RTW rules question
 

I know you cant backtrack across either of the big ponds (Atlantic or Pacific), but, is it feasible to backtrack from Europe to Asia?

Im looking at flying MEX-FRA-PEK, then PEK-VIE (there would be the backtrack Asia-Europe, although I dont cross oceans by doing that), then VIE-SIN and continue back to MEX through either Japan or Australia returning through US West coast.

Im getting conflicting information here in Mexico City, travel agent says no, but LH said yes. Im inclined to believe LH, but would like to hear your comments/experiences. Thanks!!

If my geography is correct, I think the following rule prohibits what you are trying to do.

I don't think you can go FRA-PEK-VIE-SIN without crossing Siberia three times.

Of course, if LH will ticket it...

Seems to me you could get around this one by going via India or such, eg: HKG-DEL-VIE-DEL-SIN. I'm pretty sure those guys don't cross Siberia.

But yes, that may well get ticketed....


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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

I once tried to get a FRA-BKK-VIE-NYC-LAX-TYO-FRA RTW booked and they just told me that this is simply not a RTW and denied ticketing. (I checked three agents and always got the same answer)

Obviously not !

BKK should be between NRT and FRA as the last leg:

FRA-VIE-NYC-LAX-NRT-BKK-FRA

I tried some creative routings starting in Europe. What i found is: No problem having multiple flights between Europe and Asia.

What you need is exaclty ONE transatlantic, ONE transpacific flight. I also had problems going west from the starting point and then east of the starting point.

As long as you stay west of the starting point and dont 'overshoot' at the end it should be ok.

Also i found that there are some 'general' rules for any kind of tickets, like the number of times you are allowed to go thru one connectiong point etc, which are not part of the RTW rules, but still in effect.
This is the reason why you cannot just go back and forth between LAX and SNA several times.

I have an excellent travel agent for RTWs here in Germany, he is even able to get RTWs staring outside of Germany for the fare in the country of the starting point.

Actually you *can* "overshoot" your point of origin:

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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

Well, I guess the answer is maybe. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

Ive checked 4 times with the UA Mexico office (they would be issuing such a ticket), and they tell me they will do it. Also, my total journey is only 12 days and they also seemed to overlook that other rule (isnt the 15 day minimum travel still in force?)

The 14 day min for Y RTW's disappeared from Australia-issue rules about 2 years ago IIRC, but gather it is still in place in the US. Perhaps Mexico is like us, and they don't have it at all. Way to go anyway!


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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

RTW's starting in Mexico have a minimum-stay requirement of 10 days. At least that is what the rule says...

Thanks for the update, Curt.