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Recently, I flew a completely new business class product (for me): Air Tahiti Nui business class from SEA-PPT. I literally had no idea what I was getting into or what to expect. I just knew that the flight to Papeete, Tahiti (the place I had to connect to get to my final destination of Bora Bora) was a long one, and business class was the only option I was interested in flying. I positioned from Denver to Seattle for this flight on a low-cost United flight, arriving six hours before my Air Tahiti Nui flight was scheduled to board.

 

The Redemption

My sister Julie, who lives in Phoenix, met me in Seattle. We had both paid 60K Alaska miles + $5.60 for this flight. This was a steal for an almost ten-hour business-class flight, so I was concerned about whether it would be a good flight, but I did know one thing, at least it would be a lie-flat seat, and that meant I could get some sleep.

 

 

Before we boarded, we could go into The Club at SEA lounge at Seattle-Tacoma airport because we were flying in business class. I was not impressed. It had a Priority Pass feel (not in a good way). I should have used card_name to get me into the American Express® Centurion® Lounge instead.

 

 

The Flight

When I chose seats, I saw that it was a 2-2-2 configuration. Not my favorite way to fly, but it is a lot better when you are traveling with someone rather than sitting next to a stranger. Having to step over someone or have them step over me in the middle of the night is not in my comfort zone when it is a stranger. When it is my sister, though . . . 🤷‍♀️.  However, once onboard, I noticed the middle two seats had aisle access, so that would work if I were traveling by myself.

One drawback of the flight was that there really was no storage for anything at our seats. We also didn’t receive amenity kits, but I later realized that might have been a mistake, as I saw some people with them. We received a nice blanket and a small pillow, but that was it for bedding.

 

 

Our entertainment screen was smaller than many I have had on other airlines but the variety offered was good. The seat was comfortable, and I actually slept about six hours of the nine-hour flight, so that was a win!

 

 

Meals on Air Tahiti Nui

We left at 9:30 pm, expecting a typically large business-class menu to choose from. Instead there was one option: quiche. To be fair, it was good and came with a salad, fruit, and rolls—but that was it. 

I slept through breakfast, but my sister had crepes. (There was also an omelet option.) She said it was okay but nothing great. I never saw any snacks or anything else offered.

 

 

The Service

Flight attendants were attentive and so nice. We also noticed a wardrobe change, which was interesting. They had slacks and blazers on for takeoff and landing but changed into floral long dresses in-between. I absolutely commend them for their excellent service.

 

Bottom Line

Air Tahiti Nui Business Class SEA-PPT was good. It’s not amazing, but it’s a nice product that allowed me to sleep well. Their food service needs improvement. We arrived at the horrible hour of 3:30 am, which was the worst part. We didn’t fly to Moorea until 9:30, so it was a rough (boring) six hours in the airport. I was glad that I had flown business class over and gotten a good night’s sleep!

 

 

 

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