Why are RTW tickets cheaper outside the US?

I have been doing some research for an upcoming 9 month RTW with my wife, and found that buying tickets (oneworld) in the states is around $5k for 5 continents 17 flights. When I changed the "country of sale" to New Zealand (one of our first stops) it came up 4099NZD ($2600 USD). Why the big difference? I have heard that tickets are more expensive in the states, but TWICE as much? The obvious choice is to get a one way to NZ from the states then buy our tickets there. Is there a way to buy the tickets "in NZ" from the states to save some $? Or do you have to start your trip in the same country you buy the tickets? Anyone have any experience with Oneworld?
Thanks!

I bought my RTW in starting in Sept in May, the 4 continent with One World, leaving from Toronto at that time was around $4200 CAD before taxes. Using London as my first departure the exact same trip ended up costing me $3055 CAD all taxes included.

Sure have to make my way to London for the start but for a savings of over $1500 on the ticket that's no problem & don't have to use the final leg back to London so that would save the return airfare.

You would either have to book your trip then pick up the RTW ticket in NZ when you arrive, in which case the price will be that at the time of pick up not booking OR book through American Airlines & go to Pearson Airport to pay for it in person (not sure why just the way it is). That's what I did as only a bit over an hour drive for me.

Hope that helps a bit, any questions ask on the forum or by pm.

I checked out OneWorld when I was looking for RTW tix and they were easily $2-3k more than other RTW ticket options, also bought in the US. There are other vendors out there for this kind of ticket. Just search on this site and you will find more suggestions. Good luck.

PC

Guess it depends on the trip as One World was over $1000 cheaper the Air Treks, the next best price I found & this was before taxes which were only around $500 when booking with American Airlines. Had been checking every lead I found for 2 yrs prior to booking.

For my itinerary One World & American Airlines came in 30% under the closest competitor but you have to shop around.

Busman,

I'm very interested in using OneWorld for my RTW trip next year, and I've been doing a lot of research with the same findings. Leaving from the US is so much more expensive! It seems like you got a very good deal! 3055 CAD is only around $2600 USD!

Could you kindly post your RTW Itinerary just so that everyone can get an idea of where you're headed? This would be a great help for when I decide to plan a similar trip to yours...

Thanks!

R.G.

Hi Pause The Moment here is my itinerary on One World is;

Sept 13 London - Oslo
Overland - Tokyo
Oct 13 Tokyo - Delhi
Overland - Singapore
Open ticket Singapore - Perth
Overland - Melbourne
Open ticket Melbourne - Auckland
" " Auckland - Sydney
" " Sydney - Honolulu
" " Honolulu - Los Angeles
Overland - Seattle
Open ticket Seattle - Chicago
" " Chicago - Toronto
" " Toronto - London
Only drawback to this ticket it has to be paid for in person at the AA counter at Pearson Airport in Toronto

There is still 2 unused segments that I just couldn't fit in as my original plan included Anchorage but One World carriers no longer fly there.

A more complete itinerary of the whole trip is posted on my blog: http://blogs.bootsnall.com/busman7



There was an error in the link in my signature that is now corrected.

Thanks a bunch. I took a quick look at your blog, and I'm looking forward to reading more from you. I envy your travels! I'm going to really put some thought into OneWorld now...

Thanks!
R.G.

For help on itineraries on One World the "flyer Talk" forum is good

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/global-a ... iances-391

That will link you to all 3 alliances & their forums

Good luck with your planning.