How to Fly Around the World Starting at $3,000

Embarking on a year-long journey to see the world is a dream for many travelers. However, the logistics of planning such a trip can be intimidating. One way to make this dream a reality is by purchasing an around-the-world flight ticket. Read on to learn the basics of around-the-world travel, which airlines and companies offer these tickets, and tips for navigating this option.

What is an around-the-world ticket?

An around-the-world ticket allows travelers to visit multiple destinations on one ticket, typically at a lower cost than individually purchased tickets. RTW trips typically need to be in a continuous forward direction, either eastward or westward. Travelers can either create their itinerary or follow one of the sample itineraries provided.

Which airlines offer around-the-world tickets?

Around-the-world tickets are typically offered by airline alliance networks and travel agencies. Oneworld Alliance and Star Alliance both offer around-the-world flights, but SkyTeam (which includes Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM) no longer has an around-the-world program.

Oneworld Alliance around-the-world tickets

The Oneworld Alliance offers travelers two options for RTW tickets. For one, trips must start and end in the same city within 12 months. Also, travelers need to visit at least three continents and cross both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans in no more than 16 flights, without backtracking.

Oneworld RTW prices for itineraries beginning in the United States start at roughly $3,500 for an economy ticket to three continents. However, that price climbs to about $7,000 for travelers planning to visit six continents. Those seeking to travel in business or first class should expect rates to start at more than $10,000.

Star Alliance around-the-world tickets

Star Alliance includes 26 airlines, some of which are United, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air New Zealand. The network reaches more than 1,300 destinations in 190 countries.

Travelers have two options when booking: to pick their destinations or to select one of Star Alliance’s themed RTW tickets. However, Star Alliance doesn’t require fliers to start and end at the same airport. They just need to get back to the same country—so users could feasibly start in San Francisco and wrap up in New York if they’re running short on allotted miles (the maximum allowed for the entire journey is 39,000). Additionally, each stop must last at least 24 hours.

For Star Alliance, prices are determined by total mileage flown and class of service. On the low end, expect to pay about $4,000.

Other companies that offer around-the-world tickets

If you’d rather not use one of the airline alliances, another option is to consult a travel agency that specializes in around-the-world tickets. AirTreks, one of the oldest, has been assembling RTW tickets for travelers since 1987.

Other companies you might consider include Trailfinders, Flight Centre, and RoundAbout Travel.

Can you pay for an around-the-world ticket using miles?

Yes, it’s possible to fund your around-the-world ticket with select airline miles. However, some of the mileage programs that currently offer RTW tickets are Aeromexico, Air Canada, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines.

Are around-the-world tickets worth it?

“RTW tickets can be a pretty seamless way to bundle that once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Katy Nastro, a travel expert at flight deal tracking service Going.com. However, some travelers may find it easier to book individual tickets as they go rather than the whole itinerary upfront. Booking outside of an airline alliance also allows for the mixing and matching of airlines. Similarly, going the DIY route would also allow travelers to use a combination of points and cash.

“While they can make the planning process a lot simpler, be aware of the restrictions and costs,” Nastro said. “Someone who is considering a RTW ticket should consider all of their options and not be afraid to price out a similar itinerary one flight at a time.”