If you are struggling to redeem your points and miles across the Pacific for lie-flat comfort, I have a tip for you.
It’s an airline you might not have considered when flying between North America and Australia or New Zealand that’s based on a tropical island archipelago with fewer than 1 million inhabitants.
I’ve flown dozens of airlines in business class, but my recent flight from Fiji to Dallas was my first time on Fiji Airways.
It has leaped into my list of top five airlines I’ve flown — here’s why.
Related: Racing to Fiji: American Airlines vs. Cathay Pacific vs. Fiji Airways
Good award availability with partner miles
Although a small airline in terms of fleet size, Fiji Airways offers multiple transpacific routes on its flagship Airbus A350 aircraft, flying from the following mainland North American gateways to its hub at Fiji’s Nadi International Airport (NAN):
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in British Columbia
While business-class award availability across the Pacific can be exceptionally tough to find, I have found Fiji Airways to be easier to secure in advance at the lowest saver rates than Qantas- and American Airlines-operated flights. Fiji Airways occasionally releases additional business-class award seats after initial seat availability is loaded 330 to 350 days in advance, so it’s worth setting alerts with the handy Seats.aero tool, as you might wake up to a pleasant surprise (as I did).
As a Oneworld alliance member, you can book Fiji Airways business class with points and miles from partner airline programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer and British Airways Club.
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However, the best prices for business-class flights to Fiji are through the Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards program (just 75,000 points one-way) and the American Airlines AAdvantage program (80,000 miles one-way). You can continue on to Australia or New Zealand for the same number of AAdvantage miles or 10,000 more Atmos Rewards points, provided there is saver availability for both flights.
We booked this flight from NAN to DFW with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles (now called Atmos Rewards points).
Related: I’ve never flown Alaska Airlines before — here’s why I want its new premium credit card
Genuine yet polished Fijian hospitality
The crew could not have been kinder from the moment I boarded until I deplaned. The attention to detail impressed me with touches like wine bottles being presented at my seat and drinks poured in front of me, my tray table being set without the use of a tray for the main dinner service, edible flowers and even an imitation candle for a moody dining effect.
The purser also approached me during descent, noting that my constant photo-taking indicated I was an experienced traveler and asking whether I had any suggestions for improving the experience.
This is comparable to the high level of service I’ve witnessed in business class on award-winning airlines like Qatar Airways.
Holiday mode as soon as you step on board
There were plenty of fun Fijian touches on board my flight that instantly put me on “island time,” like pineapple-scented hot towels and signature cocktails with locally distilled gin with notes of sun-dried kava and curry leaf.
While I doubt many travelers choose an airline based on its livery or font, I can’t remember a time when an airline’s branding left such a strong impact on me as Fiji Airways. The barkcloth artwork, designed by Fijian Masi artist Makereta Matemosi, combined with the Bula custom typeface designed specifically for Fiji Airways was distinctive, elegant and instantly evoked feelings of being somewhere relaxing and peaceful.
Restaurant-quality, dine-on-demand cuisine
Rather than serving items from trolleys wheeled through the aisles, all dishes were served from the galley, like in a restaurant. While orders were taken during boarding, I was assured I was welcome to eat at any time and asked for my preferred meal times (which could be adjusted during the flight).
The food was of high quality and well presented, starting with a smoked tomato tartare with avocado cream and basil oil, followed by the local delicacy of grilled mahi-mahi fish with steamed ota (a crisp local green) and a delicious mango ginger cheesecake with a crystallized ginger almond crust for dessert.
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My feta parsley omelet with lentil fritters and tomato marmalade the following morning was something I would have been thrilled to be served at an upmarket breakfast cafe Down Under.
A relaxing stopover between North America and Australia or New Zealand
I spent a few days in Fiji after flying in from Australia before my flight to Dallas. It was my first time in the country, and I was thoroughly charmed by how relaxed, friendly and hospitable everyone was, not to mention the spectacular beaches and excellent weather, even in the wet season.
As an example, I suffered a flat tire one evening and pulled over to the side of the highway to try and replace it. Despite consistent rain making the task unpleasant, a local driving by insisted on stopping and changing the tire for me with a warm smile, a cheery wave and a “welcome to Fiji” when he departed soon afterward.
If you are looking for a few days of downtime as you cross the Pacific in either direction, Fiji is a peaceful, safe and easy option.
How to earn points and miles to book Fiji Airways business class
It’s easy to earn Atmos Rewards points and AAdvantage miles with the right credit card. Here are some of the best welcome offers available right now:
- Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card ($395 annual fee): Earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card ($95 annual fee): Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card: ($70 annual fee for the company and $25 per card): Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee; see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® ($350 annual fee; see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening.
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® ($99 annual fee, waived the first year; see rates and fees): Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months from account opening.
You can also transfer Bilt Rewards Points to Atmos Rewards points and Citi ThankYou Rewards points to AAdvantage miles at a 1:1 rate.
Bottom line
Fiji Airways’ Airbus A350 business class was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting such an impressive product from a small and relatively unknown airline, and it can easily compete with the world’s best with a fantastic onboard product, meals and service.
Business-class awards to Fiji start at just 75,000 Atmos Rewards points or 80,000 AAdvantage miles one-way. Fiji Airways deserves a spot on your radar the next time you’re planning a trip to the South Pacific, Australia or New Zealand, especially if you are struggling to find reasonably priced redemptions on nonstop services across the Pacific.
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