QF did indeed fly 707s own-metal around the world but had no traffic rights in the US, hence the initial routing via Mexico, Bahamas and Bermuda. I think QF did fly JFK-LHR but not sure about this, however definitely did not have SFO-JFK-LHR rights if there was any SFO-JFK service sold. QF did not fly to LAX during this period. Rather interestingly QF still has JFK-LHR rights but has chosen not to use them (perhaps wisely). While CX which never had JFK-LHR rights has applied but has been turned down (with objections by AA and BA amongst others, Oneworld has so much solidarity as an alliance). Some other unexpected airlines have had RTW service, for example Thai might have when it flew to South America, and so did Malaysian (with their bizarre JNB-EZE non-stop). Surprisingly many, it isn't just the obvious candidates of PanAm and TWA and UA. But every single RTW route has been unprofitable as the traffic is unbalanced and better served via captive hubs