I did a Star Alliance RTW last summer going east via SIN, CHC, AKL, HNL, LAX, AUS, IAD, back to europe. I spent quite a few hours with the travel agent. I recommend you sit down with some travel agent you trust. Ask about cancellation insurance, ask how long your ticket is valid for. Although you might think you won't change any dates, you will. Ask about backtracking. You might also have to fly some metal instead of any codeshare One World. I personally would have preffered taking OneWorld (because of points) but I had to take Star Alliance because of easier connections to NZ (with ANZ) and the US (with ANZ and UA). I hope this is of some help.