tl;dr – tbh, this feels long overdue.
Two of Polynesia’s key carriers have recently entered into a partnership, which should significantly enhance travelers’ connectivity from the United States and Europe to their ultimate tropical destinations on a single itinerary.
Air Tahiti Nui – French Polynesia’s primary long-haul airline, and Air Tahiti – Polynesia’s local carrier that specializes in connecting Tahiti with her surrounding islands – have announced a codeshare agreement.
At present, travelers visiting Polynesia arrive on the main island of Tahiti, specifically at Papeete International Airport (PPT), on a carrier such as Air France, French Bee, United Airlines, Air New Zealand, or Air Tahiti Nui.
If choosing to visit other popular islands, such as Bora Bora, Hauhine, Raiatea, Ta’haa, Maupiti, Moorea (though Moorea can also be accessed via a fun 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Papeete), the Australs, or the Marquesas, travelers would have to purchase independent fares on Air Tahiti or another local carrier like Air Moana.
Now with this link-up between Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti, travelers have at least one option for purchasing their international long-haul flight and connecting inter-island fares on one ticket, removing the headache involved with aligning arrival and departure times, not to mention checking baggage through.
I’m actually writing this article from French Polynesia, where I’ve been doing a bit of island hopping.
I flew into the country on a business class flight on Air Tahiti Nui (Tahiti) and a few hours later flew to another island on Air Tahiti.
I would have definitely saved money on baggage fees when checking into my Air Tahiti flight, not to mention having to port them around while I explored the island of Tahiti for a few hours. This is a small news update, but it will prove helpful to travelers to Tahiti – particularly those looking for a stress free experience as they enjoy their honeymoon or similar milestone occasion.
