What to expect?

Traveling between Rarotonga and Pape’ete has never been easier with the expanded service operated by Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti. Whether you’re embarking on a tropical getaway, visiting friends and family, or making a seamless connection to international flights, here’s what you can expect on this convenient route:

Papeete to Rarotonga

Flight Routes

Air Rarotonga operates four weekly services from Papeete (Tahiti) to Rarotonga on: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday

Check-in: What to Expect in Papeete

Check-in opens 3 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure at Tahiti Faa’a International Airport.
Passengers must ensure they meet all visa and entry requirements before traveling.
There is no lounge access available in Tahiti.

What to Expect Upon Arrival in Rarotonga

Passengers will arrive at Rarotonga International Airport, the main gateway to the Cook Islands. A visitor’s permit will be issued on arrival, provided entry requirements are met. Immigration and customs procedures are generally efficient.

Transit Options in Rarotonga

Taxis and Transfers: Available outside the terminal. Pre-booking is recommended.
Rental Cars & Scooters: Pre-booking is recommended. Rental Cars can be collected from the airport if pre-arranged.
Public Buses: Regular clockwise and anti-clockwise services around the island.
See here for more info

Rarotonga to Papeete

Flight Routes

From June 29, 2025, flights from Rarotonga to Papeete will be available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Check-in: What to Expect in Rarotonga

Check-in opens 3 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure at Rarotonga International Airport.
Passengers should ensure they have the necessary travel documents for entry into French Polynesia.
There is no lounge access available in Rarotonga.

What to Expect Upon Arrival in Papeete

Passengers will arrive at Tahiti Faa’a International Airport, the main hub for French Polynesia.
Customs and immigration procedures apply. Ensure all required documents (such as visas) are in order.

Transit Options in Papeete

Taxis and Transfers: Available outside the terminal.
Rental Cars: Several companies offer car rental services.
Public Transport: Limited bus services; taxis are the primary option.

Inflight

Fare Classes

Seat & Bag Regional
Includes: Carry-on bag 7kg max
One checked-in bag up to 23kg (50 lbs)

Flexible Regional
Includes: Carry-on bag 7kg max
One checked-in bag up to 23kg (50 lbs)

Plus Regional
Includes: Carry-on bag 7kg max
Two checked-in bags up to 23kg (50 lbs) each

Children (2 - 11 years old)
Fares are 75% of the adult fare plus taxes.
Children have the same baggage allowance as adults.

Infants (< 2 years old)
Fares are 10% of the adult fare and no taxes.
Infants and toddlers can bring one carry-on bag, but no checked-in baggage.

Seating Configuration

Saab 340B Plus
34 seater aircraft
26 seats available for booking
All seats are economy
Modern fixed back Acro aircraft seating

Seat Width
45 cm / 18 inches

Seat Pitch
74 - 82 cm / 29 - 32 inches

Legroom
1D and 1F = 102 cm / 40 inches
11B = unlimited
Other seats = 70 cm / 28 inches

Inflight Service

Snack
RAR-PPT: sandwich and treat
PPT-RAR: fruit salad and croissants

Drinks
Juice, water, tea, coffee, beer, wine

Full Service Flight
Complimentary food and drinks for all passengers. Alcohol included (Air Rarotonga flight ONLY).

Entertainment
We recommend passengers download entertainment for offline viewing before flying with Air Rarotonga as there is no inflight entertainment system or Wi-Fi.
Air Tahiti have an inflight app that you can download and use onboard their service.