Tahiti Questions: Lounges, Cards and any other advice

[DLD]

Hi All,

Firstly, sorry for the lengthy novel that you are about to (hopefully) read, I would really appreciate any advice or experience you have to offer.

I'm travelling with my partner to Tahiti in a little over a month for our Honeymoon, and I'm trying to get any tips that will help me while I'm there or on the way over.

We've got our flights and hotels booked, through a travel agent. Now I'm interested to know if we'll be able to use any lounges on the way, and what cards would be best for getting/using currency while there. I would also be interested to know if there is a way I can check if any of the flights can be upgraded with points, although it's unlikely I thought I would ask.

Card Questions
In terms of cards have an ANZ FF Black card which recently got me (50k) Qantas points and also a Commbank Awards Platinum, which gave me (40k). I also have a Suncorp Clear Options Platinum card which I use as my main card which gives me 1:1 with Qantas.

I don't think either of those cards will help me with getting the best for my buck overseas. From what I can tell, essentially the best idea is to get a Debit card for getting cash out, and then a credit card to use anywhere they will accept it, does that sound right?

I've done a bit of looking and it seems for the CC it's either 28 Degrees MasterCard or the Bankwest Zero Platinum or the Bankwest Qantas Platinum for $160pa. Looking at the table here (//knowledge.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/documents/creditcards19-4-15.pdf). The Bankwest Zero looks like it is the best, smaller interest rate and travel insurance, but realistically I don't think I need either of those. Are there any reasons that the 28 Degrees or the Bankwest might be more beneficial for use in NZ or French Polynesia?

For the debit card CitiBank Plus looks the best all round (//knowledge.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/documents/travelcards19-4-15.pdf). Is there anything I should be wary of, or a reason on of the other cards in the table might be better for NZ/FP? For example I'm not sure if CitiBank will have ATM fees from the ATM operators, more than some of the other cards?

I've been tempted to get the American Express Velocity Platinum card recently too, because of the points offer, though am hesitant due to the annual fee. If you can see a reason that might make it more attractive due to this holiday, in terms of currency or lounge access etc, feel free to let me know.

Lounge Questions
So all our flight are economy, and we'll be more than fine without any lounge access, so if it's going to come at a bit of a cost we'll probably skip it. However, it it comes free with a card, I'm more than apply to explore getting a new one .

I think we can actually use my ANZ FF Black CC regardless to get into the AMEX lounge in Sydney before leaving for the Honeymoon? I have also requested the Qantas invites that the cards offers and I have a Virgin Gold card. However my thought was that because I'm on Air Tahiti, I wouldn't be able to get into Virgin with my Gold card, or Qantas with the invites, is that correct? Should I try either of them over the Amex lounge, I thought maybe as it was our Honeymoon they might be lenient. What should be our order or preference form the 3?

I think we also get access to the Emperor Lounge via the ANZ card, and I think it's the only lounge there so nothing else to worry about, except the fact we only have 2 hours layover time, so may not even get to use it.

After that I'm a bit clueless. We shouldn't need anything in Papeete once we land as we'll go straight to the hotel. I'm assuming the airport for our flight from Moorea to Bora Bora will be quite minimal, and same from Bora Bora back to Papeete. But I guess there may be an opportunity to use a lounge in Papeete while waiting for our flight back to Sydney via Auckland, however it looks like that is only available for Business Class. Does anyone know if my cards, or anything else might get us in?


Upgrades
How do i figure out if these are possible, or is it easy to rule out as I only have Virgin/Qantas points? Would it be worth it, on the legs/planes we'll be on? I assume asking my travel agent for some more info about the flight/seat types might be the place to start?

Itin
From what I can gather the below are our flights, the VT flights didn't have a number in my invoice, and the codeshare ones only shored the TN number, so the others I have gathered via a bit of googling.

Sydney to Auckland	Air Tahiti Nui	TN1402/QF143
Auckland to Papeete	Air Tahiti Nui	TN102
Moorea to Bora Bora via Huahine	Air Tahiti	VT246
Bora Bora to Papeete	Air Tahiti	VT243
Papeete to Auckland	Air Tahiti Nui	TN2181/NZ41
Auckland to Sydney	Air Tahiti Nui	TN1411/QF142

Thanks for reading, and in advance for any adivce, let me know if I can provide more info or if anything I've said is wrong etc.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[JohnM]

I can't answer the questions about whether CCs will gain you lounge access.

The airports at Mo'orea and Bora Bora are very small. I can't recall if they have lounges - I suspect not. Bora Bora airport is quite cute, being on Motu (the generic name for the islands surrounding the lagoon) Mute. It's so casual and tropical, a lounge would be superfluous IMO. All pax are taken to the main island or their hotel on boats, which is a nice introduction to Bora Bora.

Air Tahiti is good IMO. They fly ATRs, which are very good and roomy turbo-props, between the islands.

IMO it's worth renting a car for a day (no more) to do an independent circuit around the island.

Hotels on the motu run boat services to restaurants on the main island if you want a change from eating at your hotel. Bloody Mary's restaurant is an institution there.

 

[DLD]

Thanks John,

Appreciate the advice, I was assuming the airports would essentially be sheds next to a run way, so it's to hear they are nice yet simple.

Will definitely thin about renting on Bora Bora or Mooera, I don't think we'll be in Papeete for long enough.

We decided to stay on the mainland at Bora Bora, to have better access without the need for the boat transfers back and forth. It looks like Bloody Mary's is just around the corner from us at InterContinental Le Moana. Though we are also keen to take a boat out to the Motus to have a look at the sister InterContinental and restaurant at least once.

Doing some reading it looks like the access in Auckland might be at a stretch unless I get my partner her own card, either additional from mine, or entirely her own (for some bonus points).

 

[JohnM]

There are plenty of lagoon boat tours on Bora Bora. Snorkel with the reef sharks and rays - it's fun!

Renting a car to drive around Mo'orea is very worthwhile - and about the only way to do it. Drive up the mountain to the belvedere for great views.

Short stay in Papeete sounds good - it's not very memorable...

 

[Mattg]

That's a lot of questions for one post! But I will do my best to answer some of them.

If your flights between Sydney and Auckland are booked on an Air Tahiti code (which it looks like they are) then unfortunately you won't be able to upgrade using Qantas points. (If booked under QF code, then you can.)

Same story with lounge access in Sydney. You won't be able to access the Qantas lounge with flights booked under the Air Tahiti Nui code, I don't think. The Amex lounge could be possible though if you have the appropriate card. It's a smaller lounge but still quite nice.

Have you thought about crediting the Air Tahiti Nui flights to a particular frequent flyer program. I suggest joining American Airlines AAdvantage and crediting there as American miles are pretty useful in Australia.

Regarding the current Velocity Amex card promo, yes the annual fee is high at $349 from memory but you'll earn enough bonus points for return economy flights to Los Angeles, plus a free return domestic flight (among other things). That alone is worth the annual fee IMHO.

Finally, all of the credit cards you have identified are good value. The Citibank transaction Plus account is probably the way to go but the credit cards you have mentioned are good too.

 

[Milboo]

I was lucky enough to spend 8 weeks in Tahiti on exchange - geez it would have been around 22 years ago now!

It is a beautiful place - still remember how picture perfect Tetiaroa was. Think there is a resort there now too.

The food trucks (or roulettes) on the Papeete waterfront are fun to check out, as is the big market.

Don't forget to go shopping for black pearls!

 

[eric2011]

As for lounges, I don't know about SYD or PPT but Priority Pass may be of use, otherwise at AKL they have a pay to use lounge called the Emperor (I think) which is around $50 NZD.

 

[jsoprano]

Regarding lounges: none in Bora Bora or Moorea, but not necessary as the airports are tiny and transfers are usually arranged to get you there just-in-time for the flight. At PPT Intl there is a very basic lounge used by all airlines for J and status customers (we had access 3 years ago when flying NZ as a VA Gold), but not worth spending money for or going the extra mile to sign up for a Priority Pass.

Tahiti: Roulottes at night, market in the morning, rent a car and circle the island, stop at the Musee Gaugin.

Moorea: same thing, rent a car for a day, circle the island, Belvedere lookout is nice as are some bays and spots around the island.

Bora Bora: not worth renting a car, it's all about the lagoon here, so book some good lagoon and reef trips.

 

[DLD]

Thanks for all the answers folks!

Have you thought about crediting the Air Tahiti Nui flights to a particular frequent flyer program. I suggest joining American Airlines AAdvantage and crediting there as American miles are pretty useful in Australia.

Can you still do this? Their websites seem to contradict each other:
American Airlines says:
\\aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/earnMiles/airlines/air-tahiti.jsp

Redeem miles with Air Tahiti Nui
Regions
Redeem AAdvantage® miles for travel on Air Tahiti Nui between Tahiti and:
France
Japan
New Zealand
U.S.

However Air Tahiti Nui says:
\\airtahitinui.com/au-en/club-tiare-codeshare-partners

Our Codeshare partners:

• American Airlines (Accruing AAdvantage Miles – It is no longer possible to accrue AAdvantage Miles when traveling with Air Tahiti Nui. This was effective for any flights that departed on or after October 31, 2009.)
• Qantas
• Air New Zealand

Needless to say I’m a bit confused. Is it free to sing up? If so I guess it can't hurt.

Regarding the current Velocity Amex card promo, yes the annual fee is high at $349 from memory but you'll earn enough bonus points for return economy flights to Los Angeles, plus a free return domestic flight (among other things). That alone is worth the annual fee IMHO.

Convinced the misses, applied and accepted. Now I need to convince her to get her own. Will post a referral link soon if anyone is thinking of applying

Finally, all of the credit cards you have identified are good value. The Citibank transaction Plus account is probably the way to go but the credit cards you have mentioned are good too.

Also applied for CitiBank Plus and the 28 Degrees, was accepted for both.

To the others who replied. Thanks also!

Milboo - Roulettes are on the list if we have the time in Pappette
eric2011 - Thanks for the tips re lounged, I think the Priority Pass. We should have access to the Emperor in NZ with the card, but won’t have much time anyway.
jsoprano - Will rent a car in Mooreea to get to Belverdere. And sounds like the airports were pretty much as I imagined. Sheds/shacks on a beautiful island

 

[Mattg]

Hmm. It seems you can't credit the Air Tahiti Nui flights to another program. Which is a bit of a shame (and rather unusual). But I'd be very surprised if it wasn't free to join their program, so you might as well earn something for the flights.

If you were booked under QF flight numbers, you would at least be able to credit to Qantas (too late now, of course).

Good to hear you've been taking advantage of some of the best credit cards and sign-up offers.

 

[DLD]

Thanks MattG,

Now to see how badly they've hit my credit rating!

I will have to cancel some after the trip and the points transfer so my overall credit limit goes back to something smaller, even if I always pay the bill on time, and will rarely use the other cards.

 

[kamchatsky]

Yes you definitely can use the Amex Lounge in Sydney with your ANZ Black Card:

https://amexnetwork.com.au/goodgoing

 

[Alanslegal]

I've been tempted to get the American Express Velocity Platinum card recently too, because of the points offer, though am hesitant due to the annual fee. If you can see a reason that might make it more attractive due to this holiday, in terms of currency or lounge access etc, feel free to let me know.

After your honeymoon - Congrats btw! - come back here and learn some of the tricks / tips / and before you know it you will be travelling well and for next to nothing!

The annual fee is $349, you get a free domestic flight included which covers the annual fee easily. But the current sign on bonus is fantastic. 110,00 velocity points = 81,000 or so Singapore Airlines Kris Flyer points. What does 81,000 points do? One way business class anywhere in Europe, some European destinations are cheaper like Istanbul .. that's 62,000 points one way. Sign up for yourself - then once you get your card, generate a referral link and get your wife and everyone you know to sign up - and you will be raining in points.

Better yet, let's put things into a French Polynesia twist. For 25,000 Singapore Airline Kris Flyer points, you can fly Air New Zealand from Sydney to Tahiti return - so for two people, that's 50,000 points - and with the current promotion, you could go another time next year since you have 31,000 points left over. Cancel the card withing 12 months and you only pay $349.00, enjoy your free return flight, enjoy the Virgin lounge twice and enjoy Bora Bora this year and next - all for free (plus taxes of courses)

 

[DLD]

After your honeymoon - Congrats btw! - come back here and learn some of the tricks / tips / and before you know it you will be travelling well and for next to nothing!

Thanks for all the tips Alanslegal! I'll definitely be around before planning my next trips, and will be looking to use some of the points we've been earning!

I've just picked up the Vigrin card, have got my partner the ANZ Black that I got a while ago (her deal is better but involves more spend) and will refer her to the Virgin card once I get my link. So it's all coming together. Should have a few points for Qantas and Virgin by the end of the year and very keen to look into converting the Virgin to Kris for a business class trips or similar.

It will be interesting to way up things like would we prefer one way business for free and then have to pay $500+ for the return, or would we prefer the return in economy using the points. Never had that dilemma before, but I guess it's a good first world problem to have.

Dave

 

[kpc]

Itin
From what I can gather the below are our flights, the VT flights didn't have a number in my invoice, and the codeshare ones only shored the TN number, so the others I have gathered via a bit of googling.

Sydney to Auckland	Air Tahiti Nui	TN1402/QF143
Auckland to Papeete	Air Tahiti Nui	TN102
Moorea to Bora Bora via Huahine	Air Tahiti	VT246
Bora Bora to Papeete	Air Tahiti	VT243
Papeete to Auckland	Air Tahiti Nui	TN2181/NZ41
Auckland to Sydney	Air Tahiti Nui	TN1411/QF142

Thanks for reading, and in advance for any adivce, let me know if I can provide more info or if anything I've said is wrong etc.

Cheers,
Dave

I have just come back (3 days ago) from Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. A few tips. Assuming the prevailing winds you MUST sit on the left hand side (window) of the Air Tahiti plane to Bob (and have your camera ready)...either sit at the front or at the back so the propellers don't get in the way!

​

Air Tahiti has an open seating policy and EVERYONE knows to sit on the left so Q to board early!!...from Bob, sit on the right assuming the prevailing winds.

Whilst alcohol is not super expensive if bought from the local shops (hotel prices are VERY expensive), it is not cheap either. You are allowed 1L of alcohol per person, but they don't check at Papette, so pack all your wine / champagne etc in your checked luggage as well as any snacks / food you want as it will save you a bit of money.

If you want a very special meal, may I suggest this French restaurant...it is not cheap, and you must book now (by emailing Damien, the chef) as there are only 7 tables!! Wonderful experience...
La Villa Mahana - Restaurant - Bora Bora
reviews here: La Villa Mahana, Bora Bora - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - TripAdvisor

There are no lounges prior to the domestic TN flights and checkin only opens 1 hour prior...

Out of interest where are you staying in Moorea and Bora Bora? We stayed at both IC properties, Le Moana and Thalasso at Bora Bora, and the Hilton at Moorea....beautiful part of the world!