Air Tahiti Nui’s baggage policy varies by travel class, fare type, route, and frequent flyer status, using a piece concept for allowances. Below is a concise summary based on the latest available information. Note that this applies only to flights operated by Air Tahiti Nui; codeshare or partner airline flights may have different rules.
Carry-On Baggage
All Passengers:
- One carry-on bag, max dimensions 56 x 36 x 23 cm (115 cm total linear, including handles/wheels, ~45 in).
- One personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop case, briefcase), max weight 3 kg (6.6 lbs), must fit under the seat.
Weight Limits:
- Moana Economy/Moana Premium: 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Poerava Business: 12 kg (26.4 lbs).
- Infants (0–23 months, no seat): 3 kg (6.6 lbs) for one personal item.
Additional Items:
- Medical equipment (e.g., foldable wheelchairs, crutches, portable oxygen concentrators) allowed free in the cabin, subject to size and safety rules.
- Ukuleles or acoustic guitars (≤115 cm) permitted as carry-on in a rigid case or cover; electric guitars not allowed in the cabin.
Restrictions:
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels ≤100 ml (3.4 oz) in a 1-liter zip-top bag.
- Prohibited items include Samsung Galaxy Note 7, lighters (except one on person), and dangerous goods (e.g., explosives, flammable liquids).
- For US-bound flights, electronic devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) must be charged for security checks; non-functional devices may be confiscated.
- Lithium batteries must be removed from checked baggage and carried in the cabin.
Notes:
- Carry-ons are inspected before boarding; non-compliant bags may be checked with fees.
- Codeshare flights (e.g., American Airlines, Qantas) may impose stricter size/weight limits, and the most restrictive rules apply.
- Anecdotal reports suggest carry-on weight checks at LAX may be inconsistent, but compliance is advised to avoid issues.
Checked Baggage
Allowance
Moana Economy:
- Standard: One piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
- Eco Light fare: No free checked baggage; fees apply.
- Moana Premium: Two pieces, each up to 23 kg.
Poerava Business: Two pieces, each up to 32 kg (70 lbs).
Infants: One piece up to 10 kg (22 lbs) plus one folding stroller.
Children (2–11 years): Same allowance as adults in their class.
Club Tiare Frequent Flyer Benefits:
- Premium/Elite/Elite Plus members may receive an additional piece (up to 23 kg) or weight allowance, depending on status and route.
Maximum Limits:
- No single bag over 32 kg (70 lbs) or 200 cm (78.7 in); excess must be shipped via freight service
- Economy bags 23–32 kg may be accepted at Air Tahiti Nui’s discretion with additional fees.
Notes:
- Baggage allowance is indicated on your e-ticket (look for “PC” for piece concept).
- For codeshare flights with a TN flight number (244-), Air Tahiti Nui’s rules apply for the entire itinerary. Otherwise, the operating carrier’s rules apply.
- For multi-carrier itineraries, the Most Significant Carrier (MSC) rules apply per IATA Resolution 302.
Excess Baggage Fees
General:
- Extra piece: USD 85–200 per bag, depending on route (e.g., USD 85–95 for a third bag).
- Overweight (23–32 kg): USD 100 per piece (Moana Economy/Premium only).
- Oversized (>158 cm, ≤200 cm): Additional fees apply; contact Air Tahiti Nui.
Specific Routes:
- Fees vary by itinerary; check Air Tahiti Nui’s website or “Manage Booking” for exact rates.
- Online prepurchase may offer discounts.
Notes:
- Fees apply per limitation exceeded (number, weight, size).
- Excess baggage is accepted space-permitting.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment
- One piece up to 23 kg and 250 cm (98 in) free in addition to standard allowance, including:
- Golf or diving equipment (≤23 kg).
- Surfboard, bodyboard, kite surf, longboard, or paddle (≤23 kg, ≤250 cm).
- Paddle or fishing rods (≤5 kg, ≤200 cm).
- Must be in an appropriate container; a liability waiver is required at check-in.
- Overweight (23–32 kg): Overweight fees apply.
- Over 32 kg or 250 cm: Must be shipped via freight.
- Second/subsequent pieces incur standard excess fees.
Musical Instruments:
- Small instruments (≤115 cm, e.g., ukulele, acoustic guitar) count as carry-on.
- Checked instruments count toward allowance; excess fees apply if over limits.
- Large instruments may require an extra seat (max waist size 160 cm with belt extension; contact Air Tahiti Nui).
Pets:
- Small pets in a carrier (counted as carry-on) allowed in the cabin if fitting under the seat.
- Larger pets in the hold; fees range from USD 150–350 depending on route.
- Contact Air Tahiti Nui for specifics.
Medical Equipment:
- Respiratory devices (e.g., portable oxygen concentrators) carried free in the cabin, subject to approval.
- Medications requiring refrigeration need prior arrangements; keep prescriptions handy.
Fragile/Valuable Items:
- Not recommended in checked baggage; carry in cabin if within limits. Airline liability is limited.
Additional Notes
Check-In:
- Online check-in available 24–5 hours before departure.
- Check-in desks close 60 minutes before departure; arrive 2 hours early for baggage drop-off.
Codeshare/Connecting Flights:
- For separate tickets, baggage policies apply per flight; check with each airline.
- Ensure bag tags match your final destination to avoid retrieval issues.
Baggage Issues:
- Report lost/damaged baggage at the airport within 7 days of arrival.
- Air Tahiti Nui aims to return delayed bags within 24 hours at no cost to the passenger.
Special Considerations:
- Eco Light fares exclude free checked baggage, making separate suitcases more cost-effective than one overweight bag.
- For travel to/from the US, TSA rules apply (e.g., no locked bags unless TSA-approved).
Recommendations
- Measure bags (carry-on: 115 cm, checked: 158 cm) and weigh them (max 23 kg Economy, 32 kg Business) to avoid fees.
- Use Air Tahiti Nui’s “Manage Booking” or e-ticket to confirm your allowance.
- Prepay excess baggage online for potential savings.
- Pack essentials across two bags to mitigate loss risks, especially for Bora Bora trips where minimal clothing is needed.
- Check rules for codeshare flights on partner websites (e.g., American Airlines, Qantas) and comply with the most restrictive conditions.
