Air TahitiVT

Air Tahiti is the domestic inter-island airline of French Polynesia, providing essential air service connecting the 118 islands scattered across five archipelagos in the South Pacific. Founded in 1953, the airline has been the lifeline of French Polynesia for over 70 years, transporting residents, cargo, and tourists between remote islands that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Headquartered at Faa'a International Airport (PPT) on the island of Tahiti, Air Tahiti operates approximately 90% of domestic air traffic in French Polynesia. The airline serves 48 destinations across the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Marquesas Islands, Gambier Islands, and Austral Islands, making it indispensable for island life. Air Tahiti also operates one international route to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

Important distinction: Air Tahiti (IATA: VT) is completely separate from Air Tahiti Nui (IATA: TN), the international long-haul carrier. While both operate from Papeete, they are independent airlines. Air Tahiti handles inter-island flights within French Polynesia, while Air Tahiti Nui operates international routes to Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, and Auckland.

Air Tahiti operates smaller ATR turboprop and Twin Otter aircraft with limited cargo capacity. Baggage policies are more restrictive than international carriers.

Carry-On Allowance

Economy Class (Eco):

• One bag only: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18 x 14 x 8 in)
• Weight limit: 5 kg (11 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead compartment or under seat
• No separate personal item allowance

Premium Class (launching April 2025):

• One bag only: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in)
• Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lbs)
• Priority boarding and overhead bin access

Cabin Class	Carry-On Weight	Dimensions
Economy	5 kg (11 lbs)	45 x 35 x 20 cm
Premium	10 kg (22 lbs)	55 x 35 x 25 cm

Important: Due to the smaller cabin size of ATR aircraft, carry-on limits are strictly enforced. Bring accessories like laptops, cameras, and personal items within your single carry-on bag.

Checked Baggage

Standard Inter-Island Travel:

Fare Type	Bags	Weight per Bag	Total Weight
Economy (standard)	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	23 kg
Z Fare (premium)	-	-	50 kg (110 lbs) total
International connection	3 max	22.5 kg each	20 kg total

Size Limits:

• Maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) including handles and wheels
• Single bags exceeding 25 kg (55 lbs) must be shipped via cargo
• Maximum 3 items per passenger in free allowance

International Connection Allowance: Passengers connecting from international flights receive enhanced baggage allowance upon presentation of their international ticket:

• Up to 3 bags at 22.5 kg (50 lbs) each
• Total combined weight: 20 kg (44 lbs)
• Bags must not exceed 150 cm (59 in) total dimensions

Excess Baggage

If you exceed your allowance in weight or number of pieces, excess baggage may be accepted on a space-available basis subject to applicable fees. Space on ATR aircraft is limited, so pre-booking excess baggage is recommended.

Excess baggage fees are charged in XPF (French Pacific Franc). Approximate conversions:

• 1,000 XPF is approximately $9 USD / 8 EUR

Special Items - Sports Equipment

Air Tahiti accepts sports equipment as part of your baggage allowance, subject to aircraft hold restrictions:

Diving Equipment: Divers receive an additional 5 kg (11 lbs) allowance on select routes:

• Society Islands: Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Moorea
• Tuamotu: Fakarava, Rangiroa, Tikehau
• Australs: Tubuai, Rurutu
• Marquesas: Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa

Requirement: Present valid dive certification (PADI card or equivalent) at check-in.

Surfboards & Board Sports:

Board Length	Policy
Under 1.8 m (70 in)	Accepted as checked baggage
1.8 - 2.0 m (70-78 in)	Must check in via cargo service
Over 2.0 m (78 in)	Not accepted due to aircraft hold size

Note: Surfboards, kitesurfing boards, and bodyboards are accepted with "limited responsibility" due to fragile nature.

Item	Fee	Notes
Diving equipment	Free (extra 5 kg)	With dive certification on select routes
Surfboard (<1.8m)	Standard	Part of baggage allowance
Golf clubs	Standard	Part of baggage allowance
Baby stroller	Free	For infants/toddlers
Car seat	Free	For infant passengers

Fees verified January 2025. Visit airtahiti.com/en/checked-baggage for current policies.

Air Tahiti operates regional turboprop aircraft suited to the short runways found throughout French Polynesia. Flight times range from 10 minutes (Tahiti-Moorea) to 4 hours (Tahiti-Marquesas).

Fleet

ATR 72-600 (10 aircraft):

• Capacity: 68 passengers in single class
• Range: Suitable for most inter-island routes
• ETOPS 120 certified for overwater operations
• Newly ordered aircraft feature modern interiors

ATR 42-600 (2 aircraft):

• Capacity: 48 passengers
• Used for shorter runways (Maupiti, some Tuamotu atolls)
• STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capability

Twin Otter (1 aircraft):

• Capacity: 19 passengers
• Serves Marquesas inter-island routes (Ua Huka, Ua Pou from Nuku Hiva)
• Essential for smallest airstrips

Beechcraft King Air B200 (operated by subsidiary Air Archipels):

• Used for charter and specialized services
• Medical evacuation capability

Premium Class (Launching April 2025)

Air Tahiti is introducing its first Premium cabin class in April 2025:

Seat Specifications:

• 8 seats at front of aircraft
• Enhanced legroom between rows
• Dedicated overhead bin space

Premium Benefits:

• Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage delivery
• Free seat selection from 8 premium seats
• Enhanced carry-on allowance (10 kg vs 5 kg)
• Refreshing oshibori towel service
• Sweet snacks before 10:00 AM, savory options after
• Gourmet tropical platters on long routes (Marquesas, Gambier, Rarotonga)

Future Enhancement: Air Tahiti has ordered ATR 72-600 aircraft with ATR HighLine all-business class cabins featuring ETEREA seats with 39-inch pitch, 21.6-inch width, direct aisle access, and USB charging.

Economy Class

Standard ATR Seating:

• Configuration: 2-2 (ATR 72/42) or 1-1 (Twin Otter)
• Seat pitch: Standard regional aircraft spacing
• No in-flight entertainment screens
• No WiFi (flights are typically under 1 hour)

Service:

• Complimentary drinks and light snacks on longer flights
• Cabin crew announcements in French, Tahitian, and English
• Window views of stunning Pacific atolls and volcanic islands

Scenic Highlights

Flying Air Tahiti offers spectacular aerial views:

• Turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora and Rangiroa
• Volcanic peaks of the Marquesas
• Remote atolls of the Tuamotu with their distinctive ring shapes
• Lush green valleys and waterfalls

Tip: Request a window seat for memorable views, especially when flying to Bora Bora or over the Tuamotu atolls.

Booking

• Book early: Popular routes (Bora Bora, Rangiroa) fill up, especially during high season
• Air Tahiti Pass: Compare pass prices to individual tickets - passes offer significant savings for multi-island trips
• Prices are stable: Unlike international carriers, Air Tahiti prices don't fluctuate dramatically - a ticket costs roughly the same whether booked 10 months or 1 week ahead
• Connection time: Allow minimum 3 hours when connecting from international flights at PPT

At the Airport

• Arrive early: Check-in 1.5 hours before, especially if you have baggage
• Separate terminals: At Faa'a, domestic (Air Tahiti) and international (Air Tahiti Nui) terminals are separate - allow time to transfer
• Baggage tags: Keep your international baggage tags if connecting; show them to get enhanced baggage allowance

Packing

• Pack light: 5 kg carry-on limit is strictly enforced
• Weigh bags at home: Excess baggage is charged and space-dependent
• Soft bags: Easier to fit in ATR overhead bins
• Essentials in carry-on: Medications, valuables, and one day's clothing in case checked bags don't make the same flight

For Divers

• Get dive certification ready: Present PADI/SSI card at check-in for extra 5 kg allowance
• Rangiroa and Fakarava: World-class dive destinations with the diver baggage bonus
• Tank rentals: Available at dive centers - don't bring tanks

For Surfers

• Board length matters: Under 1.8m (6 feet) can go as checked baggage
• Longer boards: Arrange cargo shipment in advance
• Best breaks: Tahiti (Teahupo'o), Moorea, Huahine have good surf

Currency & Payment

• XPF (CFP Franc): Local currency in French Polynesia
• Exchange rate: Approximately 100 XPF = $1 USD
• Credit cards: Accepted for ticket purchases
• Pass payment: Book passes online; Air Tahiti may offer payment grace periods if booking far in advance

Common Issues

• Weight limits: Strictly enforced on small aircraft - don't exceed 5 kg carry-on
• Limited rebooking: Miss a flight to a remote island and you may wait days for the next one
• No interlining: Air Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui are separate airlines; book connections carefully
• Inter-island connections: Flights between outer islands may route through Tahiti

Best Value

• Multi-island passes: Best deal for visiting 3+ islands
• Shoulder season: April-May and September-November offer good weather with lower pass prices
• Diver bonus: Free extra 5 kg is valuable on islands with diving
• Book direct: airtahiti.com for best prices and service

Guide last updated January 2025. For current policies and schedules, visit airtahiti.com.