Fly To Samoa From Australia
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find your way to a tropical paradise? Look no further than Samoa, the heart of the South Pacific. With its stunning beaches, mesmerizing coral reefs, and vibrant culture, Samoa offers everything you need for an idyllic vacation.
But before you can bask in its beauty, you’ll need to figure out how to get there. And that’s where I come in — offering a comprehensive guide to help Australians find the best flights to Samoa.
Have you ever dreamt of crystal-clear waters and unique cultural experiences just a flight away? If so, this article will guide you through every step of planning your flights from Australia to Samoa, ensuring a seamless journey to paradise.
Exploring Flights to Samoa from Australia
Australians frequently seek convenient flights to Samoa for their dream holidays. With several major cities offering both direct and connecting flights, planning a getaway has never been easier. Whether you’re flying from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Adelaide, there are numerous options to choose from.
Major airlines operating flights to Samoa include Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Fiji Airways. Direct flights are available from select cities, while connecting flights might involve a layover in places like Fiji. Both options offer varying degrees of flexibility, allowing you to tailor your travel plans according to your schedule and budget.
While for me a direct flight always seems the best choice, however layover options can be beneficial. Direct flights are quicker and more convenient, while connecting flights might offer better deals and additional sightseeing opportunities during the layover. Frequent flyers should also think about comparing the loyalty programmes of various airlines to maximise their benefits.
Interestingly, the availability of flights increases during peak travel seasons like Christmas, Easter, and school holidays. However, this also means prices can surge. Thus, planning and booking in advance could save you a significant amount of money.
Cheap Flights to Samoa: Budget-Friendly Options
Finding cheap flights to Samoa doesn’t have to be a daunting task but it won’t be easy. Flights scale in frequency to suit the season so the airlines don’t find it difficult to fill their planes during the quieter seasons. This means that it can be hard to find specials. In saying that though, because it’s only a 3 hour flight, the cost isn’t prohibitive anyway.
I’m sure I have the actual number wrong, but something like 50% of Samoan’s actually work in Australia or New Zealand which means that during the Christmas holiday season many of them head home to their families. The airlines do tend to ramp up the number of flights during this time, however the cost is also higher because of the demand.
Off-peak travel times, usually outside of the Australian holiday periods, tend to feature more affordable ticket prices.
Booking your flights well in advance is another sure-fire way to secure lower fares. Airlines generally release their tickets months ahead, offering the best prices to those who plan early.
Keep your eyes peeled for sales and promotions which can drastically reduce the cost of flights to Samoa. These special offers are often advertised on airlines’ websites, newsletters, and social media channels. Websites like Skyscanner and Kayak can be instrumental in identifying these deals, providing a comprehensive comparison of available options.
Price comparison websites can be your best friend when hunting for budget flights. These platforms allow you to compare multiple airlines and dates, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
Also be sure to use an Incognito window when searching. You don’t want the airlines knowing your plans and raising prices on you. The link here shows you how much costs can vary based on keeping your searches as low key as you can.
Flight Comparison: Airlines that Fly To Samoa
When planning your journey to Samoa, comparing different airlines can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Qantas, Australia’s flagship carrier, is known for its competitive pricing and premium services, making it a popular choice amongst travellers.
Qantas offers a range of amenities, including comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and meals, which are often included in the ticket price. Moreover, Qantas provides extensive frequent flyer benefits, allowing members to accumulate points that can be redeemed on future flights or upgrades.
On the other hand, Virgin Australia presents a compelling alternative. Virgin Australia frequently features attractive price points and a suite of amenities that rival those of Qantas. Their loyalty programme also offers plenty of perks, making it a contender worth considering.
Fiji Airways brings a unique twist to your travel with the option of a layover in Fiji. This allows travellers to explore another island paradise en route to Samoa. The airlines offer a well-regarded service, making the layover almost a mini-holiday.
Comparing flight durations, costs, and onboard services across these airlines will help you make an informed decision. Customer reviews can also provide invaluable insights into the quality and reliability of service, assisting you further in choosing the best option.
Direct Flight Times and Availability From Australia to Samoa
If you live in Queensland you will be able to get to Samoa direct from Brisbane. From other Australian capital cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide you will be able to fly via Brisbane but not directly to Apia.
Qantas Flights To Samoa Direct From Brisbane
Qantas flies from Brisbane to Apia, Samoa on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with all flights running at the same time.
You will depart Brisbane at 22:20pm and arrive in Apia at 6:05 am.
The return leg from Apia to Brisbane runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
Departing Apia at 07:20am arriving into Brisbane at 10:05am
Qantas flights on special can be obtained at various times throughout the year for around $780 return. Their standard fares start at around $1360 AUD return.
Virgin Australia Flights To Samoa Direct From Brisbane
Virgin operates from Brisbane to Apia on Tuesdays and Saturdays but the flight times are different depending on the day.
Tuesdays you will leave at 09:55am and arrive at 17:40pm with a flight time of 4 hours and 45 mins. On Saturdays the flight leaves Brisbane at 11:10am arriving at 18:55pm.
Returning from Apia to Brisbane, Virgin runs flights on Wednesdays and Sundays. Wednesday the flight departs Apia at 09:30am and arrives into Brisbane at 12:15pm. Sunday’s flight leaves Samoa (Apia) at 08:15 and arrives into Brisbane at 11:00. Virgin states that the flight back is an hour longer than the flight over.
Virgin flights usually run at very similar prices to Qantas at around $1200-$1300 return. Their flights do have quite a different pricing structure however with the Sunday return flight being around 30% cheaper than the Wednesday flight. Their Brisbane to Apia flights are also a few hundred dollars cheaper than the return which is always strange to me, but hey – the airlines are a law unto themselves aren’t they?
Connecting flights to and from Brisbane
If you are anywhere else in Australia your best bet is to get yourself to Brisbane and connect with one of these direct flights. Remember that the Brisbane domestic and International airports are separate and Brisbane has a decent reputation for flight delays so make sure you allow yourself enough time to transfer.
Transferring terminals is easy. Just make your way to the train station at the domestic airport, buy a ticket and jump on the train to the very next stop which is the international airport. The Domestic airport is the very last station on that line so you don’t have to worry about which way to go, there will be only one train leaving from there.
Flights to Samoa Via Fiji
Fiji Airways flies to and from most Australian capital cities and for most you can connect directly with their onward flight to Apia.
Their flights to Apia leave Nadi airport at different times depending on the day, ranging from just after 10am in the morning and as late as 22:15pm in the evening. There is a list of flight times below.
Fiji Airways flight from Brisbane to Nadi leaves Brisbane at 11:40am, arriving into Nadi at 16:50pm which does give you a layover of over 5 hours. However by the time you get yourself some food and relax for a while, its not that long. The lounge access in Nadi airport is limited and at the time we flew with Fiji Airways you couldn’t purchase lounge access, it was for business class and their own premium members only.
You will also find that you can book flights to and from your capital city (like Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide) direct to Nadi return, stay overnight or for a few days and then carry on to Samoa.
Fiji Airways have flights to Apia at different times depending on the days so I would recommend searching for your flight from Nadi To Apia first and then matching in your Australia to Fiji leg.
Fiji Airways Nadi to Apia timetable
| Week Day | Depart Nadi | Arrive Apia |
| Monday | 12:55pm | 15:50pm |
| Tuesday | 22:15pm | 01:10am +1 |
| Wednesday | 12:55pm | 15:50pm |
| Thursday | 22:15pm | 01:10am +1 |
| Friday | 10:15am | 13:10pm |
| Saturday | 12:55pm | 15:50pm |
| Sunday | 22:15pm | 01:10am +1 |
Flying Via Auckland from Melbourne or Adelaide
If you live in one of the southern cities you might find it easier to fly via Auckland. It will possibly involve a layover at Auckland airport overnight though. Like most airlines Air New Zealand would like you to spend at least one night in their country and you can’t fault them for that.
Baggage Allowances from Australia to Samoa: What to Expect
Baggage allowances vary by airline, and understanding these regulations can prevent last-minute hiccups. Most airlines provide detailed information on baggage allowances during the booking process, so make sure to check this in advance.
For instance, Qantas and Virgin Australia typically include checked baggage in the ticket price, often allowing one or two pieces per passenger, depending on the fare class.
Qantas allows you one 23kg bag for their standard fare level, as does Virgin, however Fiji Airways allows you 30kg. Of course this was correct at the time I wrote this so please check to be sure.
While Qantas does allow you to purchase extra baggage, Virgin does not have an extra bag option for this route. They do usually have a note on their booking proceedure to advise you of this though.
Carry-on luggage restrictions are also essential to note. These restrictions often include specific size and weight limits. Exceeding these can result in additional fees or having to check in your carry-on, which can be a hassle at the last minute. Both Virgin and Qantas are currently 7kg for carry on and of course you have to limit liquids to anything that is 100ml or less.
Deals and Discounts for Flights to Samoa
Everyone loves a good deal, and finding discounts on flights to Samoa can make your holiday even sweeter. Travel agencies sometimes offer exclusive deals that can result in significant savings. These agencies negotiate fares with airlines, passing the savings on to you.
Signing up for airline newsletters is another savvy strategy. Subscribers often get early access to special offers and promotions, giving them a head start in snagging the best deals. Loyalty programme members also benefit from discounted rates and other perks, such as priority boarding and extra baggage allowances.
I’ve seen Fiji Airways offer return flights to and from Brisbane including a one night stopover in Nadi for $995.00 AUD. These aren’t common, but they do sometimes happen.
The other thing to remember is that you could add Samoa on to a Fiji holiday. So if you were to get a great deal on a trip to Fiji (which you often can), you can simply add Samoa on to that trip and make the most of the sales that way.
Typically it can be difficult to find deals to and from Samoa which is probably based around the flight limitations.
Flying to Apia: Arrival Information for Faleolo Airport
Arriving in Samoa, you’ll land at Faleolo International Airport in Apia. This is the primary gateway for international visitors and is well-equipped to handle significant tourist traffic. The airport features clear signage and helpful staff, making it easy to navigate upon arrival.
Transportation from Faleolo Airport to the main parts of Apia is straightforward. Options include taxis, shuttle services, and car rentals. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, and while they may be a bit pricier, they offer the convenience of direct transport to your hotel or other destination.
Taxi’s from the airport to the centre of Apia should be around $40-60 AUD however you will need Samoan Thala to pay. Please don’t expect to pay a local taxi driver with foreign currency.
Shuttle services are a budget-friendly option if there are a few of you, typically operating on a fixed schedule. You should book your shuttle or private transfer in advance to be certain of availability.
View all airport transfer options available from Faleolo Airport to Apia on my Viator Shop Collection. This will make it easy to see all options and find the one that is best suited for you.
Car rentals provide the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Major rental companies have desks at the airport, making it convenient to pick up and drop off your vehicle.
Be prepared for possible security checks and baggage inspections upon arrival. These procedures are standard and designed to ensure the safety and security of all passengers. Familiarising yourself with Samoa’s local arrival protocols can further ease your transition into this tropical paradise.
We didn’t find the immigration process to be too long at all. From the time we stepped off the plane to the time we hit the curb was around 35 mins.
Summary: How To Fly to Samoa From Australia
When planning your trip to Samoa from Australia, understanding the various flight options, including costs, baggage allowances, and travel durations, can significantly enhance your travel experience.
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly deals or premium services, there’s something to match every traveller’s needs. Making the most of special deals and understanding the finer details of your journey, from departure times to direct flights versus layovers, can ensure your trip to Samoa is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Most of all I can’t recommend visiting Samoa highly enough. It is a stunning country, its pristine clean, there are heaps of activities and things to do and the people are just beautiful.
Check out my article on 31 Amazing Things To See And Do in Samoa for what to do once you get there.
More Samoa Info and Inspiration
Visit and Swim in Samoa’s To-Sua Ocean Trench
Snorkel the Giant Clam Beds of Upolu
Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She’s always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.