Sweet Willie

Having read many people discussing their RTW experiences (and benefits), I plan to purchase my first RTW. Having questions, I would appreciate feedback from some RTW veterans. I am based in Chicago.

Here is my base of understanding/benefits:

Fly west due to most people coping better w/jet lag.
Purchase prices for RTW can vary greatly depending upon where purchased.
Greater miles than a simple to/from route.
Greater flexibility in routing.

Questions:

Where do you purchase RTW tickets?

I would assume that pricing for RTW is cheaper in Asian countries vrs. US or Europe?

I have seen ex BKK, which I now know means the ticket was purchased in BKK, but does that mean I have to originate travel in BKK?

I will be in BKK for two weeks this December and would like to purchase a RTW, any travel agencies that could be reccomended? (and yes Rudi, I am going to try the Thai massage you are addicted to).

What else would you tell a person considering their first RTW?

A big thanks to all in advance.



[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 09-05-2001).]

RTWSTARALLIANCE

Your understanding of benefits good.
From my travel agent.
So I hear from posts.
I do not know.
I do not know but have a nice Thai massage.
I always combine business with pleasure. Put
a couple meetings on the front of the trip
with maybe one on the end. As fun as they
are you will want to be home. Make your
schedule so you max out mile use. Unlike OW
program *A not based on continents or stops.
Fly all of the fine airlines such as SQ, NH
and LH. Use UA for domestic and a foreign
carrier to get out of US. Keep all of your
boarding passes and especially your ticket
receipt. Look at UA site for partner MP
promotions before starting to put together
your trip. Do lots of stops in Europe as I
find these expensive short flights are the
best value used on RTW ticket. Enjoy!

RichardMEL

If you are in Thailand for 2 weeks you can't purchase a RTW there that originates somewhere else (eg: US), only originating in that country (and you would purchase from a reliable travel agent, or from the local * carrier). So if you want to originate in a country where the fare is lower (eg: Canada vs. US) then you'd need to get an award or cheap/seperate ticket to get to that country to start flying from there.

------------------
RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

kempis

Prices for First Class RTW with * ex Sweden. There is no advance purchase on a RTW starting in Sweden so you could book it advance but wait with the payment until you departe.

FRWSTAR3 76214.00
FRWSTAR2 64925.00
FRWSTAR1 56498.00
FRWSTARN 50880.00

[This message has been edited by kempis (edited 09-05-2001).]

TrvlGuru

Just for your information...you can purchase a Star RTW from any travel agency in Canada and it can originate anywhere in the world.

Additionally, the Oneworld Explorer can be purchased in the USA/Canada and can originate anywhere else in the world. It is cheaper than the Star RTW ex-Sweden. It starts at SEK47000/3 continents....and is much more flexible.

But if you are a die hard Star fan...stick the the Star RTW

Sweet Willie

Nice to know re: payment for a ticket exx Sweden.

What is the FRWSTAR3, 2, 1, N?
Different routes? or flexibility?

Dorian

Different distances:


RTW Pricing Grid


Dorian

Sweet Willie

Thank you Dorian.

Nobbi

Hi, Dorian,

first Thank You soooo much for your wonderful chart.

I just got a RTW ex-Canada. The price was somewhat higher (not just taxes) and someone on this board told me that, in fact, the price qouted my Thai thru my travel agent was correct. Could you update your Canada numbers?

Again, thanks for a great piece of work!

Best wishes,

Nobbi

LAOCA

Are the numbers correct for the RTW prices ex South Africa? The cost for the 29000 in higher than the 34000.

Even so, they appear incredibly inexpensive. 3000 for C and 4000 for F.