Q – We are strongly considering a cruise on the Paul Gauguin in Tahiti next November, We are extremely excited about this destination but we have friends who flew the airline and said it was extremely uncomfortable in coach. We’re willing to pay for Business Class if you think it would be worth it. The line offers free coach and then an up-charge for business. This is not an airline that is a household word so we’re kind of concerned.
A – Don’t be. Air Tahiti Nui is a household word in the islands. We recommend them but we doi think that the eight and a half-hour flight is best done in Business Class.
There is some good news. Air Tahiti is taking delivery of new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on this route. You’ll be riding in Rockwell Collins B/E Parallel Diamond seats that are 20.5 inches wide with a 60 inch pitch. They are the same brand-new seats pm the United Airlines Dreamliners. Your seat becomes a lie-flat bed six feet and six inches long (excellent). There are four new planes and these are the ones you want to book. They are designated TOA, MUA, VAA, and NUI.
The new aircraft will depart LA on Tuesday, Fridays and Sundays. Business Class will fill up quickly so get this confirmed tomorrow. Your flight will leave LA at 10:55 pm. unless there is a Leonardo di Caprio sighting in the terminal beforehand. Arrival time is 5:05 in the morning the next day so make sure you have a day room with guaranteed early arrival in Papeete.
The flight back to LA departs at one minute before midnight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, arriving at 10:10 am. the next morning.
Your flight numbers are TN 191 and 102. Seating is three rows of two across.
It isn’t a bad way to get to paradise.
