Just going by the definition of round the world; any trip that doesn't cross the equator is shorter than the earth's circumference. Too bad that the all-mighty US with its ownership of the world's airline system couldn't claim having the first RTW flight; the fact remains that QF was before PanAm. Sometimes pride isn't enough, there has to be actual accomplishment to be able to claim credit for achievements PanAm did some great things, but setting the record for first RTW flight was not one of them; nor was it able to stay in business.