RTW help

[wrldtrvllr]

hi everyone!

just joined so here is my first post (and questions):

i'm looking to do a rtw trip beginning end April with one world explorer for 4 continents on the following routing:

SYD-PPT-IPC-SCL-LIM-EZE-MAD-ATH-AMM-DME/SVO-LON-NRT
-ICN-BKK-BOM-HKG-CNS-AYQ-SYD

is this possible? the SYD-PPT is QF codeshare so can this be included? i think it's permitted on the global explorer, not sure about one world explorer...
i'd also prefer BCN over MAD but other flights from there seem to route via MAD so that would eat up an unnecessary segments, correct?
while we're on segments, where does PPT and IPC sit? are they both part of south america, or is PPT part of SWP? or are they not considered as part of the region limits?

has anyone gone with LAN, Iberia, Royal Jordanian before? If so, any feedback/comments? Before researching the various rtw options i had never heard of these airlines before...

i'm thinking to break the trip at NRT - purchase separate tix back to SYD to recommence the other legs later in the year (Oct?) - there is no rule against this is there? (probably too exhausting to complete in one hit - happy to take on board comments/suggestions from others who have rtw experience as this will be my first!)

i've also read that tickets are cheaper (esp if u start considering business class) in some overseas places (Japan, Mauritius...any others?) - has anyone been down this path and what's the exact process involved?

also read somewhere that one should book via AA to minimise those ridiculous fuel surcharges - is that possible even though i'm not planning on going to the US or taking their flights? (i'll save that for the next one - really wanna do the inca trail...)

thanks in advance!

 

[littl_flier]

Hi wrldtrvllr, Welcome to AFF! (and thnks fr th mmrs )

I'm looking to do a rtw trip beginning end April with one world explorer for 4 continents on the following routing:

SYD-PPT-IPC-SCL-LIM-EZE-MAD-ATH-AMM-DME/SVO-LON-NRT
-ICN-BKK-BOM-HKG-CNS-AYQ-SYD

is this possible? the SYD-PPT is QF codeshare so can this be included? i think it's permitted on the global explorer, not sure about one world explorer...

Unfortunately not, travel on the Oneworld Explorer is only permitted on Oneworld Airlines and their affiliates. Unfortunately there is no OW way of getting in and out of PPT that meet the xONEx rules as there is no way to get back to Australia without backtracking to South America. So this may change the dynamics of the trip a little if you wish to stick with the Oneworld Explorer.

To avoid the US and keep it as a DONE4, you would have to route with LAN to SCL and then catch a connecting LAN flight to IPT.

I'd also prefer BCN over MAD but other flights from there seem to route via MAD so that would eat up an unnecessary segments, correct?

You could go direct to BCN and only use one segment. Iberia have a single flight number service to BCN twice daily from EZE. These aircraft do stop in MAD but if you caught the service all the way through on a single flight number, then it would not eat up any extra service numbers. ie. EZE-(MAD)-BCN on IB6844 would count as one segment rather than 2.

while we're on segments, where does PPT and IPC sit? are they both part of south america, or is PPT part of SWP? or are they not considered as part of the region limits?

See my comment above regarding PPT. Unfortunately this won't be possible. PPT is part of SWP so going SYD-SCL-IPC-PPT-SCL would be back tracking.

has anyone gone with LAN, Iberia, Royal Jordanian before? If so, any feedback/comments? Before researching the various rtw options i had never heard of these airlines before...

Sorry, I haven't. You haven't specified your travel class (assume Economy?) but if you let us know, some others may have a better description of the service. Also, have a look at the Trip Reports on Flyertalk and do a search for Iberia Economy etc. Trip Reports - FlyerTalk Forums

If Business class, LAN has just put New Generation Business Class into their 763's which look quite nice. The A340 on the SYD-SCL sector and other is not a lie flat seat. From what I've read, Iberia is OK though not considered up there with the likes of BA and Qantas. Royal Jordanian, I have no idea about business class but a mate just flew them in economy a week ago and said the food was terrible. It's one persons experience but he wasn't a fan.

I'm thinking to break the trip at NRT - purchase separate tix back to SYD to recommence the other legs later in the year (Oct?) - there is no rule against this is there? (probably too exhausting to complete in one hit - happy to take on board comments/suggestions from others who have rtw experience as this will be my first!)

There are no rules saying you can't break the trip up in multiple trips. turtlemichael and others have done it and if that's the best way to maximise you benefit, then do it. You just have to make sure all travel is completed within twelve months of your first sector.

i've also read that tickets are cheaper (esp if u start considering business class) in some overseas places (Japan, Mauritius...any others?) - has anyone been down this path and what's the exact process involved?

In Business Class especially, the tickets are much cheaper ex. Japan (NRT) but in economy by the time a return to Australia is factored in, the benefit is gone. It's a similar case to Mauritius.

also read somewhere that one should book via AA to minimise those ridiculous fuel surcharges - is that possible even though I'm not planning on going to the US or taking their flights? (I'll save that for the next one - really wanna do the Inca trail...)

This is true, AA only charge fuel fines on the trans-pacific and trans-Atlantic sectors so you'll save money on all the other sectors that QF and others will charge. You may strike trouble (though Dave and others will be able to confirm) and there won't be an AA flight in your itinerary but if you book through a big agent (ie. Flight Centre) and ask them to ticket with AA, you may be able to get around this as IIRC, the ticket is ticketed on behalf of the airlines by Flight Centre themselves so an AA Agent's discretion won't be in the picture. You may have to pay a service fee though.

Enjoy the Inca trail and good luck with the trip.

Cheers,
littl_flier

 

[NM]

hi everyone!

just joined so here is my first post (and questions):

Welcome to AFF

i'm looking to do a rtw trip beginning end April with one world explorer for 4 continents on the following routing:

SYD-PPT-IPC-SCL-LIM-EZE-MAD-ATH-AMM-DME/SVO-LON-NRT
-ICN-BKK-BOM-HKG-CNS-AYQ-SYD

is this possible? the SYD-PPT is QF codeshare so can this be included? i think it's permitted on the global explorer, not sure about one world explorer...

That is not possible with OneWorld Explorer, but can be done with OneWorld Global Explorer fare.

while we're on segments, where does PPT and IPC sit? are they both part of south america, or is PPT part of SWP? or are they not considered as part of the region limits?

PPT = SWP
IPC = SA

i'm thinking to break the trip at NRT - purchase separate tix back to SYD to recommence the other legs later in the year (Oct?) - there is no rule against this is there? (probably too exhausting to complete in one hit - happy to take on board comments/suggestions from others who have rtw experience as this will be my first!)

No rules against doing that. Many people do it. Depending on the cabin class, it may be better to purchase the ticket ex-NRT and use SWP as you chance to break the journey in your home town. This is especially true for business and first class tickets.

i've also read that tickets are cheaper (esp if u start considering business class) in some overseas places (Japan, Mauritius...any others?) - has anyone been down this path and what's the exact process involved?

Lots of people here have done this.

also read somewhere that one should book via AA to minimise those ridiculous fuel surcharges - is that possible even though i'm not planning on going to the US or taking their flights? (i'll save that for the next one - really wanna do the inca trail...)

thanks in advance!

If there is no AA component in the itinerary you may have difficulty getting it issued by AA, but certainly worth trying and many people have succeeded.

 

[Keith009]

You may strike trouble (though Dave and others will be able to confirm) and there won't be an AA flight in your itinerary but if you book through a big agent (ie. Flight Centre) and ask them to ticket with AA, you may be able to get around this as IIRC, the ticket is ticketed on behalf of the airlines by Flight Centre themselves so an AA Agent's discretion won't be in the picture. You may have to pay a service fee though.

I've booked itineraries through AA where there was entirely no AA content. Sometimes the AAgent will grumble, other times it'd be totally cool.

As for TAs, there will be a service fee as the commissions from such tickets are rather minimal. Some TAs will also balk at issuing the ticket via any carrier other than the carrier operating the first outbound segment. Maybe Flight Centre will be different but I've dealt with 3 different travel agencies for ATW tickets and they all quoted the non-existent rule of plating only on the first outbound carrier.

The person I dealt with at the AA ATW desk did mention that they are cool with itineraries with no AA content if they're organised by pax, but you may run into trouble if booked by a TA - as a lot of TAs still do send itineraries to the plating carrier for verification prior to issuing.

 

[wrldtrvllr]

thanks for the feedback thus far.

what if i did SYD-SCL(transit)-PPT-IPC-SCL-LIM etc.,

Lan covers the SCL-IPC-PPT route...bit more time consuming but i guess i can accumulate the miles...

or if i reversed the entire trip so then ... LIM-SCL-IPC-PPT with surface segment back to SYD (i suppose this would be with separate one-way tix; or would FFP award be able to cover this?) i believe that transoceanic surface is permitted between tc1 and tc3...

maybe i can call AA ATW desk to clarify? can someone advise of the number (calling from Oz)

Thanks again!

 

[Dave Noble]

This is true, AA only charge fuel fines on the trans-pacific and trans-Atlantic sectors so you'll save money on all the other sectors that QF and others will charge. You may strike trouble (though Dave and others will be able to confirm) and there won't be an AA flight in your itinerary but if you book through a big agent (ie. Flight Centre) and ask them to ticket with AA, you may be able to get around this as IIRC, the ticket is ticketed on behalf of the airlines by Flight Centre themselves so an AA Agent's discretion won't be in the picture. You may have to pay a service fee though.

If you go directly to AA, there will be no issue getting AA to ticket it; go to a travel agent and there is little chance of getting it done

Dave

 

[Dave Noble]

thanks for the feedback thus far.

what if i did SYD-SCL(transit)-PPT-IPC-SCL-LIM etc.,

Lan covers the SCL-IPC-PPT route...bit more time consuming but i guess i can accumulate the miles...

That would involve leaving SWP and going to South America, returning to South West PAcific and then back to South America which is not permitted; you need to use a Global Explorer
\
Dave

 

[SFSC]

i've also read that tickets are cheaper (esp if u start considering business class) in some overseas places (Japan, Mauritius...any others?) - has anyone been down this path and what's the exact process involved?

The price advantage seems to vary by class as others have mentioned but also by product. If you are going to break your journey or indeed for your initial One World Explorer itself, I would suggest some time spent on oneworld - Air Travel Options with your favorite currency converter open in another window will pay some dividends. For example, a 22000 mile Circle Pacific (DCIR22) that Mrs SFSC and I ticketed (using the CX office in Malaysia) for later in the year cost about AUD500 less per person including taxes and surcharges than the base price if we had ticketed it in Japan.

The KUL CX office e-mail is [email protected] and any e-mail reply you get from them will have their phone and FAX numbers.

(OT) Thanks to a post by futaris we managed to get a very cheap Jetstar flight to KUL to have a little holiday and then start our DCIR which includes a 2 week stopover at home.

 

[drron]

Really it depends on your particular outlook on life.I have been so used to planning 12 months ahead for breaks in 35 years of work that I can not break the habit.I also like to know that the places I want to visit are not going to be at the whim of airline capacity.My trips are therefore booked at least 9 months in advance.
At this stage I still operate on an overdraft so I do not like paying in advance so as to save interest.Fortunately the TA that I have has no problems booking through AA and the first flight being on an AA flight number or not having any AA segments has not presented any problem.On top of this there is no surcharge for using my Diners card so I can send CC points to AA(and I do get 1.5 points per dollar).
So although I pay my TA $200 per booking I save at least $500 in interest,get more AA points and now find doing it this way my Global Explorer in August is listed as ticketed on aa.com so I have been able to put in the request for using my new evips on AA across the pond.So this works for me but I realise that for others this method would be a stupid waste of money.

 

[codash1099]

Apologies in advance if this only reveals my (considerable) ignorance:

If ticketed through AA and QF FF number quoted, would QFF status credits be earned?

 

[Hawkeye]

Apologies in advance if this only reveals my (considerable) ignorance:

If ticketed through AA and QF FF number quoted, would QFF status credits be earned?

In short - yes.

 

[NM]

Apologies in advance if this only reveals my (considerable) ignorance:

If ticketed through AA and QF FF number quoted, would QFF status credits be earned?

The earning of FF benefits (SC's points etc) are independent of which airline issues the ticket.

 

[Reggie]

... I do not like paying in advance so as to save interest.Fortunately the TA that I have has no problems booking through AA and the first flight being on an AA flight number or not having any AA segments has not presented any problem.

Same here

So although I pay my TA $200 per booking I save at least $500 in interest,

My TA chrages $35 for Y and $110 for J & F (which they are looking to review downwards for some clients who know what they want etc). They do charge a cc surcharge though of I think 1%.

 

[Keith009]

The TA I deal with charges $35 for Y, $100 for Y RTWs, no service fee for J and F.

So not too bad - but massive problems with getting them to ticket through AA (because MEL-SYD was initially booked on the QF code - and they adhered to the non existent 'must plate on 1st airline' rule; this is despite most of the itinerary being booked on AA flight codes), and they kept mucking up taxes. They are great with point to point itineraries though.

My reason for booking my ex-MEL LLGLOB26 (!) through a TA is similar to drron's. My DONE4 was ticketed through AA directly as it's ex-NRT and I wouldn't know of any TAs in Tokyo. Besides the NRT office seems to be quite cooperative in extending ticketing deadlines. I know the risks of not ticketing but, as a poor, starving student holding only a part time job , it takes me time to save up for the airfare.

 

[Reggie]

I know the risks of not ticketing but, as a poor, starving student holding only a part time job , it takes me time to save up for the airfare.

QF009, who are you refering to here, initially I thought you were refering to yourself?:shock:

 

[SFSC]

Even when not using borrowed money there is a cost of income forgone when ticketing early.

In the case of the DCIR22 I mentioned earlier in the thread, the airline office said when to ticket was up to me and that I had up until early July to do it. I was aware, however, that the ex AU fares had just gone up by $500 and I thought it was reasonable to gamble income forgone against the possibility of an ex Malaysia price hike before July '08. I also knew there was going to be small increase in CX fuel fines from 1 December so I ticketed on 30 November.

There didn't seem to be a surcharge for using Amex but of course there was the currency conversion fee (which turned out to be about 1% less than the 3% surcharge our local TA charges when Amex is used).

Also not everybody will be comfortable with the risks involved in faxing card details to certain airline offices overseas but these can be minimised to some extent by communicating with the card issuer beforhand.

 

[Keith009]

QF009, who are you refering to here, initially I thought you were refering to yourself?:shock:

In relative terms....

 

[wrldtrvllr]

haha... decisions, decisions...

i am now looking at a couple of other alternatives given desired routing not permissable and a bit more research:

option 1:

DONE4 ex-AKL with predominantly the same routing (leaving out PPT and backtracking from SCL to IPC). pricing seems cheaper than a DONE4 from Oz (~$9500 vs $10500) whilst still no where near as cheap as ex-MRU (~$6500) or ex-NRT (~$8000).

I considered the ex-NRT option but that would allow only 2 stops in Asia and means i would unlikely have a cheap mid-trip break back (from SA/Europe?) to Syd (around the world in 80 days seems a bit long when u are solo). i also wanted to be in japan around june to climb mt fuji which would have meant deferring the start but also meant doing the inca trail in winter!

I also looked into the ex-MRU seeing it was so well priced! i could also have the mid-trip break incorporated quite nicely going from africa-asia-swp. the only downside was finding cheap tix to get there and back from oz, and at ~$2k the relatively attractiveness diminishes (also the fact a DONE5 would then be required for an extra ~$1k)

thus, ex-AKL is option 1:
AKL-SCL-IPC-SCL-LIM-EZE-BCN-ATH-AMM-DME-LON-
SIN-NRT-BKK-BOM-HKG-MEL-CNS-AYQ-SYD-AKL

with possible journey breaks @ NRT and extended layover in SYD before doing the last leg (before the 1yr is up). all up over 53k miles and 1880 sc with qff. plus with the cabin bonus and status bonus acquired during the trip (going from poor bronze to platinum!) potential extra miles more than 100% of actual miles! i now see why this DONE4 is so damn attractive!

option 2:

DCIR29 ex-TPE
i don't know if it's a pricing anomaly but ex-TPE is almost 1/2 price ex-SYD!
though not as attractive as the more flexible xONEx given the mileage limits and stopover limits (2 per region) certainly does present a viable alternative.

routing would be:
TPE-HKG-BKK-ADL-SYD-AKL-PPT-IPC-SCL-LIM-LAX-KOA-NRT-TPE

though i would have to find a flight for the surface segment AKL-PPT given non-OW operated codeshares are not permitted. and these aren't necessarily cheap, although i did see an NZ$840 return option - what is the take on no-shows? (ie. forfeiting the return leg)
and the SYD-TPE return tix for <6mth stay don't seem too bad (with possibility of stopover in HKG/BKK/KL)
obviously mileage drops considerably, so too sc's - down 800 vs DONE4
but i'll have some extra dough (saves almost $2k)

any thoughts from members?

ps: i'm leaning towards option 2...i can break the journey (although a bit early) and also spend a little more time seeing the places (and not just the airports!) just need to find out that AA office in TPE...

 

[littl_flier]

Hmm, sounds like a great adventure trip wrldtrvllr.

although i did see an NZ$840 return option - what is the take on no-shows? (ie. forfeiting the return leg)

Forfeiting the return leg of a simple NZ return ticket won't cause any dramas. You flight will simply leave without you so no need to worry about that one affecting any of your onward flights with Oneworld etc.

As for the rest, I guess it depends on what you're after. With the exchange rate ex. NZ at the moment, AKL can be a good departure point to get the best bang for your buck on a DONE4, short of NRT or MRU. I won't comment on your DCIR29 plans as I know very little about these and will leave that to the experts.