Domestic Flights in American Samoa: Your Guide to Interisland Flights

Travellers can fly to two different islands in American Samoa from Pago Pago on scheduled domestic flights. Flights from Pago Pago to the outer islands operate Monday to Friday.

Flight Routes in American Samoa

Here’s a quick overview of the flight routes in American Samoa, their duration and how many flights there are a day. Note that the number of flights operating per day is a rough indication, as this changes with the demand for flights. Flight frequencies listed are for one-way travel only:

• Pago Pago - Fitiuta (Ta'ū) - 40 minutes - 1 flight every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Pago Pago - Ofu (Ofu-Olosega) - 35 minutes - 1 flight every Tuesday and Thursday.

For more information on the arrival airport on each island, check out our guide to Airports in American Samoa: Where Can You Fly to in American Samoa?

How do domestic flights work in American Samoa? Domestic flights depart from Pago Pago International Airport's domestic terminal.

When to Check In for Your Manu'a Flight in American Samoa

For domestic flights in American Samoa, it's crucial to arrive early for check-in. While the official requirement is to check in at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure, it's advisable to arrive even earlier - we suggest 2 hours. This is particularly important as check-in can move swiftly once the departure lounge opens, but bag check-in tends to be slower. Arriving early ensures you have ample time to manage your luggage, especially if you're travelling with more than the standard allowance.

Upon check-in, you'll receive a ticket, which serves as a receipt with your name, flight details, and seat number. Present this to the attendant before crossing the tarmac to your flight.

What You Need for Check In

By ensuring you have all the necessary documentation and have made any special arrangements in advance, you can enjoy a hassle-free travel experience in American Samoa.

For domestic flights in American Samoa, you need to show personal identification. The easiest option for international visitors is your passport.

Women who are 28-34 weeks pregnant must have a doctor's letter stating they are fit to travel.

If you or anyone you are booking for has special needs, please contact Samoa Airways at least 72 hours before your flight to make special arrangements. Some may need to obtain medical clearance from their doctor and send in an application to Samoa Airways. See more advice in Accessibility in American Samoa: Travellers with Disabilities, Wheelchair Access & More.

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Baggage Allowance for Flights in American Samoa

Here's what you need to know about baggage allowances to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Standard Baggage Allowances

For carry-on luggage, both adults (12 years and over) and children (two to 11 years) are allowed one piece weighing up to 11 lbs (5 kg). Infants under two years old don't get a separate carry-on allowance. Note that wheeled suitcases, even carry-on size, will not be accepted as a carry-on.

When it comes to checked baggage, adults and children can each check one bag weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg). The maximum size allowed is 62 in (158 cm) when you add up the length, width and height. Again, infants don't receive a checked baggage allowance.

Note that passengers are required to be weighed while holding their carry-on bags. Luckily for some, there are no weight restrictions for passengers.

Extra Baggage Tips

Like most of us travelling American Samoa, let's be honest, if you need to bring more than your standard allowance, you can only purchase extra baggage at the airport on the day of departure (and only for adults and children, not infants).

However, this is a fine line because once check-in opens, any pre-paid baggage options are no longer available. This means you'll need to pay the higher excess baggage charges at the airport, which can be quite costly. In short, show up early to your flight (we recommend 2 hours before departure) if you have baggage above the allowance.

We recommend inquiring about purchasing extra baggage from the Samoa Airways office (in the courtyard, right of the check-in desk) before departure - even on arrival from your international flight if you plan to take a domestic flight at some point during your stay.

Keep in mind that extra baggage is subject to availability and space limitations on the aircraft.

Oversize Baggage

Oversized baggage is permitted, subject to space and fees apply: 35-51 lbs (16-23 kg) costs US$25 and extra pieces of 2-22 lbs (1-10 kg) is US$25 and 24-50 lbs (11-23 kg) is US$40.

Refunds and Changes to Domestic Flights

Here's what you need to know about making changes to your domestic flight booking.

All fares are non-refundable. This means once you've paid, you won't be getting your money back if you decide not to travel.

If you don't show up at the designated check-in time, you'll forfeit your entire fare (so don't be late!).

The good news is that while fares aren't refundable, you can transfer your ticket to someone else or reschedule your flight. Just make sure you do this at least 24 hours before your departure time.

Here's what it'll cost you:

• Name changes (transferring your ticket to someone else) cost US$30.
• Rescheduling or cancelling your flight costs US$30.
• Rescheduling or cancelling your flight "late advice" fee is US$65.

Our advice? Book with confidence, but if your plans change, don't wait around to make those changes.

Looking to hop between the islands of American Samoa? Pago Flight Charters might just be your ticket to adventure.

This Hawaii-based operation runs a cosy nine-seat Tecnam aircraft that's perfectly suited for island hopping within American Samoa. They've got all the proper commercial charter licensing sorted, so you can fly with confidence.

Pago Flight Charters Flight Routes

The main route connects Tutuila with the stunning Manu'a Islands – specifically Ta'ū and Ofu. Think of it as your gateway to some of American Samoa's most remote and beautiful spots.

Just keep in mind this is strictly domestic service, so you won't be flying internationally with these folks.

What to Expect Onboard

Here's where things get a bit technical (but we'll keep it simple). The aircraft's capacity varies depending on where you're headed.

Flying to Ofu? Expect fewer passengers due to that shorter airstrip – it's all about safety first. Heading to places like Fitiuta (Ta'ū)? They can pack in a bit more weight.

Pack light if you can. Baggage restrictions are pretty strict, especially for bulky items like surfboards (unless you've got a foldable one, which would be rather impressive).

Booking Your Flight

Good news – you only need 24 hours' notice to book. On the other hand, the pilot does travel occasionally, so availability can be a bit unpredictable.

We'd recommend calling ahead to check when you're planning your trip, just to avoid any disappointment.

Something Special on the Horizon

Here's what's exciting: Pago Flight Charters is working on scenic flight options. They've already done some informal sightseeing flights around the islands, but they're still working on something official.

If you're after something truly memorable, don't hesitate to ask – they might just be able to create something special for your visit.

Like most places in the world, air travel is relatively expensive in American Samoa. Take a look at the list below to see typical prices for domestic flights to the Manu'a Islands.

Typical Airfares for Domestic Flights in American Samoa

The following prices are one-way adult fares only. Children's fares are half price. Please note that prices are approximate and subject to change.

• Pago Pago - Fitiuta (Ta'ū) - US$120-$140 per person one-way
• Pago Pago - Ofu - US$140-$160 per person one-way
• Pago Pago - Ta'ū (Private Charter) - US$5,000 one-way

Here's a handy tip: At the time of writing, when using the Samoa Airways booking website, it's slightly cheaper to fly with children than it is to book an adult ticket without - extra seats, anyone?

Now that you know about domestic flights in American Samoa, here are the answers to the internet's frequently asked questions about flying with Samoa Airways!

Can I Select My Seat in Advance?

You can make seat requests by emailing Samoa Airways, but note that seat selection is not guaranteed if they need to change for operational purposes.

Can I Earn Frequent Flyer Points on Samoa Airways Flights?

Samoa Airways is currently not a member of a frequent flyer programme, so points cannot be earned or redeemed on flights.

Does Samoa Airways Charge a Fee for Booking with Credit Cards?

When you use a credit/debit card to pay for your flights out of certain countries, Samoa Airways incurs fees for using these cards. You won't be charged a service fee if you choose to pay with a standard debit bank card or cash.

Learn more about the credit card fees in general in What is the Best Way to Pay in American Samoa?

How Early Should I Arrive at the Airport for Samoa Airways Flights?

We recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights to allow time to prepare for baggage allowance purchases (see the "Baggage Allowance for Flights in American Samoa" section above).