Air Tahiti Nui flights and airline information

About

Air Tahiti Nui (IATA code: TN) is the leading international airline of French Polynesia, transforming a long transoceanic flight into the beginning of an exotic vacation. Founded in 1996, this carrier has become a true air bridge connecting the secluded islands of Tahiti with the world's major metropolises. Los Angeles serves as the main link and a key hub for the company's route network.

The company positions itself not just as a means of transport, but as an ambassador of Polynesian hospitality. From the moment of boarding, passengers are immersed in a tropical atmosphere thanks to the unique cabin design and a traditional welcome at the home airport in Papeete. Although Air Tahiti Nui is not part of global alliances like SkyTeam or Star Alliance, it maintains high international quality and safety standards.

IATA codeTN
Fleet size4
Passenger traffic450,000
Destinations43
HubLos Angeles

One of the airline's standout features is its fleet, consisting of modern wide-body aircraft designed for comfortable long-haul flights. Passengers value the carrier for its attention to detail: from the scent of fresh tiare flowers upon entering to a gourmet menu inspired by French and Polynesian cuisines. The aircraft interiors are decorated in turquoise and blue tones, reflecting the beauty of the ocean.

Over the years, Air Tahiti Nui has repeatedly received prestigious awards in the travel and aviation industry, including ratings from Travel + Leisure and the World Airline Awards. Its status is confirmed by its reputation as one of the best carriers in the South Pacific, offering a unique blend of comfort and authentic island culture.

Contacts

  • Official website: airtahitinui.com
  • Phone: there is no single global call center number; current phone numbers for representative offices in Tahiti, the USA, France, and other countries are listed in the Contact Us section on the website.
  • Email: reservations@airtahitinui.pf (for booking inquiries) or reservations@airtahitinui.com (general inquiries).
  • Social media: Air Tahiti Nui's official pages are on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
  • Mobile app: "Air Tahiti Nui" is available for installation on iOS and Android devices via the App Store and Google Play.
  • Emergency support: in case of lost baggage or flight delays, passengers should contact staff at the check-in counters at the airport.

It is recommended to always check the latest contact information on the airline's official website before planning your trip.

Baggage

Baggage rules at Air Tahiti Nui are designed with long-haul flight requirements in mind. For carry-on baggage, one piece is standard in Economy Class and up to two pieces in Business Class. The maximum weight for one piece of carry-on is typically 10 kg, and the sum of the three dimensions should not exceed 115 cm, so that the bag fits freely in the overhead bin.

Checked baggage allowances depend on the selected fare and class of service. Most often, Economy Class passengers can check one suitcase weighing up to 23 kg, while Business Class allows for two pieces weighing up to 32 kg each. Exact baggage allowance information is always specified on your ticket at the time of booking.

If limits are exceeded, payment for excess baggage will be required. Rates for overweight or extra pieces are calculated based on the route and the time of purchase — paying online through the airline's website is usually significantly cheaper than paying directly at the airport before departure.

For the transport of special items, such as surfboards, diving equipment, or musical instruments, Air Tahiti Nui has specific conditions. Most types of sports equipment are carried free of charge if their weight falls within the general baggage allowance; however, oversized cargo requires prior coordination.

Prohibited items include flammable liquids, dangerous chemicals, high-capacity lithium batteries, and explosives. We recommend that passengers use reliable locks and bright baggage tags, and avoid placing valuables or documents in checked baggage.

Pet Rules

Cabin Transport

  • The airline allows small pets (dogs and cats) in the passenger cabin on most flights.
  • The maximum weight of the pet including the carrier is usually limited to 8 kg, and the carrier must be ventilated and fit under the seat in front.

Transport in the Cargo Hold

  • Larger animals are transported in a special heated compartment of the cargo hold in containers that meet IATA standards.
  • The dimensions of the crate must allow the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.

Required Documents

  • An international veterinary passport with valid vaccinations (including rabies vaccination) and a microchip is required for the flight.
  • Take into account the specific requirements for importing animals into Papeete, as French Polynesia has strict quarantine rules.

Cost and Preparation

  • Pet transport is a paid service and is not included in the free baggage allowance. Rates depend on the weight of the animal and the flight destination.
  • It is recommended not to feed the pet 4-6 hours before departure and to get them used to the container in advance to reduce stress during the long journey.

Before purchasing a ticket, be sure to contact Air Tahiti Nui to confirm the possibility of transporting an animal on a specific flight, as the number of pet spaces on board is limited.

Loyalty Program

Club Tiare Program

The Club Tiare loyalty program is designed to reward frequent Air Tahiti Nui passengers for their commitment to the airline. Participation in the program allows you to earn miles for every flight taken and exchange them for valuable bonuses and privileges.

Membership Levels and Privileges

  • Tahiti (Basic): The entry level, available immediately after free registration.
  • Silver: Awarded for a certain number of accumulated miles or flight segments. It grants the right to priority registration and an extra piece of baggage.
  • Gold: Elite status that provides access to business lounges, priority boarding, and a higher mile accumulation coefficient.

How to Earn and Spend Miles

  • Miles are earned on all regular Air Tahiti Nui flights. The number of points depends on the flight distance and fare.
  • Bonuses can be spent on award tickets, cabin upgrades, or services from partner companies, including hotels and car rental services.
  • The airline periodically runs promotions that allow you to earn extra miles on specific routes.

You can join the Club Tiare program online on the official website. This is a simple way to make trips to the Polynesian islands even more pleasant and rewarding.

Services

The airline offers two main classes of service: Moana Economy and Poerava Business. In Economy Class, passengers are seated in ergonomic chairs with modern support systems, while Business Class features seats that fully recline into a lie-flat bed, guaranteeing a full rest during night flights over the ocean.

The onboard entertainment system on Air Tahiti Nui is equipped with individual touchscreens for every passenger. The catalog features a wide selection of new movie releases, classic films, music, and video games. Paid Wi-Fi is available on most modern aircraft, allowing you to stay connected, and each seat is equipped with a USB port for charging mobile devices.

Meals are included in the ticket price and reflect the best traditions of French and Polynesian cuisine. Passengers are offered hot dishes, snacks, and drinks, including fine wines. In Business Class, the menu features a more sophisticated presentation and an expanded selection of delicacies. For children and passengers with special requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, religious menus), special meals must be ordered at least 48 hours before departure.

For families with infants, bassinets are provided on board (upon prior request), and attentive staff are always ready to help with heating baby food. The airline also provides accompaniment for unaccompanied minors and full support for passengers with disabilities at all stages of the journey.

Destinations

Air Tahiti Nui's flight geography covers strategically important destinations, linking French Polynesia with key global metropolises. The main hub and primary gateway for the company's route network is Los Angeles, which serves as a convenient connection point for travelers from Europe and America.

The airline operates regular long-haul flights to cities such as Paris, New York, and Sydney. The schedule also includes popular routes to Auckland and Honolulu, allowing tourists to easily combine a vacation in the islands with visits to the largest cultural and business centers of the Pacific region.

Booking Tips

To find the best fares on Air Tahiti Nui flights, it is recommended to book tickets at least 4–6 months before departure. Optimal prices are more often found on midweek flights, and subscribing to the official newsletter will help you be the first to know about seasonal sales and special offers for flights to the islands.

Online check-in for flights opens 36 hours before departure. We advise completing it as early as possible via the website or mobile app to secure the most comfortable seats in the cabin. If you are traveling as a couple or a family, selecting seats in advance will help guarantee you sit together.

The official Air Tahiti Nui mobile app is an indispensable assistant: it allows you not only to manage your booking and select additional services but also to receive timely notifications about flight status or schedule changes. All your trip data will always be available offline.

When booking your ticket, pay attention to the fare conditions regarding refunds and exchanges. If you are unsure of your travel dates, choose flexible fares that allow for changes with minimal penalties. Also, don't forget to take out travel insurance, which will cover unexpected expenses in case of trip cancellation or baggage delay.

History

The history of Air Tahiti Nui began in 1996, when the government of French Polynesia initiated the creation of a national carrier. The goal was to provide independent air links between the archipelago and the world and to promote tourism development. The first commercial flight was made in 1998 from the city of Papeete to Los Angeles on an Airbus A340.

In the early 2000s, the airline began actively expanding its geography, launching iconic routes to Paris and Tokyo. This allowed Air Tahiti Nui to establish a strong position in the trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic markets, becoming a recognizable symbol of Polynesian hospitality and high service levels in the sky.

An important stage of development was the complete fleet renewal, which concluded with the transition to modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. These "dream planes" with a unique livery in the colors of the ocean allowed for a significant increase in passenger comfort and improved environmental performance by reducing fuel consumption. The fleet upgrade underscored the company's commitment to technological innovation while maintaining cultural traditions.

Today, Air Tahiti Nui remains a niche premium carrier that continues to develop sustainability programs and improve digital services for travelers. Over decades of operation, the company has transformed from a regional player into a respected international brand, annually confirming its status as one of the best airlines in the Southern Hemisphere.

Reached the bottom of the page?

Looks like you know this route inside out

We use cookies and services to collect user information. This is essential for the functioning of the site and for marketing purposes. You can find out more in .