Best Round the World Deals

[onlycopunk]

Hey All,

So I'm going to "need" to purchase a round the world ticket for travel at the end of July 13 and August 13.

I basically need to go SYD-DEN-LHR-SYD, or another departure airport from Europe.

I've been researching myself with the various airlines, but I'm trying to devise the best way to go about it such as purchasing it in 2 legs or all in one go, or if a travel agent would be best as well?

My travel is irrespective of points gathering/class fare, although would like the option of possibly purchasing a higher class fare for one of the longer legs for comfort.

Any help would be appreciated as I've never purchased a round the world ticket before, and if there's anything else I need to look out for such as restrictions and things of that nature.

Cheers

 

[Limewood]

Might find what your after here.

But then again there are some very smart bods here, sure they can help and plan.

 

[drewbles]

If you only need to do that routing, you'll most likely be better off not buying a RTW fare, but you'd need to book say SYD-DEN return and then DEN-LHR return. I did this earlier this year, I booked MEL-LHR return and LHR-BOS return. It worked out cheaper doing that than a RTW would have (and I did the whole lot in Y+ on BA).

You can do longer legs in Y+ with a supplement, but they're usually $700-800 I believe per leg where Y+ is available.

If you don't want to go 'the long way' (2 x return fares is the long way) then a RTW would be more direct, but not necessarily cheaper.

 

[k_sheep]

Cheap Flights At Best Flights-Online Travel Agents Australia often have quite cheap round the world pricing with limited stops like yours ... have a look, then take your chosen itinerary into a real travel agent (recommend strongly against booking directly with bestflights, search the forums and google for horror stories). They should be able to figure out how to book it.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

You could also look at a return fare to Europe flying UA via the US in both directions.

They used to permit 2 stopovers in each direction in addition to your point of turnaround (destination) of LHR.

If that was still the case you could do DEN & NYC on the outbound leg & IAD & SFO on the inbound for example.

As mentioned above you could look at Oz/DEN/Oz plus DEN/LHR/DEN but it may be cheaper to book Oz/DEN/NYC/LAX/Oz on UA then a separate ticket NYC/LON/NYC as many more options ex NYC vs DEN.

 

[onlycopunk]

Thanks for the replies guys, great stuff.

I was also thinking of doing SYD to LHR return and doing Europe to DEN in a separate trip which might allow leaving and returning to different destinations, and also would leave leeway if any premium economy/business deals popped up. I only need to be in DEN for 3 or 4 days and I know the only direct flights from Europe to DEN are London, and Germany, yet that would also take an extra day or 2 out of my holiday which I'm trying to limit to 3 weeks.

 

[Pollywaffle]

recommend strongly against booking directly with bestflights

I booked a RTW flight with bestflights earlier this year. Every person I spoke to was incredibly helpful. I had no issues with any of my flights and all FF points/miles were posted directly after each flight and were split between my QF & SQ accounts the way I asked. I do recommend them.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I was also thinking of doing SYD to LHR return and doing Europe to DEN in a separate trip which might allow leaving and returning to different destinations, and also would leave leeway if any premium economy/business deals popped up.

I only need to be in DEN for 3 or 4 days and I know the only direct flights from Europe to DEN are London, and Germany, yet that would also take an extra day or 2 out of my holiday which I'm trying to limit to 3 weeks.

I don't think you would need to fly direct ie non-stop from DEN. You could always fly DEN/xIAD/CDG or DEN/xORD/ARN. Note that just because you fly into one city in UK/Europe and out of another one doesn't mean that's it's not a return fare, it's just a return with an open jaw sector in your area of turnaround so no need to purchase 2 x one way fares as this would be more costly.

In any case double check with UA or travel agent what destinations are available and how many stopovers and online transfers are permitted on the fare. You could also ask if UA fly any sectors within Europe that could be included in your permitted stopovers.

 

[KwantasGirl]

I have been doing RTWs for years now (mostly J) as a relatively cheap way to go business class and to get points and SCs. I have always used Amy at Roundabout Travel (you'll be able to google it) to find the best deal for me. And she has. She is incredibly competent in all ways and provides first class service. Much easier than DIY.

 

[ftm]

The SwissAir or Lufthansa pseudo RTW fares are always good options, and much cheaper than a formal RTW fare. You do have to transfer through Zurich/Geneva or Frankfurt into Europe though.

There was also a very good QF/BA Economy fare that was around 6 months ago that allowed one stop North America, London and home via Asia. Not sure if that is still around or available in Business.

FTM


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