A round-the-world (RTW) trip offers the opportunity to explore multiple countries and continents, but the cost of flights can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are several strategies to help you save money on RTW flights, making your global adventure more affordable. From booking smart to taking advantage of airline alliances, here’s how to cut down on your airfare costs while still visiting your dream destinations.
1. Use Round-the-World (RTW) Tickets
One of the most effective ways to save money on RTW flights is by purchasing an RTW ticket from one of the major airline alliances. These tickets are designed for travelers who want to visit multiple destinations in one trip, and they can offer significant savings compared to booking individual flights.
- How It Works: RTW tickets are usually offered by global airline alliances like Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam. These alliances include multiple airlines, allowing you to book a route that covers multiple continents and countries with one ticket.
- Benefits:
- Cost Savings: RTW tickets can often be much cheaper than purchasing individual flights between different regions.
- Flexible Routes: Depending on the airline alliance, you can customize your route and visit several destinations, often with just a few restrictions.
- Fixed Pricing: Some RTW tickets have a fixed price based on the number of miles traveled, meaning the more destinations you visit, the cheaper each additional leg becomes.
- Tip: To get the best value, choose a route that fits within the pricing rules of the airline alliance. Most RTW tickets require you to travel in one continuous direction (either eastward or westward) and to start and end your journey in the same country.
2. Book in Advance
Booking your RTW flights well in advance is one of the best ways to secure the lowest fares. Airlines often offer early bird discounts for long-haul international flights, so the earlier you book, the better the chance of getting a great deal.
- When to Book: For RTW flights, aim to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. This gives you time to compare options, check for promotional fares, and avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Flexible Dates: If you have flexibility in your travel dates, you can often find lower fares. Use fare comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo to track and compare prices across multiple airlines and dates.
3. Consider Alternative Airports
When booking RTW flights, be open to flying in and out of alternative airports that might not be the main hub for a particular city. Flying into or out of smaller, secondary airports can often save you money.
- Use Nearby Airports: For example, if you’re visiting Paris, you might consider flying into Beauvais Tille Airport or Orly Airport instead of Charles de Gaulle Airport. Similarly, for New York, consider flying into Newark instead of JFK or LaGuardia.
- Avoid Major Hubs if Possible: While major airport hubs like London Heathrow, Tokyo Narita, and Dubai International can be convenient, they can also have higher airfare costs. Look for alternative airports in nearby cities with more affordable flights.
4. Travel in Off-Peak Seasons
Flight prices are highly affected by the time of year, with peak seasons like the summer months, holidays, and school vacation periods generally having higher fares. To save money on RTW flights, plan your travels during off-peak seasons, when airlines often lower prices to attract more travelers.
- Off-Peak Seasons: Depending on the region, off-peak seasons might be:
- Southeast Asia: Avoid the monsoon season, typically between May and October.
- Europe: Late fall and early spring (October to March) offer cheaper airfares compared to the summer.
- South America: April to June and September to November are more affordable than the peak months of December to March.
- Tip: Be flexible with your dates and avoid traveling during holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Easter, as flight prices tend to skyrocket during these times.
5. Use Frequent Flyer Miles or Points
If you’re a frequent flyer or have a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can significantly reduce the cost of your RTW flights by using miles or points. Airline alliances often allow you to book RTW flights using frequent flyer miles, providing a substantial discount on your airfare.
- Sign Up for Airline Loyalty Programs: Even if you don’t have miles saved up yet, joining a frequent flyer program for an airline alliance (such as American Airlines, Delta, or Lufthansa) can help you accumulate miles over time. Use these miles to cover part or all of your RTW flights.
- Credit Card Points: Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses or reward points that can be converted into frequent flyer miles. Some travel credit cards also offer points that can be redeemed for airline tickets directly.
6. Look for Deals and Promotions
Airlines often have sales or special promotions, especially when they’re looking to fill seats during less popular travel times. Signing up for email newsletters, following airlines on social media, or using deal aggregator websites can help you find these limited-time offers.
- Monitor Flight Deal Websites: Websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Scott’s Cheap Flights often post flash sales and discounted RTW fares, allowing you to snag low-cost deals.
- Set Fare Alerts: Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper to set up fare alerts. These websites will notify you when prices drop for your desired destinations, helping you secure the best deal.
7. Mix Budget Airlines with Traditional Carriers
While RTW flights often involve using major airlines, it’s possible to reduce your overall airfare by incorporating budget airlines into your itinerary. Budget carriers often operate within certain regions and can offer much cheaper flights than traditional airlines.
- Example Regions for Budget Airlines:
- Europe: Use budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, or Wizz Air for short trips between cities.
- Southeast Asia: Airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, and Jetstar can offer cheap flights within the region.
- North America: Consider flying with Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, or Allegiant for intra-USA flights.
- Tip: Be aware that budget airlines often charge extra for things like checked luggage, seat selection, and food, so factor in those additional costs when comparing prices.
8. Plan for Long Layovers
If you have flexibility in your schedule, opting for longer layovers can be a great way to explore additional destinations without incurring extra costs. Some airlines offer free stopovers, allowing you to visit another city on your route without paying for an additional flight.
- Free Stopovers: Many airlines provide free stopovers in their hub cities, such as:
- Icelandair offers free stopovers in Reykjavik on flights between Europe and North America.
- Singapore Airlines and Emirates offer stopover programs in Singapore and Dubai, respectively.
- Finnair offers stopovers in Helsinki, allowing you to explore Finland before continuing to your next destination.
- Tip: Check the airline’s stopover policies and see if adding a stopover can be a budget-friendly way to visit additional cities.
9. Book One-Way Tickets for Flexibility
Sometimes, booking one-way tickets for specific segments of your RTW journey can be more cost-effective than purchasing a multi-destination RTW ticket. This is especially true if you’re not traveling in a fixed direction or if you plan to make spontaneous changes to your itinerary.
- Flexibility with One-Way Tickets: Book separate one-way flights using budget airlines and standard carriers, allowing you to mix and match based on pricing, flight times, and destinations.
- Use Low-Cost Carriers: For short-haul segments, consider using budget airlines for flexibility and savings.
10. Use Travel Agents Specializing in RTW Flights
If the idea of booking an RTW flight on your own feels overwhelming, consider working with a travel agent who specializes in RTW flights. They can help you navigate complex routes, find the best deals, and ensure that your trip is organized efficiently.
- Why Use a Travel Agent:
- Travel agents often have access to special discounts and deals that are not available to the public.
- They can help you find the best combination of airlines, routes, and dates to save you money.
- Travel agents can also assist with complex multi-leg itineraries, ensuring you get the most out of your RTW flight.
