Review of Air Tahiti flight from Bora Bora to Papeete in Economy

intro

Following a terrific time in Bora Bora (a truly terrific time) that featured swimming with sharks and the Conrad Resort, we had to head back to Papeete to embark on the quest of catching a giant blue marlin. As I mentioned in the review of the outbound segment, we booked a return ticket for about 500$ RT per person during March 2023.

After this flight, I have come to the conclusion that Air Tahiti is adequate for the purpose that it serves. It is neither luxury nor the greatest airline on the planet, but this flight was more than pleasant with a half-empty plane. 

transport to bora bora

The Conrad resort provided us with free private transport to the airport on the morning of our departure.

After about 15 minutes, we began to slow down due to our arrival at the airport. Similar to the town of Venice (not the same but you get the point?), it is one of a kind of experience with transportation by boat everywhere in this colony. 

boarding

Check-in is the breeziest (pun intended with the ocean breeze) encounter I have ever experienced. Once you enter the airport, there are two counters to check in (with no line) and a security checkpoint with 0 people.

Soon enough it was time to board this ATR that would take us over to Papeete today. There is enough space for two planes at the Bora Bora airport, needless to say, overcrowding isn't an issue.

The livery on the Air Tahiti ATR's are gorgeous! 

We were one of the last to board and surprisingly, found the plane to be about half full! My mum decided to sit on the left side of the aircraft and I chose the right since I knew we would be departing East this morning (Avgeek coming out).

the flight

With the flaps down for takeoff, we embarked on the journey to the end of the runway (back taxi). Seeing as the runway is quite short in Bora Bora, this didn't take too long.

I snapped a quick picture of the cabin before takeoff. The seats are basic but MOST routes are under an hour so this isn't an issue.

After a short back taxi, the captain fired up the propellors and we motored off East. Don't be scared, but Air Tahiti's ATRs use most of the runway here?.

We zoomed past the main island of Bora Bora.

The flight path today took us over some more islands and atolls. I sort of wish I had an expedition fishing boat to explore these waters!

15 minutes later, we began our descent into Papeete.

10 minutes later, Papeete came into view. 

Flaps were retracted for landing as we soon made a sweeping left turn.

We landed right on time in Papeete

Once on the ground, we made our way off of the runway and taxied by a couple of Air Tahiti Nui 787s that were preparing for their next assignments. 

Once on the ground, we deplaned and walked into the terminal. Bags were delivered within 10 minutes and waiting outside was the owner of the fishing charter.

A couple of minutes we were in the car heading to the marina to depart on a 3 day liveaboard.

 For now, I'll leave you with a picture of departing the harbor.

80's rigged up, sadly a 700+ spit the hook….