Airlines for island hopping in French Polynesia

-

 

✈️Air Moana vs. Air Tahiti: Which Airline Should You Choose for Island Hopping in French Polynesia?

Visiting French Polynesia almost always means hopping between islands — and that usually means flying. Two airlines now serve the domestic market: Air Tahiti, the long-established flag carrier, and Air Moana, a new competitor launched in 2023. Here’s how they compare across the key things travelers care about.

Quick Comparison

CategoryAir MoanaAir Tahiti
Founded2022, flights started 20231953, decades of service
FleetModern ATR 72-600 turboprops (2–3 aircraft)Larger fleet of ATR 42 & ATR 72 aircraft
DestinationsSociety Islands + select Tuamotus & Marquesas40+ islands across French Polynesia
FrequenciesLimited, but growingMultiple daily departures on key routes
PricingOften competitive, sometimes slightly cheaperHigher on average, but offers money-saving passes
Comfort & ServiceNewer cabins, inflight Wi-Fi/entertainment on some routesReliable but more basic experience on short hops
Best ForMajor islands, newer planes, competitive faresExtensive coverage, flexible schedules, multi-island trips

Why Choose Air Moana?

  • ✈️ Modern experience – New ATR 72-600 aircraft with updated cabins and inflight Wi-Fi on select flights.

  • 💰 Competitive fares – Has pushed prices down on major routes like Tahiti–Bora Bora and Tahiti–Moorea.

  • 🌴 Good for popular routes – Covers the most visited islands: Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Rangiroa, Fakarava.

Drawbacks: Smaller network and fewer daily flights. If you’re heading to very remote atolls, you’ll likely need Air Tahiti.

Why Choose Air Tahiti?

  • 🏝️ Unmatched network – Serves nearly all inhabited islands, including very remote Tuamotus and Marquesas.

  • ⏰ More frequency – Multiple flights a day on major routes, giving more schedule flexibility.

  • 🎟️ Island Passes – Special multi-island passes can save a lot if you plan to visit 3–5 islands in one trip.

Drawbacks: Prices can be higher, and the planes (though reliable) aren’t as new or comfortable as Air Moana’s.

Which Airline Is Best for You?

  • Visiting only the big names (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea)? Either airline works — check both for the best timing and price.

  • Exploring remote atolls or doing a long island-hopping itinerary? Air Tahiti is the clear choice.

  • Want the nicest onboard experience and possibly save a little money? Try Air Moana when available.

Bottom Line

Air Moana’s arrival is great news for travelers — more competition means better fares and nicer planes on key routes. But Air Tahiti’s sheer coverage and frequency make it essential for anyone venturing beyond the most visited islands.

👉 For many itineraries, the smartest strategy is a mix of both: use Air Moana where it flies, and Air Tahiti for the rest.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

-
Image
  🌴 Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa Set between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is a tropical dream—a mix of turquoise lagoon, lush mountain views, and those iconic overwater bungalows. It’s one of the most popular resorts in French Polynesia, offering a balance of luxury and value compared to Bora Bora’s sky-high prices. So, is the Hilton Moorea worth it? Here’s everything you need to know before booking.                              Credit to Hilton.com 🏝 Resort at a Glance Location: North coast of Moorea, about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal or airport. Style: Upscale but relaxed—Polynesian charm meets modern comfort. Famous For: Overwater bungalows with easy lagoon access, excellent snorkeling, and stunning sunsets. Best For: Honeymooners, couples, and anyone wanting the overwater experience without Bora Bora prices. 🛏 Rooms ...
Read more

Crystal River Florida - the Manatee capital of the world

-
Image
  🐋 Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida Crystal River, Florida, is known as the “Manatee Capital of the World.” It’s the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Every winter, hundreds of manatees migrate into the warm springs here, creating one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters you’ll ever experience. If you’ve ever dreamed of floating alongside these slow, curious creatures, this guide covers everything you need to know—best time to visit, tour options, rules to follow, and insider tips for making the most of your adventure.                           Credit to Crystal River Main Street 🌊 Why Crystal River? Manatees, often called “sea cows,” can’t survive in cold water. When temperatures drop in the Gulf of Mexico, they head for Crystal River’s warm freshwater springs, which stay a consistent 72°F year-round . That’...
Read more

Moorea - Bora Bora's little sister

-
Image
  🌴 Moorea Travel Guide 2025 When most people think of French Polynesia, Bora Bora is the first island that comes to mind. But let me tell you a secret: Moorea is just as magical—maybe even more. Just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea combines stunning lagoons, jagged volcanic peaks, and a slower, more authentic vibe. It’s paradise without the price tag (or crowds) of Bora Bora. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Moorea—how to get there, where to stay, the best things to do, and a few insider tips I wish I had before my trip. ✈️ How to Get to Moorea Getting to Moorea is surprisingly easy. Most international flights land at Tahiti’s Faa’a Airport (PPT) . From there, you have two options: Ferry: The most popular choice is the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea. It takes about 30–40 minutes, runs several times a day, and costs around $15–$20 each way. Two main companies operate the route: Aremiti and Terevau . Pro tip: buy tickets ...
Read more