This is my first time attempting an RTW (an LONE3 in this case), and while I've made myself familiar with all the rules, etc., I thought I'd post my itinerary here in order to ask about a couple of things. The itin looks like this:

CDG-AMM-xBEY-xAMM-CDG-ORD-xSFO-DFW-xANC-DFW-xJFK-xSFO-HKG-xSIN-xBKK-xHKG-xNRT-CDG

Essentially I'm not looking to fully maximize miles in most cases (for example, I know I'm not doing so in Europe, but have to be in Beirut and want to take RJ so as to earn full EQMs.) In Asia, however, I'm flexible--the only place I really have to be is NRT so the rest of the segments are just because I have them to use.

The major question I have is regarding the Middle East rule of only two segments to/from, which I believe only applies from the UK, if I've read the sticky correctly. I just want to make sure that I can take two intra-Middle East segments (AMM-BEY-AMM).

Also I've read through searching here that I can book AA codeshares where they exist, which would come in very handy on all the CX segments, all but one of which, as far as I know, have AA codeshares. Just want to make sure that is the case.

Thanks very much for any suggestions in advance, I really appreciate it.

Regards, GL

Correct, so it does not affect your itinerary.

Yes, but only when connecting to/from and intercontinental AA flight. You cannot use those codeshares as standalone flights within Asia.

I had a feeling that was going to get me. So does the intercontinental flight have to be AA metal? I couldn't, for example, take the AA-coded CX flights SFO-HKG-SIN and then make do with CX or JL codes from there on?

Thanks for the quick responses.

Yes, that would work, provided you do not stopover in HKG.

Great, thanks so much.

By chance do you happen to know about AA voucher utilization on RTWs?--specifically in this case I was told by an agent that I could only apply an AA voucher to the ticket if both transoceanic flights were on AA metal. But the AA voucher conditions seem to state that they are valid on AA as well as all AA codeshares. Just on the off chance you have any insight into that, thought I'd ask.

I have no personal knowledge or experience on that but do know the subject has been raised before, so either do a search or wait for someone to chime in.

I don't think your itinerary is valid. You return back to Paris from the Middle East before continuing on the rest of your journey. If you meant CDG-AMM-xBEY-xAMM-LHR-ORD..., that would be ok. Or any other city from Europe to ORD except Paris.

Sounds correct.

Do let us know when you are in Beirut bombayhog...

Thanks for that clarification (and to the previous poster for pointing it out). So, looks like I'll either need to originate in LHR or head back towards the US via LHR. Not a huge problem, though I hope it won't add significantly to the taxes.

BEYFlyer, looks like I'll be in Beirut from the end of June for around six weeks, so I'll miss that event in May, but perhaps I'll see you there in July some time!

If you don't need to go back to Europe, you can do the AMM-ORD flight. Saves a segment as well.

Very interesting....I hadn't thought of that flight. However just checking now, it appears L is zeroed out on all possible dates for me to fly out. Too bad.

One additional question--if I do end up originating in LHR, does that mean I have to end in LHR as well? Or can I end up in CDG?

End in country of origin, with a few exceptions (S. America, Africa, etc.)

Be careful starting in the UK as so many itineraries involve connections at LHR. Only one departure from country of origin.

Yes you would have to end in the UK. However, remember that headinclouds, who pointed out the problem, suggested that you can keep CDG at the beginning and end and substitute LHR in the middle.