When planning a Round-the-World (RTW) trip, using a global travel pass can be one of the best ways to save money while visiting multiple destinations across different continents. These passes provide flexibility, allowing you to fly between countries and continents at a reduced rate. Below are some of the best global travel passes for RTW travel that can help you save money while exploring the world.
1. Star Alliance Round the World (RTW) Ticket
- What It Is: The Star Alliance RTW ticket is one of the most popular options for long-term travelers. It is offered by the Star Alliance network, which includes 26 airlines such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways.
- How It Works: The ticket is based on a mileage system and allows you to fly to multiple destinations on a single ticket. You can include up to 15 stops in different countries and continents. The cost is determined by the total mileage and class of travel, but typically it is more affordable than purchasing multiple one-way flights.
- Benefits:
- Global Network: Star Alliance covers over 1,300 airports worldwide, offering an extensive network for international travel.
- Flexibility: You can change dates and routes for a fee if you need to adjust your plans.
- Best For: Travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective option for long-distance travel.
2. Oneworld Explorer RTW Ticket
- What It Is: Oneworld is another major airline alliance that offers a RTW ticket. The Oneworld Explorer RTW ticket allows you to travel with airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
- How It Works: The ticket is based on the number of continents you visit. You must start and end in the same country, but you can fly through multiple countries in different regions.
- Benefits:
- Flexible Itinerary: Oneworld offers great flexibility with its routes, and you can adjust your itinerary if needed (for an additional fee).
- Global Reach: The Oneworld network covers over 1,000 destinations in 150 countries.
- Best For: Travelers who want flexibility, a variety of destinations, and an extensive network.
3. SkyTeam Round the World Ticket
- What It Is: The SkyTeam RTW ticket is available through the SkyTeam alliance, which includes airlines like Delta Airlines, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air.
- How It Works: Like the other RTW passes, the SkyTeam RTW ticket allows you to visit multiple cities and countries on one ticket. The cost depends on the total mileage of your trip and the number of continents visited.
- Benefits:
- Multiple Routes: SkyTeam allows for great flexibility in terms of route planning, including different routes to Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
- Large Network: SkyTeam’s global network covers over 1,000 destinations in more than 170 countries.
- Best For: Travelers who want to visit Asia, Europe, and North America, as SkyTeam has excellent coverage in these regions.
4. Air New Zealand RTW Ticket
- What It Is: Air New Zealand offers its own RTW ticket, which is ideal for travelers visiting the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and other regions of the world.
- How It Works: This ticket allows you to fly to a variety of destinations, with a focus on the Southern Hemisphere, including Asia, the South Pacific, and Australia. Air New Zealand is part of the Star Alliance, so you’ll also have access to other partner airlines for global flights.
- Benefits:
- Affordable Options: Air New Zealand often offers more affordable RTW packages for travelers heading to the Pacific region.
- Great for Pacific Destinations: If you’re looking to visit New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific, this pass is ideal.
- Best For: Travelers focusing on Oceania and Asia, particularly those who want to experience the Pacific Islands.
5. Qantas RTW Ticket
- What It Is: Qantas offers its own RTW ticket with flexible routes and multiple stops. This pass allows you to travel to destinations across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
- How It Works: The Qantas RTW ticket is available through the Oneworld alliance. You can book a custom itinerary, allowing up to 16 stops across multiple continents.
- Benefits:
- Oneworld Alliance Access: You get access to the full Oneworld network, which means extensive flight options and flexibility.
- Flexible Travel Dates: Qantas allows you to change your itinerary with some flexibility, but changes often come with a fee.
- Best For: Travelers seeking flexibility and a variety of destinations in the Pacific, Australia, and Asia.
6. Air France-KLM Round the World Ticket
- What It Is: Air France and KLM offer a RTW ticket that is part of the SkyTeam alliance, allowing travelers to access destinations worldwide. This ticket includes flights to major cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- How It Works: You can choose your own route, with up to 15 stops across multiple continents. Pricing is based on the total number of miles flown and the class of travel.
- Benefits:
- Wide Global Network: Air France and KLM are known for their strong coverage in Europe and Africa.
- Multiple Stopovers: You can visit many major cities across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
- Best For: Travelers who are mainly focused on Europe and want to include destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
7. Icelandair Stopover Program
- What It Is: While not a full RTW pass, Icelandair offers an innovative stopover program that allows travelers to stop in Iceland for up to seven days at no extra cost when flying to destinations across Europe and North America.
- How It Works: Icelandair allows you to book a flight to various destinations, including the U.S. and Europe, and then offers a stopover in Reykjavik. This gives you an opportunity to explore Iceland without adding extra cost to your flight.
- Benefits:
- Free Stopover: Icelandair allows a stopover of up to 7 days in Iceland, which is perfect for travelers wanting to experience the country before continuing to their next destination.
- Low-Cost Option: Icelandair often provides lower-cost options than many larger airlines, especially for flights between Europe and North America.
- Best For: Those who want to visit Iceland without the extra cost and add another destination on their RTW itinerary.
8. Eurail Pass (for Train Travel in Europe)
- What It Is: While not specifically an RTW airline pass, the Eurail Pass is an excellent option for travelers in Europe who want to explore the continent by train. This pass allows unlimited train travel within select countries for a set number of days.
- How It Works: The Eurail Global Pass provides access to train travel in over 33 European countries. You can travel as much as you want on the trains, with options for flexible itineraries.
- Benefits:
- Affordable and Scenic: Traveling by train offers a scenic and economical alternative to flying in Europe.
- Flexibility: Eurail allows you to explore Europe at your own pace, and train stations are often more centrally located than airports.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers exploring multiple European cities and regions during their RTW trip.
9. Jetstar Asia’s Fly Free Pass
- What It Is: For those traveling through Southeast Asia and Oceania, Jetstar Asia offers affordable options for RTW-style travel with its Fly Free Pass, which lets you book multiple flights on a set route with an affordable price.
- How It Works: This pass allows travelers to book a series of flights in Asia and Oceania, offering flexibility in scheduling and multiple destinations at low cost.
- Benefits:
- Low-Cost Airlines: Jetstar is a low-cost carrier, so prices are generally more affordable compared to full-service airlines.
- Multiple Routes: With Jetstar, you can explore a variety of destinations within Asia and Oceania, including cities like Singapore, Melbourne, and Tokyo.
- Best For: Budget travelers looking for flexibility in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
