

Pacific islands are open to international tourism
Most countries in the Pacific Islands region (Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia) are open to general tourism. The governments resumed the issuance of tourist visas, and airlines reopened their international routes to such popular destinations as Bora Bora, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa.
Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, and Vanuatu have lifted all travel restrictions for arrivals. There is no mandatory quarantine or health testing for all visitors – regardless of their vaccination status. French Polynesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Solomon Islands, and Tonga may still require proof of vaccination and/or a negative Covid test result to be presented on arrival.
However, the regulations may change at short notice, depending on the situation – always check the official websites before booking a flight to Pacific Islands.
Arriving in Tahiti
- If you are flying to Tahiti from abroad, you will most likely land at one of its biggest international airportsits main international airport — Faa'a International Airport
PPT
, located in the suburbs of the capital city Papeete, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city center. It is French Polynesia's main airport, and it serves as a gateway to the other islands of the archipelago.
The airport consists of two small, interconnected terminals: domestic and International. You will find there such amenities as free Wi-Fi (connect to the "Wi-Tahitiairport" network), currency exchange, tour operator and car rental offices, secure luggage storage, free showers (in the public restrooms in the main lounge), duty-free shops, souvenir boutiques, snack bars and restaurants, and a kids play area.Shuttle buses are available for cost-effective transfer to hotels in the capital city of Papeete. Public buses also run regularly from the stop outside the airport terminal. You can also get a ride with local taxis (fixed rates to popular tourist destinations) or rent a car through one of the international brands and local rental companies.
These are also the best (and the cheapest) airports to fly into Tahiti. As they are used by many airlines serving the same routes, the competition for passengers is fierce – with decreased airfare as a result. - Once in Tahiti, take advantage of frequent intercity flights operated by domestic airlines such as Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Moana, and Mana Otter. Those in-country carriers typically offer lower fares, operate from smaller airports located closer to city centers (you save on ground transportation), and provide flexible schedules – with a wide range of departure times.
- Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations near Tahiti can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of Air Tahiti, Aircalin, Air Raratonga, and French Bee. If you have a layover in Tahiti and plan to fly only a short distance to one of its neighboring countries, these budget airlines are an excellent way to save money. However, the “no-frills” carrier may not provide free checked baggage allowance, complimentary food, in-flight entertainment systems, and fast customer support. You may not even get to choose your seats, unless you pay extra.
Airports of Tahiti
Airlines flying to Tahiti | Aircalin, Air Caraïbes, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Raratonga, Air Tahiti, Amelia International, Air Tahiti Nui, Delta Air Lines, French Bee, Hawaiian Airlines, LATAM, Qantas, United Airlines |
---|---|
Airlines based in French Polynesia | Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Moana, Mana Otter |
Airports in Tahiti | Faa'a International Airport (PPT) — Papeete, Tahiti |
Regular price (roundtrip) | ✈ €1000 – €1400 (from Europe) ✈ $500 – $800 (from USA) |
Flight hacks | 40% — 80% off regular fare |
Airline promotions | See ticket sales & promos available for flights departing from March to May |
The cheapest time to fly to Tahiti
Tahiti is situated in the southern hemisphere near the equator and it experiences only two seasons: summer from November to April and winter from May to October. The temperature in Tahiti remains relatively constant year-round, so you’re likely to have warm and sunny weather – regardless of what time of year you travel to Tahiti.
The summer is the low season in Tahiti – November to April (excluding days around Christmas and New Year) is then the cheapest time to fly to the island. The weather is hotter and more humid than in winter, but you will be rewarded with the lowest airfares. Resorts in Tahiti also reduce their prices for the off-season.
The high tourist season in Tahit starts in May and lasts until the end of October. These are the busiest months when the weather is dryer, there is less humidity in the air, and water temperatures are cooler. Get ready for tourist crowds and sky-high prices for flights and hotels. If you plan to visit Tahiti during these months, it is essential to book well ahead (at least 9 months in advance).
Island hopping in French Polynesia
French Polynesia, located in the Pacific Ocean, covers an area as large as Western Europe and consists of 118 islands spread across 5 distinct island groups. Due to the considerable distance between islands, flying is the most efficient way of island hopping. The aerial views from the plane are sure to be some of the most stunning you’ll ever experience!
Tahiti and Bora Bora islands lie among the Society Islands group. The islands nearby are easiest to get to and provide more accommodation choices – so the other Society Islands such as Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Maupiti, and Huahine are great choices for quick island hopping. The Tuamotu Archipelago, located further out, boasts scenic islands such as Tikehau, Fakarava, and Rangiro. The Marquesas, Gambier, and Austral island groups are even more remote, offering a more secluded experience for those seeking less tourist activity. You’ll likely have these untouched islands all to yourself.

Air Tahiti is the only inter-island carrier connecting the island groups in French Polynesia. Flights depart from Bora Bora Airport and Faa’a Airport in the capital of Papeete on Tahiti. 47 islands are accessible, with popular destinations having flights 3-5 times a week and less frequent service to more remote islands. Flight times range from 1 hour to 3 hours, with the shortest flights serving the Tuamotu Atolls and the longest reaching the Marquesas Islands.
Get Multi-Island Pass to save on flights
Air Tahiti offers Multi-Island Passes for travelers who wish to explore multiple islands within the same archipelago, offering special, discounted fares.
For example, Bora Bora Pass allows flying to the islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Maupiti and costs €434.90/€469.30 (low season/high season).
All Passes cover routes that start and finish in Tahiti and are valid for 28 days.
Flights to Tahiti from United States and Canada
- There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Tahiti. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Tahiti, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. Direct flights from US to Tahiti depart from the major airports on the West Coast – San Francisco
SFO
, Los AngelesLAX
, SeattleSEA
, and from HonoluluHNL
on the Oahu island in the Central Pacific. Currently, only four airlines operate non-stop flights to Tahiti: Air Tahiti Nui, FrenchBee, United Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. There are no direct flights from Canada to Tahiti. - Tahiti is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Tahiti with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta
ATL
, DallasDFW
, DenverDEN
, ChicagoORD
, Los AngelesLAX
, Las VegasDFW
, MiamiMIA
, SeattleSEA
, HoustonIAH
, New YorkJFK
, and San FranciscoSFO
in the United States and TorontoYYZ
, VancouverYVR
, CalgaryLAS
, and MontrealYUL
in Canada. - The best airlines to fly to Tahiti from the US and Canada are: Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air Tahiti Nui. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
- For long-haul flights, the type of aircraft you choose can make a huge difference to your overall comfort on board – especially if you’re flying economy. The best aircraft have comfier seats with more legroom, WiFi, superior entertainment systems, and a better passenger experience in every cabin in general. When booking a flight to Tahiti, look for the airlines that use wide-body planes designed for long-haul flights, such as Airbus A350 (best choice), A380, A320neo, or Boeing 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.
Tahiti from US & Canada
plane ticket prices in 2023/24
Real-time economy class airfares to Tahiti from the US and Canada. Shown are the top three deals for flights departing in the coming months (March to November).
Flight hacking
Hacker faresto Tahiti
Superdeals airlines don't want you to see:
Know your time zone
When checking flights and airport transfer times, ensure you know the local time zones. The departure/arrival times on your plane ticket and boarding pass are based on the time zone of the departure/arrival airport – this also applies to the connecting (layover) airports.
French Polynesia spans across the Pacific Ocean and includes multiple islands, each with its own unique geography and longitude. To accommodate this, this French overseas territory uses three separate time zones to reflect the local time on each island accurately: Tahiti Time Zone (UTC-10), Marquesas Islands Time Zone (UTC-9:30) and Gambier Islands Time Zone (UTC-9). These time zones do not have an associated daylight saving time.
Tahiti observes Tahiti Time Zone (UTC-10) all year. As a result, clocks in Tahiti are 21 hours behind Sydney, 10 hours behind London and 5 hours behind New York.
When you board the plane, adjust your watch to the local time of the destination – subconsciously orienting yourself to the new time will help you to reduce the jetlag a bit.
Exploring Tahiti and Pacific Islands
The Pacific Islands can be divided into three main groups based on physical geography and cultural significance:
- Polynesia (“many islands”): This large triangular area of the east-central Pacific Ocean includes Tahiti and French Polynesia, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Easter Island, Hawaiian Islands, Line Islands, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna.
- Micronesia (“small islands”). Located north of Papua New Guinea. It includes the Federated States of Micronesia (the Caroline Islands), Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau.
- Melanesia (“black islands”). Anchored north of Australia and bordering Indonesia to the east, this region includes Fiji, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Tahiti, Hawaii, Fiji, and Easter Island are the most well-connected Pacific Islands and act as hubs when flying from the USA, Australasia, and Asia (especially Korea, Taiwan, and Japan). The poorly connected island countries like Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, or Tuvalu are best visited via these main hubs.

Keep in mind that traveling throughout the region can be costly, with Tahiti being one of the most expensive destinations. Once you get there, costs can quickly add up to well above that in your home country, especially if you require comforts and imported products. The large tourist numbers and inflated costs of shipping goods the Tahiti island mean that the prices are almost uniformly high.
Long waiting times when calling the helpline?
Social media is usually a faster way to reach the airline when a problem arises. Use Twitter or Facebook Messenger to contact the airline customer service and get a response and solution within minutes (see detailed guides for Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and others).
When it comes to Twitter there’s one more trick to get in touch with the airline faster: mention the airline in a tweet about your issue (add “@airline_handle”, for example: “@AirTahitiNuiUS” if contacting Air Tahiti Nui). The social media team will often notice it immediately, ask you for a direct message, and respond privately.
Flights to Tahiti with stopover
Direct flights to Tahiti are, of course, much less hassle than flights that require one or more connections. However, they tend to be more expensive. In a trade-off between convenience and cost, the best option is often to opt for a flight with one layover.
So if you’re looking at a long-haul trip with at least one connection, rather than simply transiting an airport, why not take this opportunity to plan a longer stopover? A stopover is a prolonged layover — more than 24 hours — and it won’t only break up your long journey but will also become a legitimate part of your vacation. If you’re prone to severe jet lag, a one or two-day stopover would help minimize its adverse effects.
When booking flights, many airlines allow you to include a free stopover en route to your final destination in Tahiti. Those flights are usually cheaper than non-stop (direct) flights, and you can often choose your stopover at no additional cost — just by looking for multi-city flights with longer layovers.
Some airlines openly advertise stopovers and offer significant discounts and travel perks for passengers to break up their trips: free luxury hotel stays, complimentary domestic flights, or exclusive rates for activities. Start checking for stopover deals to Tahiti with government-owned airlines (as they are looking to attract tourists to give the country economic benefits) — such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines. Almost every airline’s website has multi-city search functionality, often hidden inside the one-way/return/multi-city switch.
A well-chosen stopover will not only turn one vacation into many but also save you several hundred dollars in airfare. The available stopovers to Tahiti will depend on your initial destination (Europe, North America, Asia, etc) and the airline you are flying with. For most airlines, the best free stopover offer will be at their main hub.
Flights to Tahiti from UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and other countries in Europe
- There are no direct flights from Europe to Tahiti — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. There is only one direct route from Europe to Tahiti – with Air France from Paris
CDG
to Tahiti's capital city PapeetePPT
. Flights from other European airports will have a layover in San FranciscoSFO
or Los AngelesLAX
in the US. - Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Tahiti include AirCaraibes, Air France, American Airlines, and Air Tahiti Nui.
- Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Tahiti from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Use European low-cost airlines such as RyanAir, EasyJet, and Eurowings to fly to the hub, then save hundreds of euros by taking a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination.
We recommend checking prices for flights to Tahiti from these European airport hubs: LondonLHR
and ManchesterMAN
in the United Kingdom, FrankfurtFRA
and MunichMUC
in Germany, ParisCDG
and NiceNCE
in France, AmsterdamAMS
in the Netherlands, MadridMAD
and BarcelonaBCN
in Spain, RomeFCO
and MilanoMXP
in Italy, BrusselsBRU
in Belgium, CopenhagenOSL
in Denmark, OsloOSL
in Norway, StockholmARN
in Sweden, ZurichZRH
in Switzerland, LisbonLIS
in Portugal, ViennaVIE
in Austria, WarsawWAW
in Poland, PraguePRG
in Czech Republic, and DublinDUB
in Ireland.
European airports with the cheapest flights to Tahiti
Find the lowest prices for flights to Tahiti Airport in Tahiti from the major airports in Europe — London, Dublin, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Lyon, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Stockholm, Geneva, Helsinki, Zurich, and others.
Flight hacking
Can't finda good deal?
Get 40% – 80% off airfares from Europe to Tahiti:
How to book SuperDeals?
At the Air Traveler Club, our go-to solution for finding cheap airfares to Tahiti is Google Flights. Every time we send SuperDeals to our 110,000 members (see some examples), we include links to Google Flights so that each deal can be booked immediately.
Google Flights then showcases various options for booking the deal: you can almost always book directly with the airline (by cutting out the middleman) or – alternatively – with an OTA that offers the same flight at a similar price. Once you have chosen your booking option, you will be redirected to the external website where you can finalize your ticket purchase.
One of Google Flights’ standout features is a color-coded bar that appears underneath the booking options. It provides a visual representation of the price in comparison to the typical fare (for the same route, class, and airline) – indicating whether it is lower, average, or higher.

If the marker falls within the green zone (“price is low”) don’t hesitate to secure this deal as it is significantly – 40% to 80% – cheaper than average and unlikely to drop further.
For more details on how to book deals on Google Flights, check out this video:

If you are not Air Traveler Club subscriber yet, you’re missing out on SuperDeals (we often send deals to Tahiti). Signup now to start saving 40–80% on flights. It’s free!
Last-minute flights to Tahiti. The real cost of convenience.
Last-minute flights are often touted as a great way to save money, but the reality is far from it. Booking last-minute flights to Tahiti almost always never works out. The convenience of being able to book a flight on the fly is a dangerous game of chance, and you will most likely end up paying significantly higher than booking in advance.

The common perception may be that airlines decrease ticket prices to fill empty seats as the departure date approaches. However, the truth is that airfares depend on demand. Based on years of research and current customer data, the airlines know what people are willing to pay for specific flights and dates. They are also well aware that people are willing to pay a premium for flights they need to take immediately. To make the most money, the airline will sell its cheapest fares first and then increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of business travelers and others who are willing to pay the premium price for late booking.
Occasionally, airlines can put some seats on sale to fill the remaining seats, but these are for unusual times and unpopular places. Popular destinations and dates around peak travel times tend to sell out quickly.
Planning ahead is key to securing a good deal on your flight. Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by, so as soon as you have a tentative travel timeline, book your flight. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to save money. If you are looking for a good deal, the best time to book your flight to Tahiti is around 60-90 days before the departure date.
Domestic air travel from Tahiti
Most domestic routes in French Polynesia are operated by local airlines. When traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Bora Bora, Moorea, Fakarava, Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti from Tahiti Airport, you’ll be flying with one of these domestic air transport companies: Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Moana, and Mana Otter. In most cases, it is the best (the fastest, the most convenient, and the cheapest) way to travel around the country.
If you plan to fly domestically from Tahiti check the latest prices here, then book your flight ticket online.
Flights to Tahiti from Australia and New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand are well-connected with popular Asian destinations, including Tahiti. In addition to domestic airlines – Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand – routes from Australia/New Zealand to Asia are operated by large regional carriers such as ANA, Emirates, Etihad, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
Direct flights and flights with one layover to Tahiti are available from all major airports in Australia – SydneySYD
, BrisbaneBNE
, MelbourneMEL
, PerthPER
, AdelaideADL
, CairnsCNS
, Gold CoastOOL
, CanberraCBR
, and in New Zealand – AucklandAKL
, WellingtonWLG
, ChristchurchCHC
, QueenstownZQN
, DunedinDUD
. - In terms of cost-savings, we recommend flying from Australia and New Zealand to a major Asian hub and then booking a flight to your final destination in Tahiti with a regional budget airline. Among the low-cost airlines that fly into Tahiti are Air Tahiti, Aircalin, Air Raratonga, and French Bee.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Tahiti. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia. There are no direct flights from Australia to Tahiti. Travelers in New Zealand can fly direct to Tahiti from AucklandAKL
with Air New Zealand and Qantas.
Prices of flights to Tahiti from Australia and New Zealand
Real-time economy class fares to Tahiti from major airports in Australasia — from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide in Australia, and from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch in New Zealand.
Prices in Australian Dollar.
Flight hacking
Curated dealsfrom flight experts
Fly half-price (or less!) from Australia and New Zealand to Tahiti:
Get cheaper business class by bidding on airline upgrades
A growing number of airlines are auctioning upgrades to their business class seats. Once you book your economy ticket to Tahiti, you can offer to pay a bit more in an attempt to get a premium seat. 2-3 days before your flight, visit the airline website and place a “blind” bid for an upgrade by providing your Booking Reference number.
There’s usually a minimum bid amount. If you win the auction, you’ll be informed by email, and your seat will be upgraded.
Among the airlines that allow bidding for seat upgrades are: Air Canada (AC Bid), Air New Zealand (OneUp), Cathay Pacific (Upgrade Bid), Etihad Airways (Bid To Upgrade), Fiji Airways (Bula Bid), Garuda Indonesia (BidUpgrade), Hawaiian Airlines (Bid Up), LATAM (Cabin Upgrade), Lufthansa (Bid Upgrade), Royal Jordanian (Go Crown), Qantas (Bid Now), SAS (SAS Upgrade), Singapore Airlines (mySQupgrade), SriLankan Airlines, and Virgin Australia (UpgradeMe).
Why should you book an early morning flight to Tahiti
It is a seemingly simple but often overlooked strategy: fly at dawn for smoother travel and cheaper tickets. Booking an early morning flight to Tahiti can pay off in numerous ways:
- Cheaper airfares. Early morning flights – between 4 am and 8 am – are usually cheaper than other day schedules. Airlines often offer discounts on their first flight of the morning (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand – most people are not willing to go to the airport so early.
- Lower chance of delay. The thin traffic in the morning leads to fewer delays – all the flights from the night before have already landed, and there is no other air traffic to contend with. Air traffic and delays get worse throughout the day – starting around 8-10 am and reaching a peak at 4-6 pm. If you are flying to Tahiti with a connecting flight, arriving on time at your layover airport may be critical to catching your next flight!
- Fewer crowds at the airport. By heading to the airport before rush hour, you can at least halve the time spent in city traffic. With fewer travelers at the airport, there will be no long lines at the check-in and security, and waiting areas will be less crowded.
Taking an early morning flight is the best way to avoid crowds at the airport - Less turbulence. Early morning flights offer a smoother ride, with less turbulence. Thunderstorms and unstable air, which can cause turbulence (including its worst kind – convective turbulence) are more likely to occur in the afternoon.
- Fresher crew. You’ll be flying with a crew that has had a good night’s sleep and is mentally ready to provide better service and ensure a safer flight experience.
- Cleaner plane. On its first flight of the day, your aircraft will be as sanitary as possible. Airlines generally take extra care to thoroughly clean planes between flights, but boarding that morning flight gives you the greatest chance of a spotless plane.
Looking for the best deals for Tahiti? Check different departure airports.
Airlines often have varying prices for flights to Tahiti from different airports – even if they are in close proximity to one another. So don’t limit yourself to just your nearest airport. The neighboring cities may have lower-priced flights that include a layover at Tahiti, or may even have direct flights that are more budget-friendly.
For example, if you’re looking to fly from Paris to Tahiti, it may be worth checking prices for flights departing from London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Rome. Yes, you may have to fly a few hundred kilometers to these hubs, but domestic low-cost airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, or WizzAir will happily take you there for less than €100.
The same goes for long-haul flights to Tahiti from anywhere in the world. By broadening your search to include neighboring airports, you may discover lower-priced options that can save you hundreds of euros!

Flights to Tahiti from Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and other major hubs in Asia
- Among big Asian hubs, only Tokyo
NRT
has a direct connection with Tahiti. However, numerous non-stop flights depart from airports located in small countries scattered across Pacific. - Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Tahiti look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
- Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Tahiti will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
- Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting French Polynesia and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, and VietJet Air. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.
Flights from major Asian airports to Tahiti
Asia is home to some of the busiest and most connected airports in the world. All major Asian airports have convenient and frequent flights to Tahiti — including Changi (Singapore), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong (China), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), Indira Gandhi (New Delhi, India), KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia), Soekarno–Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ninoy Aquino (Manila, Philippines), Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand), Taoyuan (Taipei, Taiwan), and others.
Flight hacking
Fly half-price(or less!)
Get curated deals to Tahiti from our flight experts:
Fly now, pay later
Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans for flights have become a popular trend in the travel industry, allowing travelers to book flights and pay in installments. Among the airlines that offer this option are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. They partner with external financial companies to offer their loan services on the checkout page.
The BNPL plans come with varying terms and fees. Some may be interest-free but have fees for late-payments and require forced autoplay on your bank account, while others may have high annual percentage rates (up to 30-40% APR).
When considering BNPL financing for your flight to Tahiti, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, and thoroughly review the terms and conditions.
Proof of onward travel – a simple hack
Travelers who go on long trips often don’t have a set itinerary and fly on one-way tickets. The problem? For many APAC countries, proof of onward travel is a legal requirement. If you arrive at the airport without an onward ticket (from French Polynesia to another country), you’ll either be forced to buy one online or forbidden from boarding the plane altogether.
The cheapest solution? Renting an onward ticket! Use the websites such as OneWayFly or OnwardTicket to get a flight reservation for a limited amount of time (usually 2 to 14 days). They work by actually booking you on a real flight out of French Polynesia and giving you a confirmable flight reservation with a PNR (Passenger Name Record) under your name. After the time limit, your spot on the flight is automatically canceled. Such “temporary tickets” tend to cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

Lost luggage prevention: Essential tips
Every year, airlines handle millions of bags, and a small percentage of these bags never make it to their final destinations. Globally, airlines mishandle around 0.7% of bags checked in, which translates to seven bags out of every 1,000. Losing the luggage on your trip to Tahiti can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of this happening to you.
- Use GPS-Trackers. A luggage tracking device such as Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag comes with a smartphone app and is an excellent way to locate your bag if it goes missing.
Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag are small, trackable devices that can be attached to the check-in luggage - Label your luggage with your name, address, phone number and the name of your destination airport in Tahiti. Put these details inside the case as well.
- Remove old tags. Tags are printed with a barcode for identification and tracking, so the old tags from previous flights can confuse baggage handlers and conveyor belt scanners.
- Avoid tight layovers. Give yourself and your luggage time to get aboard the next plane by picking a flight to Tahiti with a longer layover.
- Don’t overstuff your suitcase. Heavy bags are more likely to get damaged and stuck on the belts, causing the bag to be misdirected.
- Make your bag stand out. After arrival at Tahiti airport, most people just want to grab their luggage and get out of the airport as soon as possible. In their haste, a case of mistaken identity can sometimes occur.
- Take a picture of your bag and the contents, and keep it on your phone. This can be helpful if you need to make a claim for lost or damaged items.
- Use a TSA-approved luggage lock. This will secure your bags and will help deter theft.
- Keep your valuables in your hand luggage. The airline liability is notoriously low (around €1,000 in most cases) and it usually doesn’t reflect the actual value of the baggage content.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance. It can act as a safety net as it can often cover the full value of your luggage. Travel insurance may also reimburse you for any emergency purchases you need to make while you wait.
Hidden-city ticketing hack
Hidden-city ticketing is a less-known money-saving tactic where you buy a plane ticket with a layover, with the intention to get off at the layover rather than the final destination. For example, a flight from New York to Tokyo might be $600, but a similar flight from New York to Singapore with a layover in Tokyo might be only $350. Choosing the latter and ending the trip in Tokyo would save you $250.
It seems counterintuitive that a fare from A to C via B could possibly be cheaper than a simple fare on a shorter route from A to B. However, airlines use dynamic, computer-driven price models calculated with little human intervention, and such deals happen quite often.
Booking a hidden city ticket isn’t as easy as booking a standard itinerary. There are some things to be aware of: (1) don’t check baggage — bring only hand luggage that can fit under the seat or an overhead compartment; a large checked bag will end up in the final destination C; (2) don’t use it for return flights — airlines often void any subsequent tickets if any segment of the first ticket is missed; (3) Do not overuse this tactic with the same airline — hidden-city ticketing is legal but airlines don’t like it and may try to punish you; (4) Don’t associate your frequent flyer account — the airline might invalidate any miles you’ve accrued with them.
How to find hidden-city tickets? The easiest way is to use Skiplagged website, which was designed for unearthing hidden-city deals — give them a try for your flight to Tahiti.

FAQ: Flying to Tahiti
Q: Which airport is the best to fly to Tahiti?
A: The best airport to fly to Tahiti is Faa'a International Airport (PPT), located in the suburbs of the capital city Papeete, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city center.
Q: What is the baggage allowance on Air Tahiti flights to Tahiti?
A: Checked baggage: For a standard ticket (Y or S class) the checked baggage-free allowance is 23 kg (50 lb), and you can have up to 3 pieces with the maximum dimensions for each piece (defined as length + width + height) of 150 cm (59 in). A special Z-class ticket will buy you a weight allowance extended to 46 kg (100 lb). Any baggage that exceeds the permitted weight or dimensions must be checked with the cargo service.Cabin baggage: You are allowed to carry on only 1 piece of hand luggage. Air Tahiti Nui limits the weight of carry-on baggage to 5 kg (11 lb), while the maximum dimensions should not exceed 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17 x 13 x 7 in).
Q: Do I need a visa to fly to Tahiti?
A: When flying to Tahiti, you should follow the regulations set by French Polynesia. Despite being an overseas territory of France, French Polynesia has some degree of autonomy and self-governance, which includes its own immigration policies and entry requirements for foreign nationals. Citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and countries within the European Union do not need visas for stays of less than 90 days in French Polynesia as tourists.If you are unsure about the visa requirements for your specific country, it's best to check with the French Polynesian embassy or consular office for the most up-to-date information.
Q: Why are flights to Tahiti so expensive?
A: There are several reasons why flights to Tahiti can be expensive. The airfares to Tahiti depend primarily on: (1) which part of the world you are flying from and the airline you're flying with. Tahiti is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and even flights from 'nearby' mainland US take at least 6 hours. Most of those flights are operated by full-service airlines that are more expensive than low-cost airlines.
(2) Destination popularity. Tahiti is a popular vacation destination, which means that there is high demand for flights. Airlines can charge higher prices because people are willing to pay for the experience of traveling to Tahiti.
(3) High cost of living. Tahiti is an isolated island chain with a high cost of living which reflect in prices for goods and services, including airline tickets.
(4) The time of booking. High demand + low supply = higher fares. Seasonality plays a big part here: if you travel during the peak season (high demand) and book a last-minute flight (low supply - not many tickets left), your flight to Tahiti will be costly. Air tickets for dates around popular holidays can be even 2-3 times more expensive (!) than in the off-season.
A big contributor to higher fares on planes are (5) oil prices and the fact that airfares are pegged to the US dollar. These factors are passed on to travelers, making your flight ticket even more expensive.
The various (6) taxes imposed on foreigners and tourists by the government have been a big part of the price increase in the last few years. You may never notice them directly, as they are often worked into airline tickets or the bill you pay at your hotel.
Last but to least, (7) business travelers can influence ticket prices for other passengers. The number of expensive Business Class tickets sold on a flight affects how much money the airline makes and, therefore, how much they charge for Economy Class seats.
Q: Is Air Tahiti Nui a good airline?
A: Yes, Air Tahiti Nui is generally considered a good airline for international flights to and from Tahiti. It has a reputation for providing friendly and efficient service, good on-time performance, comfortable cabin experience, professional crew. The airline generally receives positive customer feedback and reviews.
Q: When is the best time to book flights to Tahiti?
A: Plane tickets usually don’t get cheaper closer to the departure date. Even these reasonably priced flights in the low season sell out quite far ahead of the date of travel. It pays to book your ticket well in advance, giving you a good range of flight times and seat selection choices.
The best time to book flights to Tahiti can vary among airlines but the golden time usually falls between 2 months and 6 months before the departure. So, January is the best time to book flights if you want to visit Tahiti during the summer.
User Review
4.5 (908 votes)Flights to Tahiti
Whether on a vacation of a lifetime or a business trip, flying to Tahiti is not as easy as booking local travel.
Most likely you are looking at a long-haul trip — and every layover will add a few more hours if you choose not to take a direct flight. Choose your airline wisely, by reading the online reviews left by passengers who have already taken a similar route. Always look for their in-flight experience: seats (are they comfy and spacious?), menu (was it delicious with plenty of choices for different tastes and diets?), and the entertainment options available onboard (the quality of screens and headphones, the range of movie/music/tv channels on offer, etc).
If you have specific travel dates, it's worth booking as soon as possible. Leave it too late and you might have to pay almost double the price, especially if you want to fly during school holidays and popular times like New Year's Eve. If you're not yet an Air Traveler Club subscriber, sign up now — we'll send you lots of discounted offers for free. Our members often save $500 or more on flights to Tahiti!
Pros
- Plenty of airlines flying to Tahiti
- Cheap tickets available
- Flight hacks available
Cons
- Long-haul flights can be expensive