Does Air Tahiti have any partner airlines? I will have to fly to Papeete (from Miami) and coach just won't do! -I'm trying to find a way to get a free or upgraded ticket with frequent flyer miles. Thanks for any suggestions

100k AA miles for business class

I think American is a partner. Also, I have flown Air France from LAX to Papeete.

Bruce

From Los Angeles you can fly nonstop to Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, Air New Zealand and Qantas. You can also fly there on Hawaiian, connecting in Hawaii.

Check each airline's schedule carefully. Some don't have daily flights in/out of PPT. My family and I flew Air France in biz to PPT because of the 747's 3-seat setup.

I flew AF to PPT in J. It was a 125,000 mile award on DL. I started my trip in B/E from JFK on a 763. The upper cabin on AF's 747 is the way to go as it has 2-2 seating. The beauty of this award was that I started my trip in NYC and it was the same amount of miles from any departure point in the US.

[This message has been edited by Rssrsvp (edited 08-11-2002).]

I am sitting in the Lan Chile lounge in Santiago right now waiting to board the Lan Chile flight to Papaette via Easter Island.

Joh and I are going to Easter Island in biz class from Chile and it was only about 40,000 QF points IIRC. You can fly to Chile for about $300 to $400 right now on most airlines. Spent a wonderful day here today with flyertalker Jim_B .. a great host!

------------------
~ Glen ~

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 08-11-2002).]

Whoppee!!! I just confirmed 2 Bus.Cl. Award tickets - Delta/AirFrance - West Palm Beach to Papeete. 125,000pp Delta miles. I am SO HAPPY! Now I've got to do some research about best seats to request on Air France Bus. Cl - HELP!
and thank you all for support and suggestions.....

You want to sit in the upper cabin of the AF 747. I believe that 64 K&L and 65 A&B (I could have it backwards) are the exit rows in that cabin. These rows give you unbelievable space. The other seats are comfortable, but if you are 6 feet or taller, you will hit the seat in front of you with your feet. Call AF to verify the rows.

BTW, don't forget that you are allowed to use the AF business class lounge at LAX and in PPT. They have a great setup, as you board after everyone in Y is on the plane. You just sit back and relax in the lounge over a few drinks. AF also has two different lines at the gate, one for Y and the other for J & F. You never have a wait to board the plane.

Where are you planning to stay in French Polynesia? Our favorite island was Bora Bora.

RSSRSVP - Thanks - I'll check with Air France tomorrow. We will be boarding the Tahitian Princess in Papeete for a 10 day around the islands (Huahine, Rarotonga, Raiatea, Moorea & Bora Bora)cruise - then a 4-night stay in Papeete before flying home. Had to do a 4 night post cruise stay in order to get the business class air. (Other dates not available) Do you have any suggestions for Papeetee? Hotel etc.? I haven't been there for over 20 years. Didn't think too much of Papeete then - but I do still have my Black Pearl "souvenier" Ring - just might match up earrings this (anniversary) trip! I am SO excited about this trip!

I've heard wonderful things about the Starwood hotels both on Bora Bora (is it open yet?) and on Moorea...

Check with the cruise line, many are giving free air to get to Tahiti. Windstar is , Raddison was (the Paul Gaugain is in for refurb) with the cruises for the summer and fall.

In PPT I stayed at the Shertaon Papeete for the one night I was there when I arrived at 1AM (or something like that). Just take a Taxi to the Hotel, will cost 2500 French Polynesian things (or was it 25000)? Either way, it was expensive. I wouldn't stay in PPT more than a day, we did just 1/2 a day on either end of our weeklong stay the Moorea Sheraton Lagoon (which is incredible). Also, for entertainment value, ensure to get in one 7 minute flight on Air Moorea for a few dollars. Air Moorea is the cheaper quicker airline, Air Tahiti tends to cost more, but used for longer routes.

Have fun!

I stayed at the Tahiti Beachcomber Resort. If you belong to the Inter-Continental Hotel's "Six Continents Club" you will receive a free room upgrade and some gifts during your stay. It is a beautiful hotel and close to the airport. You may want to consider a few days in Bora Bora or Moorea instead of Tahiti. I think you will be disappointed with Tahiti.

If you chose to stay at the Tahiti Beachcomber, ask for a room in the renovated section. We stayed there 2 years ago and did not like the older rooms. It's possible that they've renovated those by now. Le Meridien resorts are nice. We stayed at the Bora Bora Le Meridien and enjoyed it.