A minimum of 3 and maximum of 20 segments, including surface segments, are permitted for the entire journey. Free flight segments within each continent are limited as follows:
Africa 4
Asia 4
Europe / Middle East 4
North America 6
South America 4
South West Pacific 4
So it sounds like surface segments do not count against the continent limits, only against the total 20? The key phrase being "free
flight segments".
And I'm guessing that as with most rule changes, it only applies to new tickets, not to reissues. But I suppose I'll head out to the airport to reticket this afternoon just in case.