Flights around the South Pacific

I'm planning a trip around the South Pacific islands that will include Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga and possibly another. I'm just wondering if its best to book all flights in advance or is it possible to book maybe a week or so in advance. I know they are only small planes so i'm guessing they would be full on every journey, just not sure how quickly they fill up. I'll be travelling June/July time.

Thanks,
Matt

Flights within countries are small planes, and book out quickly to many destinations.
Flights between countries are generally commuter jets, and may be full at holiday times, eg Christmas, but not so full at other times. Check the FAQ thread at the beginning of the branch for countries you can fly between.

In the Samoan archipelago airlines book reservations without up front payment. This is a distraction because "fully booked" flights are not fully paid flights. At check in "stand by" passengers usually board because of no shows. Frustrating but true.

Several of your destinations are Polynesian. Please learn more about Polynesia before you arrive. it makes your travels much more interesting.

http://amsamoa-busycorner.blogspot.com

JW

One thing to bear in mind is that you always need to have a ticket out of a Pacific island nation before flying into it.
This is a requirement immigration officals and airline staff do check.
This practically forces you to book at least one international flight well in advance.