveller
Thoughts, advice and travel news from around the world by a seasoned frequent flyer.