Originally Posted by
number_6
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.
That is your definition, and certainly not an absolute definition of 'round the world.' Another generally accepted definition is to fly one direction, and cross all meridians until you arrive to your origin. This is still the accepted definition for ticketing RTW flights by all major airlines.
For the first RTW commerical flight, most sources credit Pan Am, and I agree, though it certainly depends on semantics. They certainly flew a longer route than the earth's circumference, that is certain.