The Global Explorer fare existed BEFORE the OneWorld Explorer. It was cheaper for most people to initially buy the GE over the OWE until OW caught on. Then in March 2000, when there was a massive fare increase across all markets, when it basically made the GE fare almost identical to a OWE 4 Continent ticket, popularity sort of waned for the GE.

In any case for people who want to know:
Valid on - AA, AY, CX, DI, EI, FJ, GF, IB, LA, LP, PH and QF. (And it doesn't mean that FJ, GF, LP and PH will be joining OW anytime soon!)

Tickets are seperated by miles and minimum and maximum number of stops:

FIRST/BIZ :
34000 miles. 3 / 15

ECONOMY :
26000 miles . 3 / 5
29000 miles . 3 / 10
34000 miles . 3 / 15

No extra miles or stops can be bought.

I did a comparison with OWE in First and Biz. Basically if OWE 3 Continent is cheaper than Global Explorer. But the OWE 4 Continent fare and the Global Explorer fare is almost IDENTICAL in almost every city!

So unless you have interest to GO to various points not served by OW airlines but the above, you'd still get more miles out of a OWE ticket.

[This message has been edited by Guy Betsy (edited 09-16-2001).]