Jetstar will restore a non-stop connection between Australia and the Cook Islands with the launch of direct Sydney-Rarotonga flights from 29 June 2023.

The flights will run twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, using Jetstar’s new Airbus A321neo LR aircraft with 232 Economy seats. Unfortunately – especially as the outbound service from Sydney operates overnight – there is no Business Class available on these aircraft.

When flights begin just in time for the winter school holidays in 2023, the schedule will be as follows:

• JQ141 Sydney 21:30 – Rarotonga 07:00
• JQ142 Rarotonga 09:00 – Sydney 12:00 (+1 day)

Note that the Cook Islands, a popular holiday destination in the Pacific, are on the other side of the International Date Line from Australia.

As a launch sale, Jetstar is offering Starter fares from $229 one-way or $470 return. That price excludes checked baggage, meals, seat selection, Qantas points and status credits – but you can add a Plus Bundle which includes all of those things for an extra $70 each way.

Once Classic Flight Reward seats are released, it will cost 36,000 Qantas points + taxes (round-trip) to book a seat on Jetstar’s Sydney-Rarotonga route.

Currently, flying from Australia to Rarotonga requires a transit stop in New Zealand. Jetstar and Air New Zealand both fly from Auckland to Rarotonga. Virgin Australia also used to fly from Auckland to Rarotonga before the pandemic, but has since permanently axed the route.

Before COVID-19, Air New Zealand also used to fly direct from Sydney to Rarotonga once per week using a Boeing 777. Air New Zealand had been planning to resume Sydney-Rarotonga flights this year, but those flights have been cancelled with passengers offered a re-routing through Auckland. Air New Zealand is no longer selling tickets on the direct NZ60/61 flights.

Hawaiian Airlines also launching flights to Rarotonga

With Hawaiian Airlines also due to start weekly direct flights between Rarotonga and Honolulu from 7 May 2023, Rarotonga could soon become an interesting stopover for Australians travelling to or from Hawaii. It’s possible to redeem Velocity points on Hawaiian Airlines.

Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Jetstar to commence nonstop services between Australia and the Cook Islands

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.