AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. Terms Apply to the offers listed on this page. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers.
In recent weeks, Flying Blue launched redemptions on Air Tahiti, allowing members to use miles for flights on the regional Polynesian carrier. This is a neat partnership, especially if you have a stash of Flying Blue miles and are planning a trip to the islands.
The partnership is already live, but there is one key detail to keep in mind. Awards are only bookable through the Air France website. Even though Air France and KLM share the Flying Blue program, you will still need to book through Air France.
Here's what to know about this new partnership.
What Is Air Tahiti?
Air Tahiti is a small regional airline based in Papeete, French Polynesia, with its main hub at Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT). The airline connects travelers to nearly every island in the region with a landing strip. While its network is mostly domestic, it also flies to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.
Don't confuse Air Tahiti with Air Tahiti Nui!
Tahiti is home to two airlines, both based at Fa'a'ā International Airport. Air Tahiti is the new Flying Blue partner and operates regional flights within French Polynesia. Air Tahiti Nui flies internationally and partners with American Airlines and Qantas.
Make sure you are looking at the correct airline when planning your trip.
Related: The best ways to book flights to Tahiti using points and miles
Flying Blue Air Tahiti Award Pricing
When it comes to booking an Air Tahiti award with Air France Flying Blue miles, the pricing will vary. For instance, we found awards from Papeete to Bora Bora, a relatively short hop for 15,000 miles plus taxes and fees.
However, a one-way award in economy from Papeete to Rurutu, which is much further away, will set you back 30,000 miles plus taxes and fees.
With that in mind, it's always worth comparing the mileage cost to the cash price. Depending on what you are willing to pay out of pocket, you might be better off saving your miles for a higher value redemption later on.
For example, a one-way ticket between Papeete and Rurutu costs no less than $386. That's a pretty steep price for a relatively short flight, making redeeming Flying Blue miles for the flight a significantly better value.
Related: Where Flying Blue Shines: Best Redemptions on Air France, KLM & Partners
Need Flying Blue Miles?
If you're short on Flying Blue miles to book an Air Tahiti award, there are plenty of ways to top off your account. The easiest and fastest method is to transfer points from a major rewards program. Flying Blue partners with nearly every transferable points currency, which makes growing your account extremely easy.
Here are the current Flying Blue transfer partners:
That means you can earn flexible rewards points that transfer to Flying Blue by spending on the following cards:
- 5X miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
- 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases
- 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year
- 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
(Terms apply)
- Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®.
Our Take
More ways to use points and miles are always welcome. This partnership adds a helpful option for travelers planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to French Polynesia. While it may not benefit everyone, being able to book Air Tahiti flights with Flying Blue miles is a solid addition for the right traveler.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and The Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees)
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.