Air Tahiti vs Air Moana
The complete comparison
Here's the most comprehensive guide to comparing Air Tahiti and Air Moana: prices, baggage, islands served, passes, fleet, frequencies, practical advice, and a comparison chart. This article is designed to inform both travelers and tourism professionals… and to save you from spending three hours comparing flights when you could already be enjoying a mango juice in Moorea.
Because, between us:
- choose an inter-island company
- understand luggage
- decode the passes
- and to know if your diving equipment will fit or not…
… it’s sometimes more complicated than finding a parking spot in Papeete on a Friday night.
Here, we simplify everything for you: you read, you smile, you understand, you choose, and you leave. The rest is just hot air (trade winds, obviously).
Quick summary
- Air Tahiti : 44 islands served, all archipelagos.
- Air Moana : 9 main islands, often 10 to 20% cheaper.
- baggage : 5 kg cabin / 23 kg hold for both.
- Diver Bonus : Air Tahiti (+5 to +10 kg), Air Moana (+5 kg diving equipment).
- Passport Air Tahiti = 7 passes; Air Moana = combined fares.
- Verdict Common routes → Air Moana. Remote islands → Air Tahiti.
1. Network & islands served from Tahiti
Air Tahiti — 44 islands, all archipelagos
- Society Islands : Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti
- tuamotu : Ahe, Arutua, Fakarava, Kauehi, Kaukura, Katiu, Manihi, Mataiva, Niau, Takapoto, Takaroa, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Faaite, Fakahina, Fangatau, Hao, Hikueru, Napuka, Nukutavake, Puka Puka, Raroia, Reao, Takume, Tatakoto, Tureia, Vahitahi, Anaa, Makemo, Pukarua
- Canopies : Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, Ua Huka
- austral : Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, Rimatara
- Gambier Mangareva
Air Moana — 9 main islands
- Moorea
- Huahine
- Raiatea
- Bora Bora
- Rangiroa
- Fakarava
- Tikehau
- Nuku Hiva
- Hiva Oa
2. Luggage: cabin & hold
| Type | Air Tahiti | Air Moana |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | 5 kg | 5 kg |
| Cargo hold | 23 kg | 23 kg |
| Diver Bonus | +5 kg diving equipment (+10 kg depending on pass or itinerary) | +5 kg diving equipment |
🤿 Diver Bonus — Air Tahiti vs Air Moana
🔴 Air Tahiti
❤️
Standard bonus: +5 kg for diving equipment.
????
Extended bonus: up to +10 kg depending on the route or certain passes
(e.g. Pass Bora Bora, Pass Moorea).
🔵 Air Moana
💙
Fixed bonus: +5 kg for diving equipment, upon presentation of proof.
3. Prices & Price Differences
Air Moana — often 10 to 20% cheaper
On common routes (Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa), Air Moana offers
prices are generally lower.
Air Tahiti — more expensive, but with a comprehensive network
Air Tahiti compensates with its unique network, multi-island passes and more regular frequencies to remote islands.
4. Multi-island pass
Air Tahiti — 7 official passes
- Society Islands Pass : 360–475 €
- Tuamotu Pass + Society : 600–750 €
- Marquesas Pass : over €800
Air Moana — Combined Fares
Air Moana offers combined fares for 2 to 4 islands. Less flexible, but often cheaper.
on the common islands.
5. Fleet & Onboard Experience
| Company | Fleet |
|---|---|
| Air Tahiti | ATR 72 / ATR 42 |
| Air Moana | ATR 72 (4 aircraft) |
6. Frequencies & availability
Air Tahiti
- Daily flights to the main islands
- 2–3 flights/week to remote islands
- Reservations are essential during peak season.
Air Moana
- High frequencies on tourist islands
- More limited network → fewer time slot options
7. Practical tips & mistakes to avoid
- Always compare the two companies on the shared islands.
- Book early for remote islands.
- Do not confuse Air Tahiti (inter-island) and Air Tahiti Nui (international).
- Air Tahiti passes have strict rules: order of the islands, duration, no going back.
8. Complete comparative table
| Criterion | Air Tahiti | Air Moana |
|---|---|---|
| Islands served | 44 | 9 |
| Archipelagos | All | Society + Tuamotu + Marquesas (partial) |
| Price | Higher | 10–20% cheaper |
| baggage | 5 kg cabin + 23 kg hold | 5 kg cabin + 23 kg hold |
| Diver Bonus | +5 kg diving equipment (+10 kg depending on pass or itinerary) | +5 kg diving equipment |
| Ideal for | Multi-archipelago tours, remote islands | Classic tours, budget |
Ultimately
In summary, whether you choose Air Tahiti or Air Moana, the essential point is simple: you will end up in a plane flying over the most beautiful lagoons in the world And honestly… that’s already a victory.
Air Moana might save you a few francs for an extra raw fish, while Air Tahiti will take you to the most remote corners where even the birds have to show their ticket.
In all cases :
Travel light, travel stress-free, and enjoy the Fenua. The rest is just logistical details that Tahiti Pratique loves to unpack for you.
And of course…
👉 Your impressions, anecdotes, favorites (or rants) are welcome in the comments section at the bottom of this article.
We read everything, we often reply, and we always smile.
Clear, concise, practical, very professional, with an air of carefree charm that evokes holidays or trips under auspicious circumstances. Thank you for your work! 👏👏👏 I congratulate you, encourage you, and hope for continued success 😉👋 See you soon! 🌺🐳💚🩷🩵🌈✨️✨️✨️
Thank you so much for your message and encouragement! 🌴😊
I'm glad this article was helpful. That's exactly the goal of Tahiti Pratique: to share clear and practical information so everyone can prepare for their trip with peace of mind and fully enjoy their stay.
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I wish you wonderful travels and discoveries. See you very soon on Tahiti Pratique! ✈️🌺