Affordable Air Travel to Bora Bora utilizing Reward Points and Mileage
Bora Bora, the exotic beach destination located in French Polynesia, is home to some of the world's most luxurious resorts. If you're dreaming of a getaway to this tropical paradise, here's a guide to help you navigate the miles and points landscape for your journey.
To reach Bora Bora, one must first fly into Papeete on the main island of Tahiti. Several airlines offer direct flights to Papeete, including Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, Air France, and American Airlines, which partners with Air Tahiti Nui for direct flights between Los Angeles and Papeete.
For those seeking luxury, American Airlines' business class awards on their Los Angeles to Papeete route cost 80,000 AAdvantage miles. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more economical option, economy class awards on the same route cost 40,000 miles each way.
Hawaiian Airlines doesn't list redemption rates for flights between the continental U.S. and Papeete on their website, but they do offer direct service to Papeete via Honolulu. The cheapest economy class awards on Hawaiian Airlines' route between the continental U.S. and Papeete are 47,500 miles each way, and the cheapest first class awards cost 67,500 miles each way.
Business class on Air France's Los Angeles to Papeete route costs 64,000 miles, making it a slightly more expensive option compared to American Airlines. However, Air France offers direct flights, which might be more convenient for some travellers.
Once you've arrived in Papeete, there's an onward flight to Bora Bora's airport. Many hotels in Bora Bora arrange transportation via speedboat, adding to the island's allure.
When it comes to earning points to fly to Bora Bora, the best travel credit cards include those that earn transferable rewards usable with airlines servicing French Polynesia and the South Pacific, as well as cards that offer valuable travel credits and premium perks.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers high-value transferable Ultimate Rewards points that can be moved to partner airlines servicing the region. Its elevated earning rates on travel and dining combined with travel protections and credits make it attractive for South Pacific travel points strategies.
American Express Membership Rewards Cards, such as the Amex Platinum or Amex Gold, earn Membership Rewards points which transfer to several airlines with South Pacific access such as Air France/KLM Flying Blue and ANA Mileage Club, enabling premium economy or business class redemptions to Tahiti and onwards to Bora Bora via Air Tahiti.
Capital One Venture X, though not detailed in the results, can also transfer to airlines like Air France/KLM, enabling flights close to Bora Bora with points. Travel credits helping offset costs for inter-island flights like Air Tahiti can make this card a valuable addition to your travel arsenal.
The United Explorer Card offers perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding valuable for complex itineraries to Bora Bora, as United Airlines partners with many Star Alliance members, including ANA whose Mileage Club is highly recommended for South Pacific redemptions.
ANA Mileage Club charges 120,000 miles round-trip for business class awards from San Francisco to Papeete, and 75,000 miles round-trip for economy class awards. ANA Mileage Club can be a good alternative for award flights to Bora Bora if one doesn't have enough United or Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.
In summary, the best cards for points to Bora Bora are those connected to transfer partners ANA, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, and potentially United MileagePlus, alongside cards offering travel credits and perks to offset fees and add convenience. Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards cards stand out for versatility and access to these valuable transfer partners.
Lastly, it's worth noting that the rates for flights out of Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines are actually quite good compared to other options, making them a worthwhile consideration for your journey to Bora Bora. Happy planning!
- To enhance your luxury resort experience in Bora Bora, consider shopping for fashion-and-beauty products using your travel credit card that offers valuable travel credits and premium perks.
- After exploring the exotic beaches and vibrant lifestyle of Bora Bora, satisfy your taste buds with local food-and-drink specialties at one of the many restaurants.
- To make the most of your home-and-garden in Bora Bora, you can save credits by booking transportation via Air Tahiti's economy class instead of luxury speedboats arranged by hotels.
- Once you've had an amazing travel experience in Bora Bora, stay updated with general-news from French Polynesia and the South Pacific to keep your wanderlust spirits alive.
- After returning from Bora Bora, use your travel credit card to earn points on entertainment expenses like movies, concerts, or shows – helping you plan your next exotic getaway.
