Alaska Airlines adds awards on Air Tahiti Nui — and it's a good deal
In March, Alaska Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui announced a partnership that would allow its members to earn and redeem miles on each other's flights.
Up until now, only the reciprocal mileage earnings have been available. However, starting later today, Mileage Plan members will be able to redeem their Alaska miles for Air Tahiti Nui flights. Alaska gave TPG a sneak peek of the redemption rates and we were pleasantly surprised by them.
Here's what to expect when Air Tahiti Nui redemptions go live.
Redeeming Alaska miles on Air Tahiti Nui
Alaska Mileage Plan redemptions for Air Tahiti Nui flights will go live today, June 28, 2022, at 12 p.m. EST.
Redemptions will be available on all Air Tahiti Nui routes, including flights to its South Pacific hub, Faaa International Airport (PPT), as well as on its fifth-freedom flight between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
As with Alaska's other partners, Air Tahiti Nui redemptions will follow their own award chart. Here’s a look at one-way award pricing:
| Continental U.S. to South Pacific | Continental U.S. to Europe | Intra-South Pacific | |
|---|---|---|---|
Economy | Starting at 30,000 miles. | Starting at 30,000 miles. | Starting at 17,500 miles. |
Premium economy | Starting at 45,000 miles. | Starting at 45,000 miles. | Starting at 25,000 miles. |
Business class | Starting at 60,000 miles. | Starting at 60,000 miles. | Starting at 35,000 miles. |
Based on TPG's valuations of Alaska miles at 1.8 cents apiece, the rates for the long-haul flights equate to $540 for economy, $810 for premium economy and $1,080 for business, which is pretty good. Plus, Air Tahiti Nui's taxes and fees are usually minimal.
By comparison, American Airlines AAdvantage, which is another Air Tahiti Nui partner, charges 40,000, 65,000 and 80,000 miles, respectively, for flights between the U.S. and South Pacific. Meanwhile, awards booked through Air France/KLM Flying Blue are fully variable and can range from 30,000 miles to over 80,000 miles one-way in economy.
Related: The best ways to get to Tahiti using points and miles
However, you'll want to note that these are only starting rates.
Alaska may eventually charge more miles for longer-distance trips, such as between the East Coast and South Pacific or during peak travel periods. Additionally, we might see higher rates when Alaska has access to additional award space not available through other partner airlines. For instance, Alaska sometimes offers enhanced inventory access for Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Qatar and Condor flights and charges a premium for those flights.
It's also important to remember that Alaska doesn’t allow you to mix airline partners, though you can add Alaska flights to a partner itinerary. As per usual, you can add a free stopover in Air Tahiti Nui's Tahiti hub on long-haul itineraries between regions.
Related: Air Tahiti Nui to French Polynesia in premium economy
Bottom line
Air Tahiti Nui isn't a part of any major alliance and its roster of airline partners is somewhat limited, so the ability to book awards through Alaska Mileage Plan is definitely welcome. Even better, unlike some of Alaska's other new redemption partners, the award rates are reasonable — even in business class.
The fact that Alaska is only publishing starting rates, as opposed to fixed prices or price ranges, could be concerning to some. However, based on what we've seen so far with Alaska's other partners, when there’s saver-level availability, you should be able to book awards at the lowest award rate. But there is no guarantee.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.