FAO Clanad

[237SJ]

Hi Clanad, do you fly to Papeete? I`m wondering what the loads are like in September (ex LA). It`s not easy to find out from this end.

[Clanad]

Hey, Sierra Juliette! I don't do PPT. but have friends that do... for Hawaiian and Air Tahiti Nui. Both tell me that there aren't any real seasonal peaks exept for around mid-December. They estimated loads at about 87%, all classes, especially business. TN does 4 flight daily but Hawaiian goes to Honolulu first... no non-stop. I guess the only other operator with non-stop is Air France... don't know much about them...

Everyone comments on the great service on the aging Tahiti Nui A-340's, with the execption of the LAX departure where the pax are still bussed to the departure terminal. (Before departure at LAX the FA's change into the Tahitian Pareos... nice touch)

Both the guys said that riding a pass shouldn't be a problem, (if that's what you're planning) but mid-week tends to be the best... both ways. (about 8.4 hours on TN).

Sorry I couldn't be more help...

Enjoy! (Let me know how it goes)

[237SJ]

Thanks Clanad. I`ve looked at my work website and it looks like it would have to be Qantas or nobody. I could use Air France but family can`t. We used to have a reciprocal agreement with Air New Zealand who were great (they`ve twice rescued me when I`ve got stuck getting home from Australia) but we only use airlines that will accept our e tickets and as Air NZ don`t, we have dropped them. It is quite a risk getting to LA and only having Qantas with no back up. I`ll try to get an idea of their loads if I can find out somewhere nearer the time. Alternative of course is to buy a full fare ticket from LA (an alien concept)! Thanks anyway.

[Clanad]

I didn't think Qantas served LAX-PPT... except with code share AF?

[237SJ]

I must have got it wrong then. I`ve got a friend who used to be Qantas crew and I`m sure he used to go there. Obviously they don`t anymore.

[Clanad]

Or... you could do like Crosby, Stills and Nash (Still one of my favorites)...

Got out of town on a boat
Goin' to Southern islands.
Sailing a reach
Before a followin' sea.
She was makin' for the trades
On the outside,
And the downhill run
To Papeete.

I remember the first time I saw the Southern Cross...

Blue skies!

[Zacs-Master]

Did the Marakesh express call there?

[Clanad]

I thought it only went to from Casablanca to Marakesh...

Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes
Traveling the train through clear Moroccan skies (One of the best lines of all times)

[237SJ]

I think I`ll stick to "I`m leaving on a jet plane". It`s quicker.