My comment was a followup on Markmat's advice to the OP to look at the fare comparison spreadsheet. Both the spreadsheet and the *A RTWMC give the relevant 'base price'. Yes, for the total price, including taxes, surcharges and service fees, your itinerary needs to go to the rate desk.

cheers,

Henry

If you want to travel economy class, England is the place to buy your RTWs as there are many RTWs that are not just alliance co branded. Many Highstreet travel agencies know how to tailor a specific RTW for you.

best RTW fares could be from Bangkok Thailand.
go to www.traveltech2000.com
ask for Jain. He is the resident RTW specialist.
dbase

As a silent observer for awhile, I thought it's time I speak up.

I spent a fair bit of time researching my RTW ticket for my wife and I and wanted to thank the board membes for directing my to Jain at Travel Tech. I spoke to him and people at Airbrokers, Airtreks,, Chawla, and a few other USA companies also. I have seen reference to him here in this thread and few other places also.

In the end, Jain was fantastic, He knows the RTW ticketing inside and out, is attentive to details, and is patient with questions. As a example, he saved us money in two places - he issued the ticket (here in Thailand) as an Air Canada ticket (vs. Thai airways ticket) and routed us from YVR to HKK to BKK instead of through Peking to save money on the surcharges.

By starting and ending in BKK vs. Canada, we were able to save about $1800CDN per ticket for the Star Alliance 39,000Mile RTW ticket.

I was fortunate to be here in Thailand and did have a chance to go meet him in his offices (they look well established...not a fly by nighter).

Next time I need an RTW ticket I will be coming back to Jain for sure. I will also be recommending him to all of my friends and fellow travelers.

Cheers,
Bernard