the best deal in eco is the newly launched round-the-world ticket STARLIGHT, allowing 25'000 airmiles, 5 stopovers, in eco for, no upgrades possible, you earn miles. I think it costs less then 1'900 US$ if you buy it in the US.

Airlines (for combining): Air Canada, United, Thai, Scandinavian SAS, Lufthansa, Varig, Air New Zealand, Ansett Australia, Singapore Airlines.

If you travel in late 2000 other carriers might be included (Austrian, Lauda, Mexicana).