Booking a round-the-world (RTW) ticket can be an exciting way to travel across multiple countries at a discounted rate. RTW tickets typically allow you to visit three or more destinations across the globe with one single booking, making it an efficient and budget-friendly way to explore. However, navigating the process of booking an RTW ticket can be tricky without the right knowledge. Here’s how you can book an RTW flight for less.
1. Understand the RTW Ticket Structure
RTW tickets are often offered by airline alliances, such as the Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam. These alliances have set rules and conditions for booking RTW tickets. A typical RTW ticket involves traveling in one continuous direction (i.e., east or west), with a set number of stopovers along the way. You’ll usually need to complete the journey within a year of booking, and you must cross at least one international border for each leg of the trip.
The key benefits of RTW tickets include the convenience of a single booking and the ability to make multiple stops at lower costs than booking each flight individually.
2. Choose the Right Airline Alliance
Choosing the right airline alliance is one of the most important steps when booking an RTW flight. The three main alliances offer different benefits, and depending on your travel plans, one may be more cost-effective than the others.
- Star Alliance: This alliance is one of the largest, with over 25 member airlines, covering numerous international destinations. It’s ideal if you’re planning to visit multiple continents and need flexibility in terms of flight options.
- Oneworld: Oneworld includes airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific, offering extensive routes in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This alliance is great for travelers with a focus on these regions.
- SkyTeam: With airlines such as Delta, KLM, and Air France, SkyTeam offers a broad network in Europe and North America, with good options for travel to and from the Middle East and Asia.
3. Research Airline Routes and Hubs
When booking an RTW ticket, it’s essential to understand the route structures of the airlines within your chosen alliance. Most RTW tickets require you to fly through specific hubs or to certain cities that serve as major connection points. By identifying these hubs, you can maximize your journey and save money by including cities with cheap connections.
For instance, flying from Europe to Asia might often pass through hubs in the Middle East or Southeast Asia, depending on the airline. If you’re flexible with your itinerary, you may find that you can include extra destinations at little to no additional cost.
4. Maximize Your Stopovers
Most RTW tickets allow you to include multiple stopovers in various cities. These stopovers provide the chance to explore new destinations without paying for extra flights. When booking your RTW ticket, consider using stopovers to your advantage. Many airline alliances offer free or discounted stopover programs in their hub cities. For example, you could add a layover in Reykjavik with Icelandair or stop in Dubai with Emirates for minimal additional cost.
Some airlines also allow stopovers in multiple cities within the same region. Instead of just visiting one city in Asia or Europe, you could plan for several cities on the same leg of your trip.
5. Plan Your Route Efficiently
The more destinations you add to your RTW ticket, the more expensive it becomes, although booking a multi-leg trip tends to be cheaper than booking separate flights. A critical part of saving money when booking an RTW flight is planning a route that is geographically logical. Avoid zig-zagging across continents or crossing paths unnecessarily, as this can increase your overall airfare costs.
Opt for a direction (either east or west) and build your route around this flow. Flying in one direction (rather than backtracking) keeps you on course and often leads to cheaper flights. Keep in mind that RTW tickets usually have a maximum number of stops, commonly 16, though this may vary.
6. Book in Advance
RTW tickets are typically cheaper when booked well in advance. Airlines tend to offer better rates and availability months or even a year ahead of departure. Plan your RTW trip at least 6 to 12 months in advance to secure the best prices and ensure that you have access to the flights you want. Booking early also gives you time to research stopovers, special promotions, and route options.
7. Use RTW Search Tools
Many airline alliances offer online search tools that let you plan your RTW itinerary. For example, Star Alliance and Oneworld have RTW booking tools that let you search for routes within their network. These tools allow you to experiment with different cities and destinations to see what is possible and how much it will cost.
Additionally, websites like AirTreks and RTW Experts specialize in helping travelers book RTW tickets and offer personal assistance in building custom itineraries. These resources often help you find the best prices for complex routes and can guide you through the booking process to ensure you don’t overlook potential savings.
8. Consider Alternative Airports
Sometimes, flying into or out of alternative airports near your main destination can save you money. For example, rather than flying into a major city like London Heathrow or New York City, consider nearby airports that might offer cheaper flights or fewer taxes. With RTW tickets, you can often select nearby airports to start or end your journey without significant price differences.
9. Be Flexible with Dates
Travel flexibility is key when looking for discounts on RTW tickets. Airlines often offer lower prices on specific days of the week or at off-peak times. If your dates are flexible, you can choose to fly on days with lower demand, which could significantly lower the cost of your RTW ticket. Use flexible date search features to identify the cheapest options.
10. Watch for Deals and Promotions
Airlines often offer sales on RTW tickets, especially during certain seasons. While these deals may not be available year-round, you can keep an eye out for seasonal promotions, sales events, or even discounts for specific regions. Many airlines or alliances will have special RTW offers, sometimes with limited destinations or specific travel dates, so staying informed can help you lock in lower prices.
Sign up for email newsletters or follow social media channels of airlines and booking websites to stay up to date on any offers that might apply to your planned journey.
11. Use Frequent Flyer Miles or Points
Frequent flyer programs offer another way to save on RTW tickets. If you’ve accumulated points or miles from past travel, you can use them to reduce the cost of your RTW ticket. While using miles for an RTW ticket may still require paying taxes and fees, it can significantly cut down the overall cost.
Some frequent flyer programs allow you to book RTW tickets with miles, or you can use a combination of cash and miles to book your itinerary. Be sure to check the rules for your specific loyalty program to understand the best way to redeem miles for an RTW ticket.
12. Don’t Forget the Extra Costs
Although RTW tickets generally offer a better value than booking individual flights, there may still be additional costs you should factor in. These can include taxes, baggage fees, seat selection charges, and even changes to your itinerary once booked. Be aware of these potential extra costs when budgeting for your RTW trip to avoid surprises down the line.
Review the terms and conditions of your RTW ticket carefully to understand all of the associated fees and restrictions. Many RTW tickets allow you to make changes to your itinerary, but fees for changes can be steep, so try to finalize your plans as much as possible before booking.
