The first time I flew from Tahiti out to Bora Bora, I was surprised how much of French Polynesia only really opens up by air. The islands sit far apart across open ocean, and Air Tahiti is the domestic airline that connects them. I lean on the Air Tahiti Pass, run by Far & Away Adventures, because it bundles a set of inter-island flights into one product instead of pricing each hop on its own. Over several trips I have flown the short Tahiti to Moorea leg and the longer runs out to the Tuamotus. Here is how I actually think about getting around by plane, and what I check before I commit to a route.
Why most island trips happen by air
Ferries cover a few short routes, but for anything beyond Moorea I plan on flying. Air Tahiti serves Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, the Marquesas, the Tuamotus and the Australs, which is most of where travellers actually want to go. The Air Tahiti Pass groups these flights into named versions so I am not booking each segment blind. Routes and schedules do change between seasons, so I confirm current details with Air Tahiti at booking rather than trusting last year's map.
Picking the pass that matches your islands
Each named pass, from Discovery to Bora Bora to Marquesas, Australes and Lagoons, covers a different cluster of islands. I start by listing the islands I want, then match that list to whichever pass covers them with the least backtracking. That keeps me from paying for legs I will never fly. Because fares and exact coverage are subject to change, I treat any number I find online as a starting point and verify it before I pay.
What I pack and plan around
Inter-island planes are smaller, so baggage limits are tighter than on the flight that brought me into Tahiti. I keep a soft bag, weigh it before I leave, and put anything fragile in my carry-on. I also leave a buffer between an arriving international flight and my first island hop, since weather can shift a domestic departure. None of this is hard once you expect it, and confirming the current rules with the airline saves the scramble at the counter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fly to get between the islands?
Mostly, yes. A few short routes have ferries, such as Tahiti to Moorea, but the wider islands are reached by Air Tahiti flights. The Air Tahiti Pass bundles those inter-island flights, though routes and schedules can change, so confirm current options when you book.
How many islands can one pass cover?
It depends on which named pass you choose, since each covers a different group of islands. I match the pass to my island list rather than the other way around. Coverage and fares are subject to change, so verify the current details with Air Tahiti before paying.
What about baggage on inter-island flights?
Domestic planes are smaller and allowances are tighter than long-haul. I travel with a soft, weighed bag and keep fragile items in my carry-on. Allowances can change, so check the current limits at booking.
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