Air Tahiti Nui Launches New Seattle–Paris Route

Air Tahiti Nui has launched a new route between Seattle and Paris. The inaugural flight debuted on June 13, 2023, and is set to continue throughout the year.

This route offers a new way to bridge the gap between North America and Europe, and could be of interest to passengers based on the West Coast.

Air Tahiti Nui’s New Seattle–Paris Route

Air Tahiti Nui has commenced a new route between Seattle and Paris. The inaugural flight took place on June 13, 2023, and at the present, it’s set to be flown year-round on a twice-weekly basis.

Until October 28, 2023, the eastbound flight from Seattle will be offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of 9 hours 23 minutes. Meanwhile, the westbound flight from Paris is scheduled to run 10 hours 15 minutes, and will be flown on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The flight times for the summer schedule are as follows:

• TN58 Seattle (SEA) to Paris (CDG), departing at 2:30pm and arriving at 9am the next day
• TN57 Paris (CDG) to Seattle (SEA), departing at 12:05pm and arriving at 1:20pm

After October 28, 2023, the schedule will be adjusted for the winter season. The eastbound flights will depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the westbound flights will depart on Thursdays and Sundays, with flight times as follows:

• TN58 Seattle (SEA) to Paris (CDG), departing at 1pm and arriving at 7:30am the next day
• TN57 Paris (CDG) to Seattle (SEA), departing at 2:50pm and arriving at 10:20pm

These flights are an extension of the service Air Tahiti Nui already has between Papeete and Seattle, which launched in October 2022.

For passengers originating in Papeete and travelling through to Paris, there will be a connection time of two and a half hours in Seattle. Coming back, the connection time is just two hours.

This route will be served by Air Tahiti Nui’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with business class, premium economy, and economy cabins available.

It’s worth noting that this new route doesn’t change the overall weekly frequency of flights between Papeete and Paris, which also routes through Los Angeles. Rather, it’s just shifting two flights per week from Los Angeles to Seattle instead.

Booking Air Tahiti Nui’s New Seattle–Paris Flights

If you wish to redeem points for these flights, one option to consider is Alaska Mileage Plan. Based on the new award chart, a one-way flight between North America in business class should begin at 57,500 Alaska miles.

In practice, the flights price out consistently at 60,000 miles per passenger in business class, with just $19 (USD) in taxes and fees. 

Another option is to use American Airlines AAdvantage miles to book flights between Seattle and Paris. A one-way flight in business class prices out at 57,500 AAdvantage miles and just $5.60 (USD) in taxes and fees.

Generally speaking, Alaska miles are more difficult to come by than AAdvantage miles. Therefore, using AAdvantage miles might be an easier option for most to consider.

There is scattered award availability across the summer months, with up to two seats available on some dates.

It’s worth noting that Air Tahiti Nui doesn’t necessarily have the best business class product available to get to Europe. However, it’s still worth considering if you’re out of other options, or if flying with the fewest amount of connections as possible is important to you.

For context, a round-trip cash fare on this route prices out at around $8,000 (CAD), which makes this a solid redemption opportunity if other options are limited.

Conclusion

As of June 13, 2023, Air Tahiti Nui has begun a twice-weekly service between Seattle and Paris. Tahiti-based travellers can now connect in Seattle as part of a larger itinerary between Papeete and Paris, and West Coast travellers now have another option for flying to Europe.

These flights are bookable for around 57,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles or 60,000 Alaska miles, with reasonable award availability. On many dates, there are two award seats available.

With cash prices of around $8,000 (CAD) round-trip, this could be a good opportunity to redeem points for a direct flight across the Atlantic in the absence of better options.