Planning a round-the-world (RTW) trip is an exhilarating adventure. If you’re aiming to use points and miles to make this dream a reality, you’re in luck. With the right strategy and a solid understanding of loyalty programs, you can visit multiple destinations without breaking the bank. But there are essential guidelines, eligibility criteria, and booking tactics to keep in mind to get the best value for your miles. Let’s break down how you can successfully book a round-the-world trip using points and miles.
What is a Round-the-World Ticket?
A round-the-world ticket allows travelers to visit several destinations across multiple continents on one itinerary. These tickets are offered by airline alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam, making it possible to fly with multiple carriers while adhering to the alliance’s rules.
Key Features:
- Continuous Travel: You typically travel in one direction (east or west) and return to your starting point.
- Multiple Stopovers: Most RTW tickets allow 2-15 stops, depending on the alliance.
- Mileage Requirements: You need at least 100,000 miles, though this varies with each loyalty program and class of service.
Understanding the structure of a round-the-world ticket is essential before diving into the specifics of using points and miles for booking.
How to Use Points and Miles for RTW Travel
The first step in booking a round-the-world trip is gathering enough frequent flyer miles or credit card points. Most RTW tickets require a substantial number of miles, typically starting at 100,000 in economy class.
Common Mileage Requirements:
- ANA Mileage Club: RTW tickets start at 85,000 miles in economy.
- Oneworld: Points are based on the total miles flown or the number of continents visited.
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Offers multiple stopovers and flexible routing.
It’s important to stick to one loyalty program to simplify the booking process. While you may earn points across various programs, transferring and combining points for a single RTW trip is usually not allowed.
Best Airline Alliances for Round-the-World Trips
To maximize the value of your miles, choose an airline alliance that suits your travel goals. Each major airline alliance has its own rules and benefits.
Top Airline Alliances:
- Star Alliance: Requires crossing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans with up to 15 stopovers.
- Oneworld: Offers flexibility with continent-based travel options through the Oneworld Explorer.
- SkyTeam: Provides less variety but still offers solid routes for global travel.
Each of these alliances has its specific rules, such as traveling in one direction and starting and ending in the same country. Choose an alliance that matches your intended destinations and travel style.
Creating Your Ideal Itinerary
The beauty of a round-the-world ticket lies in the flexibility it offers. Crafting the perfect itinerary is key to getting the most out of your points and miles.
Tips for Building an Itinerary:
- Use Stopovers: Many RTW tickets allow multiple stopovers, letting you visit more cities for the same ticket price.
- Open Jaw Flights: Consider flying into one city and out of another to maximize your exploration opportunities.
- Flexible Travel Dates: Being flexible with your dates will increase your chances of finding award availability.
- Off-Peak Travel: Travel during off-peak seasons to reduce the number of miles required and improve your chances of securing award seats.
Remember, each airline alliance has its own routing rules, so be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Frequent Flyer Programs That Work for RTW Trips
When it comes to frequent flyer programs, not all are created equal for RTW tickets. Below are some of the best options for booking round-the-world trips using points and miles.
Top Programs for RTW Flights:
- ANA Mileage Club: Offers RTW tickets at 85,000 miles for economy, with up to 8 segments.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: Offers a Classic Flight Reward with up to 35,000 miles for RTW tickets.
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Flexible program that allows multiple stopovers.
- British Airways Executive Club: Use Avios for multicarrier RTW tickets with a distance-based reward system.
- United MileagePlus: Offers easy booking through Star Alliance, with flexible date options.
These programs vary in how they calculate mileage requirements, so choose the one that best suits your travel preferences.
Important Rules and Considerations
Before booking, it’s crucial to understand the rules of round-the-world tickets. Missing a key detail could lead to complications during your trip.
Important Rules to Follow:
- Continuous Direction: Most RTW tickets require that you travel east or west and do not backtrack.
- Start and End in Same Country: Your trip must begin and end in the same country.
- Maximum Stopovers: Most tickets allow for up to 15 stops, though the exact number varies.
- Change Fees: Some alliances allow flight changes but may charge a fee.
Understanding these key rules will help you avoid surprises as you plan your trip.
Maximizing Credit Card Points for RTW Travel
One of the best ways to gather enough points for a round-the-world ticket is by using travel credit cards. Many cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, which can accelerate your point-earning potential.
Best Credit Cards for Earning Miles:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Great for earning transferable points and comes with a solid sign-up bonus.
- American Express Platinum: Offers valuable membership rewards points that can transfer to a wide range of airline partners.
- Citi Premier Card: Earns transferable ThankYou points, which can be used with various airline programs.
Maximizing your credit card rewards can help you reach the 100,000-mile threshold much faster and bring your round-the-world trip within reach.
Final Thoughts: Is a Round-the-World Trip Right for You?
Booking a round-the-world trip using points and miles is an exciting challenge that requires careful planning. While it takes time and effort to accumulate the necessary miles, the rewards are worth it. You’ll have the opportunity to visit multiple destinations, experience different cultures, and make memories that last a lifetime—all without the typical price tag.
If you’re a frequent traveler or someone who has amassed a significant number of points and miles, taking the plunge into RTW travel could be one of the most rewarding travel experiences you ever undertake.
