SkyTeam NewsFlash – October 2008
SkyTeam, the global airline alliance partnering eleven members – including Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern Airlines, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Korean Air and Northwest Airlines – and three Associate carriers – Air Europa, Copa Airlines and Kenya Airways – sets itself apart by offering an exclusive experience for all passengers. Issued monthly, SkyTeam NewsFlash provides media with key updates and insights on alliance activities.
SkyTeam’s RTW pass brings travel dreams to reality
For those individuals that have always dreamed of seeing the world, taking a round the world (RTW) trip is the experience of a lifetime. But many travelers have the misperception that a RTW trip is unfeasible due to planning and financial limitations and thus miss out on their once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure as a result.
While it may take a little research, a RTW trip can be very attainable with ample planning time and the right travel industry partners. For those researching RTW trips, SkyTeam offers four packages based on the number of miles traveled – 26,000, 29,000, 34,000 or 39,000 miles – convenient for those whose itineraries are flexible.
There are several perks to traveling RTW with SkyTeam:
- Flexibility – Travelers are only required to book the first flight of your itinerary; the remainder of the trip can be left "open" to book dates whenever needed.
- Cost savings – SkyTeam’s RTW fare can be used in conjunction with SkyTeam Europe Pass, America Pass, Asia Pass or China Pass tickets which typically provide cost savings of approximately 40 percent over conventional air fare.
- Surface sectors – Travelers can drive or take the train between destinations as part of their trip. (Some rules apply)
- Multi-directional travel – Passengers are not restricted to one-way travel and can always backtrack on the same region. For example, a RTW passenger originating from Beijing, China who visited Osaka, Japan can backtrack west to Seoul, South Korea before departing to new region.
For those travelers ready to see the world but not sure where to start, SkyTeam offers tips to help guide the planning process:
Choose Where to Go
From Paris to Moscow, Beijing to Mexico City, or Atlanta to Amsterdam, passengers have more flight options than ever before. Online route maps – such as the one available at www.skyteam.com/EN/destinationsMap provide a glimpse of all the available destinations.
Do Your Research
The internet, travel guides and well-traveled friends are all great resources to assist in decision-making for the best places and routes.
Consider Combined Passes
There are a number of benefits to purchasing a packaged RTW fare in conjunction with other fare passes. When combined with SkyTeam’s Europe, America, Asia or China Passes, travelers will save approximately 40 percent over conventional air fare.
Plan Early
While it is easy to procrastinate, at least six months is needed to plan and book a RTW trip to ensure that enough time is allotted for travel preparation.
Take Your Time
While booking flights, remember that while it is possible to complete a whirlwind world tour in a couple of weeks, a RTW trip is enhanced if time is allotted to slow down and settle in for a few days before moving on to the next destination.
For more information on SkyTeam’s RTW product, visit www.skyteam.com.
