Around the world airfares - still worth it?

[Natt]

Just after opinions on these types of airfares

Is it still worth getting a "round the world", or with the increase in point-to-point low cost carriers should I just put the money aside and then buy as fares come up?

Any opinions - the two persons looking at it are mobile, and while not fans of budget long haul - can do it

 

[NM]

For economy class travel, I would generally not consider ATW fares unless really wanting to visit lots of different places around the world. An economy class ATW fare is generally going to be more expensive than a single destination return fare.

Premium cabin ATW fares such as OneWorld Explorer are not as attractive as they were a few years ago, but still better value that regular point-to-point and return published fares.

 

[Febs]

I think they're still good value, but it depends on your requirements.

E.g. I recently got a quote for the following itinerary (all Int'l flights in QF or AA Business, almost all domestic US flights in First):

SYD-LAX-DFW-MTY-DFW-MCI-DFW-LAX-SYD

..which came to ~$12,500AUD including taxes. Instead I booked the following itinerary for under $12,000 (inc taxes), as a DONE4 (only downside being having to travel via BNE...though I booked late so discount Business availability was limited):

SYD-BNE-LAX-DFW-MTY-DFW-MIA-MCI-DFW-CDG-NRT-BNE-SYD

So I managed to throw in a flight to Miami, Paris and Tokyo, managed to get all domestic US flights in First, and saved money in the process.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[simongr]

I priced up a straight return to LHR yesterday in J as I am thinking of heading back there next year - the cheapest quoted price was around $9000 which is only a couple of K more than a RTW. Given I could then add in a trip to Cyprus zand maybe a couple of days in NYC on the way home I would certainly consider them for personal travel - as NM says though only in premium cabins...

 

[Natt]

Cool

We would definetely be flying budget - given that time off work is very costly. :mrgreen:

 

[medhead]

For economy class travel, I would generally not consider ATW fares unless really wanting to visit lots of different places around the world. An economy class ATW fare is generally going to be more expensive than a single destination return fare.

Would this include a situation of wanting to visit a single destination and doing a bit of a SC run around that destination? Even that the earn rate is going to be pretty low. i.e. LONEx I assume is booking in L, which is a discount economy class.

Although compared to a circle explorer fare, it seems that a ATW fare would have more opportunity to add in decent length segments and get higher earning.

Another thing that is puzzling me is what is a good earning segment. I guess everyone has their own definition. But is it one where the miles are at just at the bottom of an earning bracket? Our is it just maximum SC is best?

 

[NM]

Would this include a situation of wanting to visit a single destination and doing a bit of a SC run around that destination? Even that the earn rate is going to be pretty low. i.e. LONEx I assume is booking in L, which is a discount economy class.

Although compared to a circle explorer fare, it seems that a ATW fare would have more opportunity to add in decent length segments and get higher earning.

I would not personally use an ATW fare for SC earning. But that has more to do with my personal FF situation that what I think may be worthwhile for other people in different situation. For example I have not earned a single QF SC in almost 3 years. But in my view, earning SCs at discount economy rates is going about it the hard way.

Another thing that is puzzling me is what is a good earning segment. I guess everyone has their own definition. But is it one where the miles are at just at the bottom of an earning bracket? Our is it just maximum SC is best?

The bandings do come into play, but its not as clear cut as it was a few years back when there were less zones defined.

But to me, the best flight routing is the one that takes you to the place you want to go at the time you want to travel. Flying for the sake of flying or for the sake of earning QF SCs does not seem to be good value to me.

 

[BigKahunaBurger]

Hi there - kind of related question - not having much look on the QF website (or phone line for that matter) in trying to find out how many QFF points are required for ATW tickets.

Am thinking of doing as a belated honeymoon trip at end of next year - would be looking to go in J or possibly F and would be hitting 5 or 6 continents.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[NM]

Hi there - kind of related question - not having much look on the QF website (or phone line for that matter) in trying to find out how many QFF points are required for ATW tickets.

Am thinking of doing as a belated honeymoon trip at end of next year - would be looking to go in J or possibly F and would be hitting 5 or 6 continents.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

Points requirement for the Qantas Frequent Flyer OneWorld Classic Award are shown in this table. Note that the OneWorld Award is not necessarily an ATW award itinerary. There is no requirement for it to be ATW or ot take in any specific continents etc, just limited by total distance flown and number of stopovers.

 

[Masonic Phantom]

Yep!! Keep this thread running,good stuff.

 

[medhead]

I would not personally use an ATW fare for SC earning. But that has more to do with my personal FF situation that what I think may be worthwhile for other people in different situation.

<snip>
But to me, the best flight routing is the one that takes you to the place you want to go at the time you want to travel. Flying for the sake of flying or for the sake of earning QF SCs does not seem to be good value to me.

Thanks NM
I certainly take your points. Not to defend my QF earning, but I think my situation leaves me stuck with QF atm and getting value from life time status. This is due to my lumpy earning pattern. Of course, this forum is very eye opening.

I guess I'm considering RTW, because the extra legs would make my earning lumps more lumpy and the cost is maybe 50% extra from my usual point to point type flight. Economy - well SWMBO doesn't appreciate the value of D.
Again thanks for your thoughts.

 

[v8Statesman]

Thanks NM
I certainly take your points. Not to defend my QF earning, but I think my situation leaves me stuck with QF atm and getting value from life time status. This is due to my lumpy earning pattern. Of course, this forum is very eye opening.

I guess I'm considering RTW, because the extra legs would make my earning lumps more lumpy and the cost is maybe 50% extra from my usual point to point type flight. Economy - well SWMBO doesn't appreciate the value of D.
Again thanks for your thoughts.

SWMBO, need to be re programed

 

[medhead]

Well maybe SWMBO doesn't see the value for a 7 and 4 year old.

No matter how much of an a**hole I am, I wouldn't inflict them on people in economy while I sat in D....

 

[ejb]

Well maybe SWMBO doesn't see the value for a 7 and 4 year old.

No matter how much of an a**hole I am, I wouldn't inflict them on people in economy while I sat in D....

I would, and have travelled J with people with kids in whY.

ejb

 

[medhead]

I don't have a problem with others putting the kids down the back. I just like to be nearby, in case my darlings turn feral.