As for the issue regarding purchasing an air fare originating from country A while issuing and purchasing it in country B, which is called SOTO ticket issuance, this is actually a case-by-case issue.

For full fare tickets, typically there are no restrictions for SOTO issuing. I've done this on a number of occasions and it is absolutely common. On a limited number of experiences, I have had no problem issuing SOTO for discount fares as well (e.g. YVR-NRT-YVR on CP in K, issued in TYO).

Yet for certain discount fares in certain locations, airlines will explicitly rule to NOT allow SOTO. For example, OW airlines and STAR airlines in Japan do not allow issuing RTWs originating ex-JPN. In my case, I have my ex-Korea OWE issued in Korea, paid with my credit card in Korean Won, and then have it courired to my address in Japan. (And off course I fly NRT-SEL with a separate ticket to originate the journey.)

Adding to the confusion, in the case of OWE, this SOTO restriction seems to vary among countries. I've observed cases where ex-Canada OWEs were issued SOTO in the U.S. I'd appreciate if anyone can post their experience regarding this issue.

[This message has been edited by silver (edited 09-01-2000).]

[This message has been edited by silver (edited 09-01-2000).]