There is extensive ferry service among the islands. We took a 1.5 hr ferry between Papeete and Moorea (then flew to Bora Bora). Ferries are cheaper than flying and more picturesque in some ways as passengers get to see several islands along the way for the longer journeys. I recall there was a relatively convenient way to get from Papeete to Bora Bora in one full day and then to return in one full day. Possibly even an overnight ferry! However, scheduled ferry service did vary by day of week.

The boat ride to Moorea is nice but don't take it if you are prone to seasickness. The crossing can be a bit choppy at times.

I thought I was just point you all to http://www.qantas.com.au/company/new...ep00/2222.html

Not really suprising with only one flight a week.

If no Quantas metal flies to Papeete, then Tahiti might no longer be an option for Oneworld award tickets! OW awards don't allow codeshares.

Interesting. I talked to my TA yesterday, and she mentioned that there was a problem with the Papeete leg. I really didn't ask why, since I had to change a few things, but that must have been the reason.

If OW Tahiti award travel is a problem, you could claim a separate AAdvantage award on Air Tahiti.

Wow, when I checked ITN this morning, they showed QF43/104, AKL-PPT and vv., as twice weekly from December. Checked again this afternoon, and boom, there gone! Replaced by QF317/318 operated by Polynesian Airlines...

Sorry Darren, I guess you missed it by a hair...

[This message has been edited by silver (edited 10-05-2000).]

Want to consider New Caledonia? Another once a week flight though...

[This message has been edited by silver (edited 10-05-2000).]

I think Darren is only flying to PPT to accrue more miles. So other airlines or award tickets isn't an option.

I have an existing ticket that is going via PPt as well, and I guess I have to reissue that!

Yeh, missing by a hair can be a problem when one is flying...

Actually I was considering it because I wanted to see Tahiti. I was *not* considering it because of cost. I put in an itinerary with Tahiti included, based on being able to find a room for $30 or so, and the TA told me that I was waitlisted for the QF flight, and that all other flights were on AirTahiti. I misspoke before when I said the flight didn't exist. Well, over the weekend, things changed a little. I needed to reevaluate a few things, including the timing. I really needed to keep it under 90 days. Basically, I decided to hack off a continent *somewhere*, and my choices were S/A, N/A, and the Pacific region. I really needed to go through N/A, so that was less of an option, but still one that existed. I looked at it this way. Where are the places that 1) I am most likely to visit on holiday, 2) most likely to visit for business, and 3) might not ever go again. I figured that the two places I was most likely to go were Europe and Australia. I cut down Europe a lot (broken heart) and I cut out Australia altogether. I also changed some of my "places" to areas that I probably wouldn't go again, for a variety of reasons. Tuesday was my birthday, so for it, I went to the TA (had never met in person), and spent 2 hours going through an itinerary. Seats were available on all the flights (some only one left), and at this point, it is a matter of waiting until AA gets back with a price and approval of the trip. So here is the "final" stoppage. Thanks again for everyone's help. I am beyond excited, but I know I have a lot to do between now and then. One last quick question. If you are in EXP, and flying coach, do you need your card to enter the clubs or can they check on a computer? I ask because my card will probably come while I am gone. Thanks.

Budapest-London on BA
London-Hong Kong on CX
Hkg-Bombay via Bangkok on CX
Bombay-Bangkok on CX
Bangkok-Denpasar via Hong Kong on CX
Denpasar to San Juan via HKG, YVR, nyc on CX and AA
San Juan-Belize via Miami on AA
Belize-Los Angeles via Dallas, Newark on AA
Los Angeles-Caracas via Santiago on LA
Caracas-Santiago on LA
(will take my own side-trip to Buenos Aires)
Santiago-Guayaquil on LA
Guayaquil-London via SCL, LAX on LA and AA
London-Dubai on BA
Dubai-Budapest via London on BA

Total time (including a week before and a week after in Europe) is 88 days.
Total miles are 69390, according to the Great Circle Flight Display. It's at http://www.chicago.com/airliners/gc.html and has been an valuable service to me. Usually is is no more than one or two percent off, and evens out when there is more segments. Thanks again.

Darren, I think your itinerary is spotless. I personally am happy that you had the courage to cut down continents, four continents in three months sounds right, I sincerely wish you a great journey.

You'll find Belize facinating. We were there in June. Pretty laid back, quite safe, dolphins, manatees and rays... Bali is spiritual, the scent, the sound... Make sure you hop on a bemmo and visit the northern side of the island.

Enjoy.

BTW, you don't need your P or EXP card to enter C/F lounges. Typically, your boarding pass will indicate your elite status. Alternatively, you'll receive a lounge invitation. Personally, I've never needed my card to enter lounges.

FYI......Here is one piece of information that I got while I was planning my RTW. If you depart from Africa (except Harare and JNB) you can enter and exit Europe twice. For example - Nairobi(NBO) - LHR - ASIA - NA - LHR - NBO. AA said that you could only depart out of certain countries in Africa (7 I think) though. Definitely not all the countries that BA flies to on that continent. Has anyone ever heard of that before?

The reason for the above rule is that Harare and JNB have flights to Asia and AUS directly. The other countries have only flights to LON.

Have fun Darren. You should be able to meet a lot of FT'ers on the way. I'm jealous. I wish I had that much time to spend away!

CMoss

Hi Chris, yup it's there:

Anyone want to do an OWE ex-SEZ or ex-MRU? You know what I mean when I suggest a certain city for originating an OWE...

Thanks for the nice words, silver. I think things will be fine. Getting excited, but I have a lot of obligations between now and then to get settled. Going to be a loooong 5 months waiting.

Guy Betsy, I think QF can simply put you on Air Tahiti metal, that's what happened to us back in June when we were there. Our return flight to AKL was the very first flight that they cancelled due to the new schedule with Air Tahiti code shares. In any case, it's there responsibility so they should accomodate whatever change that is in your favor, at no expense. But knowing you being a seasoned traveler, I'm sure you've got all sorted out by now...