If you’re having trouble redeeming points for lie-flat seats across the Pacific, consider Fiji Airways — a small carrier based in an island archipelago of fewer than 1 million people that flies multiple nonstop routes between North America and its hub in Nadi (NAN). I’ve flown many business-class products, and my recent NAN–DFW A350 flight with Fiji Airways jumped into my personal top five. Here’s why.
Good award availability with partner miles
Fiji Airways operates A350 transpacific flights from LAX, SFO, DFW and Vancouver (YVR) to Nadi. While award space across the Pacific is often scarce, I found Fiji Airways easier to book at saver levels than many Qantas- or American-operated options. The airline sometimes releases additional business seats after initial inventory appears 330–350 days out, so set alerts (e.g., Seats.aero) in case seats pop up later.
As a oneworld member, Fiji Airways award space can be booked with partner programs including Qantas and British Airways. The best sweet spots are Alaska’s (Atmos Rewards) — often 75,000 points one-way — and American AAdvantage at about 80,000 miles one-way. You can sometimes continue on to Australia or New Zealand for the same AAdvantage price or for 10,000 more Atmos points if saver availability exists on both segments. We booked our NAN–DFW flight with Alaska Mileage Plan (Atmos Rewards) miles.
Genuine yet polished Fijian hospitality
The cabin crew were warm and attentive from boarding to deplaning. Small touches stood out: wine bottles presented at the seat, drinks poured in front of you, main courses plated without a tray for a restaurant-like feel, edible flowers and an imitation candle to set the mood. The purser even checked in on me during descent, asking if I had suggestions based on my photo-taking — an engaged and personal level of service comparable to top global carriers.
Holiday mode as soon as you step on board
The cabin embodied a relaxed, island vibe: pineapple-scented hot towels, signature cocktails featuring locally distilled gin with kava and curry-leaf notes, and distinctive branding everywhere. The aircraft’s barkcloth artwork by Makereta Matemosi and the custom Bula typeface give a strong, evocative identity that immediately puts you “on island time.”
Restaurant-quality, dine-on-demand cuisine
Meals are served from the galley like in a restaurant rather than from trolley service. You order during boarding but can request to dine whenever you like. My dinner began with a smoked tomato tartare with avocado cream and basil oil, followed by grilled mahi-mahi with steamed ota and finished with mango ginger cheesecake on a crystallized-ginger almond crust. Breakfast the next morning — a feta-parsley omelet with lentil fritters and tomato marmalade — felt like an upmarket café offering. Presentation and flavors were consistently impressive.
A relaxing stopover between North America and Australia or New Zealand
Nadi makes an excellent stopover if you need downtime crossing the Pacific. I spent a few days in Fiji after arriving from Australia and found the country charming, relaxed and safe, with spectacular beaches even in the wet season. An example of local kindness: after getting a flat tire in the rain, a passing driver stopped, changed it for me and left with a cheerful “welcome to Fiji.” It’s an easy and peaceful place to decompress before continuing on.
How to earn points and miles to book Fiji Airways business class
Top ways to accumulate the necessary points include Atmos Rewards and American AAdvantage cards and transferable bank programs. Highlights to consider (welcome-offer examples change, so check current terms):
– Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite: large welcome offer for significant spending (annual fee).
– Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature: strong bonus with lower annual fee.
– Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business: business option with business-card perks.
– Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: high-mile welcome offer for heavy spenders (higher annual fee).
– Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard and Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard: additional AAdvantage card options with competitive offers.
You can also transfer Bilt Rewards to Atmos and Citi ThankYou to AAdvantage at 1:1 in many cases. These routes and programs make Fiji Airways business-class awards accessible without resorting to prohibitively expensive redemptions on other transpacific carriers.
Bottom line
Fiji Airways’ A350 business class surprised me in the best way — polished service, distinct and calming branding, restaurant-quality dine-on-demand meals, and good award availability for those who watch partner inventory. With business-class awards starting around 75,000 Atmos points or 80,000 AAdvantage miles one-way, Fiji Airways should be on your radar when planning travel to the South Pacific, Australia or New Zealand — especially if you’re struggling to find reasonable redemptions on nonstop Pacific routes.
