Hi,

This will be my and my wife's first RTW ticket. I've studied, read, read, and studied, so hopefully I haven't made any egregious errors. But thought I should check with the experts here before proceeding.

We will be beginning travels from the UK, as soon as 9/1 or so if possible. We are still undecided between LONE4 and DONE4 -- the itinerary below is obviously assuming we go with DONE4 (otherwise, we'll originate in LON and tack on a couple additional segments in NA or Europe).

GIB-xLGW,xLHR-PEK,HKG-DPS-xHKG-KHI-BKK-SYD,AKL-ADL-PER-CNS-MEL,SYD-JFK,WAS-MIA-LAX,SFO-STL,MCI-xLAX-LHR-DXB,MCT-xLHR,xLGW-GIB

KHI is an idea at the moment, and BKK is really just there because it can be -- we were in BKK only 18 months ago so another visit isn't really necessary (xHKG might be the sensible alternative to get a few more miles out of the itinerary). MIA is there mostly for the miles (again we were there only 6 months ago). I'm looking to visit dad in MCI -- went with the odd SFO-STL,MCI-xLAX to maximize mileage, but doing it from the east coast might be more sensible (as I don't know how to get from STL to MCI economically enough to make it worthwhile). DXB/MCT is mostly there for the miles (but it will be neat to visit).

Continent order is somewhat fixed -- want to visit China before it gets chilly, and want to visit NA at the end of the travels. As soon as we reach SWP, we will head to the South Pacific islands via LCCs (we should be able to do this from either SYD or New Zealand, and will return to Christchurch most likely and work back up to AKL before returning to Australia).

If originating in GIB (meaning we splurge on the DONE4), I believe Blands is the way to go (and will thus be on BA stock)? How do folks usually get down to GIB to start -- LCCs? BA? BA using AA miles? Is there a better origination country for this itinerary?

If originating in LON (meaning we go settle for LONE4), is BA a requisite or can we go through AA (or a travel agent that issues on AA stock)?

Thanks in advance!