Skyteam round-the-world (using miles)
 

Folks --
I've discovered that for 210k miles you can book a round the world business class fare on NWA/Skyteam. While that's pretty cool, I'm having a heck of a time finding award seats on flights/dates and have had to be very flexible.

One very confusing point with the four or five Platinum call center people I've spoken with is that few of them are aware of the ability to use miles for a RTW trip. They aren't clear on whether itinerary updates are to be done by the Worldperk desk or the Round-the-world desk - and they keep pushing me to the other desk. I'm actually on hold with the Worldperk desk (30 minutes now) as she tries to sort it out. It'd be ideal if NWA didn't offer programs unless they have the ability to service/support them.

Does anyone have guidance - it'd be much appreciated:
Can the round-the-world desk update a non cash itinerary?
Is there a website where I can find a number to call NWA locally from Manila (my 1st stop) in case I want to make further changes?
Is there any web resource where you can self-serve by looking at which flights/dates have available award seats left?

Any thoughts here would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Makati Office
9/F, Athenaeum Building,
160 LP Leviste Street,
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Trunk Line (632) 8418800
Fax: 63 (2) 8140531


i'm interested in that RTW as well. what's your itin?

One tidbit of information - not directly related to your questions, but RTW award ticket info . . . There is a fairly new mileage limit on the amount of miles you are allowed to use (routing - flying miles) for these tickets - unfortunately I don't remember what it is. I just couldn't quite make it work for what I wanted to do. I'm also curious to know if anyone here know if DL/SM has the same limit, if any. I should probably ask in the DL forum, but I thought I'd stick it in here!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...j-2-pax-2.html

Looks like new mileage amounts needed on DL RTW-180/280/340 (Y/J/F)

If you can get J for 210k- I'd hop on that ASAP..please let us know how it goes

sorry it was 220K miles (not 210K)...
I also need to emphasize that it really does take time to get it arranged, but if you're trying to knock off some random cities/cultures you've left unexplored and are flexible on dates then it is a productive use of miles (at least I think so). Note that although I also wanted to get to South America (and they could get me there) there were no available seats back out and up to North America. I'll share itinerary/service class letter info once its confirmed in next day.

here's another thread from LY on the topic: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...tw-booked.html

DL said no 1st offered for RTW
 

I just spoke with Delta and they said 280k for business class, and they've dropped the first class for 340k. Kills me that 2 mos. ago they told me 340k for First, but now it's not even an option. Anyone else get the same???

NW (Skyteam) RTW Business Award for 220,000 WP miles
 

I am reposting the rules for this award, combining three posts - (apologizes for forgetting the OP's name):

The rules are

29,000 miles max
Six stopovers (layovers are OK) max
Skyteam full partner airlines only (no CM or KQ)
Elite desk books RTW award travel; RTW desk books RTW revenue tix
Same award buckets as normal award tickets

Additionally per J Cartero:

3 stops on one continent max
generally east or westward travel

Additionally per another poster:
16 flight coupons/segments max
No open jaws (Big disadvantage there!)

It's not possible to book Skyteam airlines' First class seats with DL/NW miles. Only AF and KE have First class, and they don't make their award inventory available to DL/NW.