Fiji Airways is the flag carrier of Fiji and a cost-effective option for US travelers heading to Australia and New Zealand. What started decades ago as Air Pacific now offers distinctively Fijian hospitality from its Nadi hub to destinations across the South Pacific, Asia and North America. Subsidiary Fiji Link operates domestic services to Fiji’s island communities, and it’s both an international connector and the nation’s primary domestic airline network.
Network
Fiji Airways offers nonstop service to Nadi from four North America mainland gateways: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth and Vancouver. The airline also serves Honolulu, with flights that operate either nonstop or via Apia, Samoa on specific days, offering the only US service to Samoa. Fiji Airways is also the only airline offering direct service from the US (Honolulu) to Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in Kiribati.
The airline’s known for offering competitive fares from the US to Australia and New Zealand via Nadi, and the flights are timed for easy connections or stopovers in Fiji. It’s also a more direct routing option than via New Zealand if you’re going to the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, or New Caledonia – none of those countries have nonstop flights from the US. While Kiribati’s Christmas Island has direct service from Honolulu, the main atoll of Tarawa requires connections.
Classes of service
Fiji Airways offers Business Class and Economy Class on most flights onboard the Airbus A350, Airbus A330, and Boeing 737 aircraft, with regional services operated by subsidiary Fiji Link. Business Class on the widebody A330 and A350 features lie-flat seats on long-haul flights.
Economy Class seats and service
Economy Class seats on the Fiji Airways widebody Airbus A350 and A330 aircraft have standard 31” to 32” of pitch. Recline varies by aircraft – 6 degrees on the A350 and 7.5 inches on the A330.
Bar service is complimentary on international flights, including alcoholic beverages, though service on regional flights may differ.
The airline sells Bula Space seats with 34” of pitch for travelers wanting extra room. Once booked, you can check whether these are available for your specific flights on the Fiji Airways website.
Fiji Airways offers add-on upgrades for more space in Economy. My Bubble Seat lets you purchase one or more open seats next to you for additional room. My Island Sleeper Row goes further, letting you buy the whole row on select long and medium-haul flights with a mattress topper, sleeper-sized pillow, extra blanket, and seat belt extension to really stretch out.
Business Class seats and service
Flights from North America typically feature widebody Airbus A350 and Airbus A330 aircraft with lie-flat seats, with Dallas-Fort Worth service scheduled on the A350. Flights from Honolulu may be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft. Business Class service includes meal options with Fijian and international influences and a full bar.
Business Class passengers also get access to the Premier Lounge in Nadi or a partner lounge at airports outside Fiji.
Priority check-in and boarding are available for Business Class passengers and eligible oneworld members, with fast track security at select airports where permitted. On regional aircraft, Business Class may primarily offer enhanced service rather than different seating.
International flight service
International flights include complimentary meal and beverage service in both cabins, with service levels varying by flight length and destination. The widebody aircraft used for long-haul flights have the same seating configuration whether flying to the US Mainland or other international destinations.
Loyalty program
Fiji Airways has adopted the American Airlines AAdvantage program as its frequent flier program, with AAdvantage benefits now applying on Fiji Airways. The airline became a full member of the oneworld alliance on April 1, 2025, meaning members of oneworld alliance airlines’ frequent flier programs, including Alaska Airlines, Qantas, Japan Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific, can earn and redeem miles on Fiji Airways through alliance-wide reciprocity.
Baggage
Fiji Airways has carry-on bag weight limits, though I haven’t seen this consistently enforced, particularly for Business Class and oneworld elite members in the earlier boarding stages. Going to the gate with bags beyond the allowance can be a gamble.
Passengers can check one or two bags in without charge, as long as they’re not traveling on the lowest Economy Value fare. The standard max weight per piece of checked luggage is a generous 66 pounds for all passengers, whether traveling in Business or Economy Class. Fiji Airways won’t accept bags weighing more than 66 pounds, even for an additional charge. If you have more than 66 pounds in a single bag you may have to repack.
If you’re traveling with extra luggage, Fiji Airways typically allows additional bags for a fee, which varies by route. Additional bag fees can be prepaid online prior to departure or paid at the ticket counter during check-in.
Check-in
Online check-in is generally available, which saves a great deal of time.
I’ve never seen a really long line at a Fiji Airways ticket counter, and their bag drop process is pretty efficient, both in Fiji and at other airports.
For passengers departing from Fiji, the airline also operates check-in desks at three resorts on Viti Levu: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa. Passengers can receive boarding passes and check bags, which are transported securely to the airport. However, due to additional security checks required by US immigration, resort check-in is not available for US-bound flights.
Lounges
Fiji Airways operates the expansive Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport. Business Class passengers and oneworld elite members at Sapphire tier and higher have access. The airline also offers paid access for the lounge – while pre-sales may be paused due to capacity, walk-in access can be purchased at the lounge reception on the day of travel, subject to availability. It’s particularly nice for long layovers, with comfortable seating and a massive buffet with hot food selections.
The lounge also has private shower suites with premium Pure Fiji amenities available. It can be worth it if you have a several-hour layover between flights. However, if you have more than, say, six hours between flights, you might consider checking if nearby airport hotels in Nadi offer day-use rates, which can be more comfortable than spending an entire day in the airport lounge.
Seat assignments
Seat assignments on Fiji Airways come with a fee – the airline charges for 100% of seats in the economy cabin. Bulkhead seats, exit seats and forward section seats are all available for an additional fee, separate from the other premium seating options in Economy. If you’re traveling with an infant and want to ensure a seat with an infant bassinet, bassinet seats are located at bulkhead positions and can be requested through the online “Manage your booking” portal or by calling reservations. When booking bulkhead seats, bear in mind they’re frequently booked by passengers with infants.
This isn’t well-advertised, but I’ve noticed that some extra legroom or other preferred seats can typically be grabbed by oneworld elite members during the booking process. These seats also tend to open up for elites free of charge during the check-in process online.
Boarding
Like many airlines, Fiji Airways typically boards by zones according to class of service, frequent flier status and seating location, with priority boarding for Business Class passengers and oneworld elite members.
In my experience, staff generally organize passengers by boarding groups and monitor the boarding process, though enforcement of carry-on bag sizes can vary.
Duty-free sales
Fiji Airways continues to offer duty-free sales onboard, a practice that’s quickly waning in popularity on many international airlines. There’s the typical range of liquor, fragrances and cosmetics, jewelry and timepieces, but there’s also a selection of Fijian products and Fiji Airways branded souvenirs. Duty-free items can also be pre-ordered before your flight on the Fiji Airways Duty Free website, with pre-order functionality available for advance purchases.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
