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Have you been dreaming of a vacation in French Polynesia?
We don’t blame you — the idyllic islands hold some of the most drool-worthy waters in the world.
Fortunately for award travelers, Alaska Airlines has now added Air Tahiti Nui awards to its suite of flight-redemption possibilities.
Here’s what you need to know!
Alaska Airlines and Air Tahiti Nui announced their partnership at the end of March.
Although Air Tahiti Nui isn’t a member of any airline alliance, it already has partnerships with Oneworld Alliance members American Airlines and Qantas, so a partnership with Alaska was a logical next step.
Now, the ability to book Air Tahiti Nui award flights using Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles has gone live — and you’re going to like the pricing.
No matter where you’re departing from in the U.S., you’ll pay just 30,000 miles in economy, 45,000 miles in premium economy, and 60,000 miles in business class for a one-way ticket.
These will be the cheapest redemption rates you’ll find anywhere for Air Tahiti Nui flights to French Polynesia. For comparison, American Airlines will charge you 40,000 miles in economy, 65,000 miles in premium economy, and 80,000 miles in business class for Air Tahiti Nui rewards.
Qantas, meanwhile, operates on a distance-based award chart. Flights between the West Coast and French Polynesia will cost at least 68,400 miles each way in business class (shown in the 2 screenshots below). 
Image Credit: Qantas
Since it’s a distance-based award chart, Qantas will charge you more miles the further east you originate.
Finally, United will charge you 70,000 miles for a saver-level business class ticket to Papéete (PPT) in Tahiti:
The short answer to this question is a resounding “yes.”
It will practically always be worth spending 60,000 Alaska miles for flights to French Polynesia because prices are typically very high.
There aren’t many carriers that serve French Polynesia, which means Air Tahiti Nui generally has free range to charge as much as it pleases.
We value Alaska Airlines miles at 1.8 cents each, which means that you’ll be redeeming $1,080 worth of miles for these flights. The cash cost, meanwhile, starts at ~$3,500 from the West Coast.
At this rate, you’ll be redeeming your miles for a value of 5.9 cents each — way above our valuation. The proposition gets even better when you factor in departures from the East Coast, where connections can (and do) add on hundreds of dollars.
Hot Tip: Trying to decide where to stay in French Polynesia? Check out our in-depth review of the Conrad Bora Bora Nui!
This is an exciting development for those looking to head to one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
Redeeming your Alaska Airlines miles is now the cheapest way to get to French Polynesia, especially if you’re flying in premium economy or business class.
Best of all, you’ll pay the same 60,000 miles for a one-way business class ticket even if you’re departing from the East Coast of the United States!
