RTW: What is a sector? (Changing flights question)
 

I am on a RTW in October starting in NRT. Originally I wanted to stay in NRT for a couple of days before starting the RTW, but plans have changed a bit.

I'll arrive into NRT at 11:45 on an TK flight. My first flight on the RTW is at 15:20. As they are both on different PNR, I am about to change the first flight(s) on the RTW to a late evening flight, so I can deal with normal delays or at least have a chance to rebook my first RTW flight.

At the moment I'm flying OZ103 NRT-ICN connecting to OZ743 ICN-BKK. So my first stopover destination is Bangkok. For the rebooking I am looking at two options. Either a direct flight with NH or TG or a connecting flight via OSA with NH/TG.

Reading the Terms and Conditions I am not really sure if my options (or at least the latter) are considered a change of route which would cost me an additional USD125 or if NRT-BKK is considered a sector so it's for free.

So my basic question is: What is a sector? Any number of connections between stopovers?

A sector is one flight or one land segment, so your NRT-ICN and ICN-BKK flights are two sectors. In order to change flights for free before departure, you have to keep the same routing NRT-ICN-BKK but you can change airline and date. If you switch to the direct flight NRT-BKK or change the ICN connection to OSA, this is considered a rerouting and would require the $125 rerouting fee.

Just be aware that the routing is not limited by the number of sectors but by the number of coupons. One coupon can have multiple flights if they are on the same flight number. Doesn't help in your case but just a technicality to note.

Is the NRT-ICN the first flight = coupon = sector of your RTW? I believe (please somebody correct me if i am wrong) you can do date/time changes to the first flight, but routing changes are not allowed. Otherwise you have to return/credit your ticket and buy a new one.

This was my initial thought as well but I couldn't find it in the current fare rules anymore. :confused: