TPG Readers Share Their Best Tips for Flying to the South Pacific on Points and Miles
Ahhh, the South Pacific. A beautiful part of the planet that’s home to tropical islands, gorgeous beaches and some of the most luxurious overwater bungalows in the world. It holds a well-deserved spot on many a travel bucket list, whether you’re planning the honeymoon of your dreams, or an AvGeek hoping to take the legendary United Island Hopper for a spin.
And while this part of the world is sometimes considered to be too far away from the US or too pricey to visit properly, the good news is there are people out there who have made the journey affordably thanks to points and miles. We recently asked our TPG Lounge readers to share their best tips and go-to ways to fly to the South Pacific on points and miles. Here’s what our readers had to say. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Booking With Partner Airlines
There's more than one way to use points and miles to get from the US to the South Pacific, which, by the way, officially includes the islands of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. Transferring miles to partner airlines and being flexible about where you fly from are major factors that play into the planning process...
“Alaska miles on Fiji Airways [to fly] LAX-NAN [Nadi, Fiji].” — Noah R.
“United miles on EVA through TPE [Taipei].” — Michael A.
“ANA seems to be my go-to choice recently as I don't tend to collect Alaska miles.” — Brett M.
We also love it when TPG readers get involved in the Lounge and start helping each other out. In this case, reader Mike S. wrote about something he's struggled with and fellow reader Justin O. was able to chime in with a helpful tip of his own.
“Not sure about economy, but to PPT [Tahiti] in J [business class] with miles on Air Tahiti Nui [TN], even though they have like 20 partners, it is basically impossible. I did this years ago and am doing it again this September. I've had a dozen availability/seat alerts on ExpertFlyer.com set for months, and nothing.” — Mike S.
“If you can make it to Tokyo first, it’s much easier to find availability in J, and it's a longer flight (and cheaper with miles).” — Justin O.
Creating Impressive Itineraries
We've heard it said that it's the journey that's important, not the destination — and the ones our readers have taken to the South Pacific on points and miles are more than a little inspiring.
“I went to Palau for 10 days, then Yap for four with enough time in Guam (approximately 0500 to 2300) to circumnavigate the island for one round-trip ticket with miles on United. They allowed two destinations for the miles of one. Loved both countries but the diving was phenomenally better in Palau.” — Sheryl T.
“I added GUM-ROR-ICN-MNL-MPH-MNL-ICN-JFK [Guam-Palau-Seoul-Manila-Caticlan-Manila-Seoul-New York] on the way back from the Island Hopper (flew EWR [Newark]-HNL [Honolulu] direct out). Excellent, excellent trip.” — Anusha R.
“22,500 United miles DEN-SFO-HNL + 25,000 United miles: HNL-MAJ-KWA-KSA-PNI-TKK-GUM [Honolulu-Majuro-Kwajalein Atoll-Kosrae-Pohnpei-Chuuk State-Guam].” — Bryan M.
Reader Mike S. replied to this post by sharing a “high five” and this humblebrag photo from his own South Pacific adventure...
Planning the Perfect Honeymoon
There's no doubt that Fiji, Tahiti, Bora Bora or any of the other South Pacific islands would make an ideal honeymoon hotspot.
“We used our Alaska miles for Fiji Air for our honeymoon. It worked out great. It was around 100,000 miles for both tickets.” — Derek K.
“Currently working on our honeymoon itinerary! Looking at SFO-NAN for 40,000 [miles] nonstop on Alaska via Fiji Air. Return will be 35,000 [miles] on United NOU-AKL-SFO [Nouméa-Auckland-San Francisco].” — Caroline T.
Anything for an Upgrade
One reader revealed how he was able to make the trip happen — and how he and his new spouse managed to get upgraded to business class for a mere $100 each.
“Transferred Alaska Air miles to partner Fiji Air, then paid around $100 each seat to get a business-class upgrade through Fiji Air directly within the 24-hour window before departure. We did it from LAX to Nadi, Fiji. It was just under 100,000 miles for two round-trip tickets. [It was a] last-minute upgrade. I find the best deals for upgrading during check-in online or at the airport. It never hurts to ask if they have anything available. ... I told them we were on our honeymoon, we just got married the day before. I learned that from our travel agent that booked us our place. She said if you are on your honeymoon to let them know and you can usually get upgraded. It was a great deal.” — Derek K.
For AvGeek Glory...
Of course, it was only a matter of time until the United Island Hopper flight was mentioned, with some folks chiming in about their own experiences and whether or not it’s worth doing at all.
“Well, if they're not my points and miles, then I'd check the United Island Hopper off my list.” — Jeffrey M.
“United’s Island Hopper is just a fun bucket list item for us AvGeeks. So we’ll fly out of the way to take it. The same plane, a 737-800, takes us from Honolulu to Guam but makes four or five stops along the way at remote islands!” — Bryan M.
…but is the United Island Hopper worth doing?
It seems to be one of those things that depends on your own experience.
“Just did that. Worth it.” — Bryan M.
“Have done it for work. Not worth it. It’s a pain and all you do is go east... slowly. At least sometimes I got off at the islands to meet with customers.” — Jerrod K.
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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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- 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.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- 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. |
Intro Offer
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.