Air RarotongaGZ

Air Rarotonga is the sole domestic carrier of the Cook Islands, providing essential inter-island air services across this remote South Pacific nation. Established in February 1978 and commencing operations in July of that year, the airline has been the lifeline connecting the scattered islands of the Cook Islands for over 45 years.

Headquartered at Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), Air Rarotonga operates scheduled passenger and cargo services to nine island destinations within the Cook Islands, as well as regional flights to Tahiti in French Polynesia. The airline carries more than 70,000 passengers annually and has transported over two million passengers since its founding, maintaining an excellent safety record throughout its history.

Air Rarotonga also provides vital services beyond regular passenger flights, including air ambulance operations (the Flying Angel Medical Evacuation service), scenic flights, and charter services. The airline holds a codeshare agreement with Air New Zealand for the popular Rarotonga-Aitutaki route and established a partnership with Air Tahiti Nui in October 2024 to improve connections between the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and the United States.

Carry-On Allowance

All Fares:

• Weight limit: 7 kg (15 lbs)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you or in overhead locker (Saab 340)
• Includes personal items such as laptops, cameras, and baby necessities

Northern Group Routes (Manihiki, Penrhyn, Pukapuka):

• Reduced carry-on allowance: 3 kg (7 lbs)
• Due to distance and aircraft weight restrictions

Checked Baggage

Fully Flexible and Seat + Bag Fares:

Route Type	Included	Max Weight	Max Size
Southern Group (Aitutaki, Atiu, etc.)	1 bag	23 kg (51 lbs)	158 cm linear
Northern Group (Manihiki, Penrhyn, Pukapuka)	1 bag	10 kg (22 lbs)	Contact airline
Regional (Tahiti)	1 bag	23 kg (51 lbs)	158 cm linear

Seat Only Fares:

• No checked baggage allowance
• Only 7 kg carry-on permitted
• Available on select Rarotonga-Aitutaki flights

Aitutaki Day Tour:

• Carry-on only: 7 kg (15 lbs)
• No checked baggage included

Infants:

• No baggage allowance

Excess Baggage Fees

All prices in New Zealand Dollars (NZD):

Route Type	Excess Fee
Domestic (Cook Islands)	NZ$3.50 per kg
Regional (Tahiti)	NZ$8.00 per kg

Excess baggage is accepted subject to space availability. Due to the small aircraft used, weight and balance restrictions are strictly enforced.

Weight Restrictions Notice

Air Rarotonga operates small turboprop aircraft where weight limits are critical for safety. The airline may need to limit baggage on full flights or when operating to islands with shorter runways. Book baggage in advance and pack light when possible.

Aircraft: Air Rarotonga operates a fleet of Saab 340B+ turboprops (34 seats) for main routes and Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirantes (15 seats) for smaller island services. A Cessna Citation II business jet is available for charter.

Cabin Configuration:

• Single class (Economy) on all flights
• 34 seats on Saab 340 in 1-2 configuration
• 15 seats on Embraer Bandeirante

Seat Specifications (Saab 340):

• Comfortable seating with reasonable legroom for short inter-island flights
• Large windows offering spectacular views of the Cook Islands' lagoons and reefs

Service:

• Flight times range from 45 minutes (Southern Group) to 3+ hours (Northern Group)
• No meal or beverage service on short inter-island flights
• Friendly crew with local knowledge

Scenic Experience: The small aircraft and low cruising altitude provide exceptional views of the turquoise lagoons, coral atolls, and tropical islands below. Window seats are highly recommended.

Booking:

• Book Aitutaki flights well in advance during peak tourist season (June-October)
• The Aitutaki Day Tour is popular but check if overnight stays better suit your travel plans
• Consider Fully Flexible fares for weather-dependent travel to outer islands
• All fares quoted in NZD including Cook Islands VAT

Weight Matters:

• Pack light: weight restrictions are strictly enforced on small aircraft
• Weigh your bags before arriving at the airport
• Excess baggage charges add up quickly at NZ$3.50 per kg
• Northern Group routes have severely reduced baggage allowances (10 kg checked, 3 kg cabin)

Best Seats:

• Request a window seat for spectacular lagoon views
• Sit on the left side flying to Aitutaki for the best lagoon approach views
• Small aircraft means no bad seats, but front rows offer more legroom

Outer Island Travel:

• Flights to Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, and Mitiaro operate only a few times per week
• Plan island-hopping carefully around the limited schedule
• Northern Group islands (Manihiki, Penrhyn, Pukapuka) have very infrequent service
• Weather can delay or cancel flights to remote islands - build flexibility into your itinerary

At the Airport:

• Rarotonga airport is small and relaxed - no need to arrive hours early
• 60 minutes before departure is sufficient
• The airport has basic facilities; major services are in nearby Avarua

Currency:

• All bookings and payments in New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
• Credit cards accepted for bookings
• Some outer island destinations are cash-only economies

Connections:

• Air Rarotonga codeshares with Air New Zealand on the Rarotonga-Aitutaki route
• Air Tahiti Nui partnership provides connections to/from the United States via Tahiti
• Allow plenty of time between international arrivals and inter-island connections