✈️Air Tahiti Nui Poerava Business Class
✈️ Air Tahiti Nui Poerava Business Class Review: LAX → Papeete
Flying from Los Angeles to Tahiti is the beginning of a dream trip, and if you’re looking to start your vacation in style, Air Tahiti Nui’s Poerava Business Class is a popular choice. But is it worth the splurge? Here’s everything you need to know before booking.
🛫 The Flight Experience at a Glance
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Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Papeete, Tahiti (PPT)
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Flight Time: ~8 hours
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Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
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Business Class Name: Poerava Business
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Configuration: 2-2-2 seating layout (30 seats)
This isn’t a massive business class cabin like some long-haul carriers, but it does feel intimate, comfortable, and infused with Polynesian touches.
💺 Seats & Cabin Comfort
The Dreamliner business class seats recline into a full 180° flat bed—essential for arriving in Tahiti rested.
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Layout: 2-2-2, so great if traveling with a partner, less ideal for solo flyers in window seats (you’ll need to climb over your neighbor to reach the aisle).
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Best Seats: Bulkhead rows with extra footwell space.
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Privacy: Limited compared to “suite-style” business cabins, but cozy if you’re traveling together.
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Extras: Large entertainment screens, USB ports, universal outlets, and noise-canceling headphones.
✨ Pro Tip: If flying solo, book an aisle seat for easier access. Couples will love the paired middle or window seats.
🍽 Dining & Drinks
Air Tahiti Nui blends French culinary influences with Polynesian flavors for a unique inflight dining experience.
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Meal Service: Two meals—light meal after takeoff + breakfast before landing.
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Wine & Champagne: Curated by award-winning sommelier Olivier Poussier, with French and New World options.
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Presentation: Courses are served individually with white linens, creating a fine-dining feel.
🎁 Amenity Kit & Comfort
Air Tahiti Nui puts effort into the details that make the flight feel special:
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Amenity Kit: Includes organic Tahitian skincare (Heiva products), bamboo socks, eye mask, and eco-friendly essentials.
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Bedding: Plush duvet + full-size pillow with Tahitian motif.
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Other Touches: Welcome drink, hot towels, and handwritten notes on some flights.
It’s not over-the-top luxury like Emirates, but it feels thoughtful and culturally authentic.
👩✈️ Service
The crew is consistently praised for being warm, friendly, and genuine. From the boarding welcome to in-flight check-ins, the hospitality feels personal. Unlike some larger carriers, Air Tahiti Nui’s smaller size means the service feels less rushed.
🎬 Inflight Entertainment
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Large seatback screens with movies, TV, music, and games.
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Headphones are noise-canceling and high quality.
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Content is decent, though not as extensive as larger airlines.
This is one area where Air Tahiti Nui is a bit behind global carriers like Qatar or Singapore, but most guests are more excited about getting to paradise than binge-watching shows.
🛄 Ground & Lounge Experience
At LAX, business class passengers enjoy:
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Priority check-in & security lanes
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Lounge access (Tom Bradley International Terminal lounges vary depending on the flight)
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Two checked bags (up to 32 kg each) + generous carry-on allowance
At Papeete (PPT), lounge offerings are more limited, and reviews are mixed. Still, it’s a comfortable spot before your return flight.
✅ Pros
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Fully flat beds on the Dreamliner
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Great for couples (cozy paired seats)
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High-quality food and French/Polynesian wines
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Thoughtful amenity kits & plush bedding
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Friendly, personal service
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Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage
❌ Cons
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2-2-2 layout: no direct aisle access from window seats
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Entertainment library is smaller than major international carriers
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Footwell can feel narrow for taller travelers
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PPT lounge is basic compared to LAX lounges
💰 Cost & Value
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Business Class fares: Usually range from $3,000–$4,500 roundtrip, depending on season and demand.
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Is it worth it? Yes—if you want to start your Tahiti trip relaxed, rested, and pampered. The upgrade from economy is especially noticeable on an overnight flight.
🌺 Final Thoughts
Flying Air Tahiti Nui Poerava Business Class is a wonderful way to start a once-in-a-lifetime trip to French Polynesia. While it’s not the most high-tech or private business class in the sky, it makes up for it with warm service, thoughtful Polynesian touches, and a comfortable flat bed so you arrive ready to explore paradise.
If you’re heading to Bora Bora, Moorea, or beyond, this business class experience makes the long-haul journey part of the adventure. 🌴✨
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