Round-the-World Tickets
From SmarterTravel
Round-the-World Airfares
A number of Airline Alliances offer heavily discounted round-the world fares. The cost of the round-the-world tickets is often based on either the mileage flown or the number of continents stopped at. Most round-the-world tickets require travel in one direction (eastwards or westwards) and prohibit back-tracking.
OneWorld Explorer
A OneWorld Explorer ticket is a round-the world fare using American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, JAL Japan Airlines, LAN, Malev, Qantas and Royal Jordanian. Fares are based on the number of continents visited. Fares from the United States as of April 1, 2008 for 3 continents were $3,900 for Economy Class, $7,500 for Business Class, and $10,600 for First Class before taxes and fees.
Global Explorer
A Global Explorer ticket is a round-the world fare similar to the OneWorld Explorer, but also allows travel on Aer Lingus, Air Pacific and Gulf Air. Fares are based on the number of miles flow. The coach fare from the United States as of April 1, 2008 for fewer than 29,000 miles was $4,199 before taxes and fees.
Star Alliance
A Star Alliance Round the World ticket allows for one-direction travel around the world on all the Star Alliance Carriers.
Singapore Airlines Only
A Singapore Airlines Round the World ticked allows for travel only on Singapore Airlines operated planes. Tickets require crossing both the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. As of May 13, 2008, prices before taxes and surcharges from the United States were $6,699 in First Class, $5,299 in Business Class and $2,266 in Coach Class.
Air Tahiti Nui and Emirates
Air Tahiti Nui and Emirates have teamed up to offer a two-airline around-the-world ticket. As of May 20, 2008 prices before taxes and surcharges from the United States are $10,050 in First Class, $6,450 in Business Class and $3,600 in Coach Class.