US Deep South on rtw
 

We are planning our next RTW for April 2024. We will be flying from Australia to YVR on QF; and out of the continent on some AA route to LHR. In between, we thought we would like to visit some parts of the Deep South - blues/country/etc, some nice scenery, some old houses, etc.

AA’s flight network touches some of this area but mainly from further away rather than point to point within it. Any suggestions for which cities we could include in a sensible RTW routing, to get the feel of this part of the world?

I'm not sure this is the right forum for the question; the "South" board on the USA destination forum might be more appropriate - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/south-454/

If you're looking to conserve flight coupons (segments) then some kind of loop tour might be the smart move. For a music emphasis loop, you might look at something like this (google the destinations) - https://goo.gl/maps/WiUqu8dY9FUFJP9S6 . It includes obvious music magnets like Memphis and Nashville, but also New Orleans (possible side trips into Zydeco country) and ends by transiting the Mississippi Delta, including stops in Rosedale and Clarksdale, at the Crossroads of the Blues. Stop at Abe's BBQ at the Crossroads and go for the full rack. Don't sell your soul.

Sun Records, Memphis

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c22a879f41.jpg

Crossroads of the Blues, Clarksdale MS

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1aa5703bd6.jpg



Or you don't mind a surface segment, you might want to experience beautiful Savannah and Charleston and the coastal "low country," then head north via Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, as well as beautiful and historic places like Charlottesville, before ending in Washington DC. https://goo.gl/maps/dLVx69UyQ6Ea6A858

Skyline Drive in the spring

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...72289de8bf.jpg

University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA (designed by Thomas Jefferson)

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e1180cfc18.jpg

But these are just two of an infinity of options.

USA airlines have a lot of hub & spoke and not so much point. But good for ff earning, as separate flights.

BA fly from 27 USA origins (including Nashville) to UK. More than AA with just 11 origins -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...s_destinations

Alaska AS is also in Oneworld, so not limited to AA. -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...s_destinations
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/route-map

wikipedia not always up to date

Many thanks for those most helpful pointers.

We are not trying to save segments particularly, nor to maximise points.

I like the idea of a driving loop rather than one-way because it gives more options for decent vehicle hire.

So it seems one plan would be to fly in to Nashville (probably via Dallas) then drive a loop down to New Orleans and back then fly out of Nashville to Charlotte or Atlanta and then LHR?

You don't say how long you want to spend, but one loop might be BNA-AVL-CHS-SAV-ATL-BNA. Alternates along the way would be TYS ,GSP, and CHA. In April, this whole area is beautiful with everything blooming and usually very nice weather. Not as musically oriented as a MEM-MSY trip, unless you are a Rap music fan or maybe stop at GA Music Hall of Fame in MCN,. You have many good options!