yo-yo-yo...I found some info for ya on RTW, hope it helps..it has some prices and some pro's and con's of useing this service...That is quite a trip my friend , wanna put me in your luggage??? Its great to have you here Duffy!!! :D
Published RTW Fares
Over 40 airlines on 6 continents participate in partnerships for RTW tickets. Programs and regulations vary considerably. You will usually have to supplement RTW with other tickets to satisfy your specific interests. Even those on business trips can fly cheaper using first-class and business-class RTW tickets, rather than regular long-haul and full-fare point-to-point tickets. Areas not covered can usually be added as a discounted side-trip. Flights in the southern hemishere are US$5,000 to US$6,744 for first-class, US$4,500 to US$5,200 for business-class, and US$3,000 to US$3,300 for economy. Flights in the northern hemishere are US$4,300 to US$5,100 for first-class, US$3,000 to US$3,700 for business-class, and US$2,200 to US$2,600 for economy. (April 1998) Some programs allow you to use frequent flyer miles for RTW tickets.
RULES
14-day or 21-day advance purchase for first leg.
Usually, only the first date and destination must be firmly set, but some require the first few be set.
Specify destinations, and usually the dates at the time of booking.
Date changes are free, but each destination change costs a small fee ($25-$50). Some allow one free destination change. It important to realize that routing changes are permitted only within the permissible routings. It's actually rather uncommon for a desired change of destinations to be possible within the routing options of the original fare.
Most are valid for one year from the date issued, not the date of the first flight, some only for six-months, and a few for only three months. Factor in the time for advance purchase and for checks to clear the bank.
Must continue in one direction, east or west, with no backtracking. There are exceptions in the US, Canada, and Australia. Also, Global-Explorer-type fares go by mileage rather than routing rules.
Most have unlimited number of stops, some limit you to 4-6 stops in the US.
Most require a minimum of 3 stops.
Some require a minimum stay of 6-14 days.
Some have a maximum allowable miles restriction, like NW/KLM 20,000 miles.
Flat-rate price for each seating class.
Children's fare is usually 67% of full adult fare.
Infants (less than 2 years old) fly for 10% of full adult fare.
Refund is 100% if cancelled two weeks or more before departure.
Refund is 75%, minus the value of the flights taken within two weeks of departure.
"For most RTW fares, it is OK to miss a reserved flight. Your tickets are issued for departure cities - NOT TIME (this is the opposite for bucket shops). Just call the airline and make a new reservation (and hope they have room). To actually change your itinerary, you pay a 're-ticket' fee (mine was US$50 in 1992) where they actually take your old tickets back and re-issue a new set of tickets. Make as many changes as you want, but try to do them together since the re-ticket fee is fixed regardless of how many stops are altered. You *must* have your tickets re-issued by the airline who sold the RTW fare. I used a NorthWest/KLM partnership RTW-fare issued by NorthWest, and KLM *COULD NOT* re-ticket my itinerary - only NorthWest could. Unfortunately, I found this out in a city not serviced by NorthWest." <Alan Nelson>
"Missing a reserved flight is usually not a problem. Usually they will put you on the next available flight. However, if it is a seldom travelled route or high tourist season, you may end up waiting days or even weeks for the next flight! Usually a good idea to double-check the time and date. I've heard of people showing up at 3:00pm for a flight leaving at 3:00am." <Dave Patton>
ADVANTAGES
One less financial worry on the road.
No worries about whether you will be able to get to the next destination.
You always have proof of onward passage, which is required in many countries before they will grant you a visa or allow entry.
Frequent flyer miles. Even more if charged with a credit card that gives FF miles. Some have a 50% mileage bonus in business-class which may justify the extra cost. (Delta Medallion Status example: 35,000 miles, plus 17,500 mile business-class bonus, plus 3,500 miles for credit card matching, equals 56,000 FF miles). FF miles depend on the carrier and class.
DISADVANTAGES
Rarely the best deal.
Limited stops due to airline routes.
Some airlines deadend in the Mideast and India, leaving you with no connection eastward to the rest of Asia. For example, many people buy a one-way ticket between Bangkok and Nepal.
Many try to restrict you to the North or South side of the equator.
Infrequent flight schedules.
Some have US$25-$50 fees for changes in itinerary.
Backtracking and side-trips can be very costly, but necessary if you want to see most of Asia.
The least flexible since plans may constantly change.
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