BostonBoy,

I see that you are Delta PM. Call Special Member Services (800-325-xxxx). Press 1 for reservations and 2 for international. Ask for the RTW desk. They can quote fares immediately (no call-back). They will also be rude to you, but that can't be helped!

As far SkyMiles, you earn them on the Delta segments, but not the others. Delta segments count as base miles, of course. No upgrades of any kind are permitted, according to the rude telephone people, even on Delta flights, which are entirely under their control. "Part of the contract...," supposedly.

You are limited to 25,000 total miles, including flying backwards when necessary to make connections. If you exceed 25,000, you can buy extra miles in 1500-mile increments.

That's about all I know on this subject. I've never actually bought a RTW ticket or flown using one, just inquired about them.

Bruce