four calls to Delta's special RTW desk
Even though I think the three-airline SR/SQ/DL RTW package is extremely inconvenient, compared to the many airlines of Star and oneworld, for Ken, I do have a RTW coming up that would be perfect for this combo.
Can you please post or e-mail the Delta RTW desk so I may call them?
Also, can you earn SkyMiles on a DL-booked RTW with travel on SQ/SR, even though you can't normal earn miles on these carriers?
5. If you do it yourself, the protocol is you call the airline (say DL). You get to the international reservationists, then say "I want a RTW ticket". They then take your dates and cities, give you a record locator, and tell you that it is going "to the RTW desk" or "to the rate desk". 24 hours later you can call back and find out the results. You then can tweak the dates/particulars, and resubmit. You usually can't talk directly to the RTW specialists, but this system works pretty well.
Not so sure if it is like this anymore. American has a dedicated RTW desk for oneworld RTWs. You have to wait a while since it is only staffed by a handful of agents and each customer takes a long time (I was on the line talking to an agent in excess of an hour), but the agents are very helpful and not at all rushed.
Apparently from bdshobel, Delta has a RTW phone desk too. I have no experience with Star in this matter.
Find a comprehensive library with Consumer Reports Travel Letter from August 1998 (unfortunately comprehensive, library and Atlanta don't go together). They have the most extensive report on RTW that I have seen.
I have many CRTLs saved, but unfortunately I don't think I was subscribed at that time. If I was, I'd be happy to photo copy it and send it to Ken and whoever else. Sorry
TOTAL OMNI!! I have discontinued by subscription with CRTL several months ago. It appeared to me that it went to a heavy-leisure travel base from its business-travel base. It used to have great stories for business travelers and stuff, but now it is very leisure-travel oriented. For example, how to get deals on "adventure trips" and cheap airfare, etc. Coincidentally or maybe not so, this change appeared to happen after Ed Perkin (editor) left to join the Assoc. of Travel Agents.