Originally Posted by
headinclouds
Well, I did try a AONE4, routing of KRT-AMM-DXB-LHR-SFO-HKG-AKL-SYD-LHR -MCT. Base was $7603 US + fees of $1620 (735 YQ + 380 SDEM + others). An end anywhere in the Middle East is valid without any problem.
Seems that there is an exit tax of some type ex-KRT that is high. Just dropping the KRT-AMM flight removed the SDEM tax, but that is all. I was surprised that the YQ's were so high since the website used was AA's amedus site in the UK. No AA flights though. There are 3 BA long-haul flights which would account for all of the YQ's, so maybe more non-BA flights will bring the YQ down.
My estimate is that with all of the taxes + fees, the savings on just the air fare is $1600-1800 US. A definite YMMV as to whether it is worth the savings.
Thanks for the update on your ex KRT RTW!
I am still looking at KRT. It works quite well for AONE4 or AONE5 because of the lower base fares. I have done quite a few Aone4's from JNB and BKK. Looking back over the YQ charges it appears that adding in the BA segments does increase the YQ charges. Also the LHR stopover taxes flying in F have made LHR a very expensive transit. When EK/UA had a RTW fare, the extra taxes an a similar itinerary were less than half, But more to the point I priced an identical
Routing (same flights, dates, etc.) with CX, then AA and the taxes and YQ came out $700 (usd) cheaper. But the AA option might not be available ex KRT!
I am looking at an Aone 4 from JNB now since the rand seems to be weakening. Also there is a great GSM in CPT that represents AA.
An AONE4 from JNB/CPT is 72900 rand plus taxes.
Keep us posted!
Happy trails!