Are all RTW tickets valid for only one year?

by Sherry
(Florida)

Back in the day I think it was 364 days?

Answer:

I'm afraid the day is still here - and yes, it's a year minus a day. The only way you could extend the validity of your ticket is if you plan to stay at your first destination for several months - in which case you'd buy a cheap round-trip ticket to your initial destination, stay as long as you want, and then start your RTW journey from there.

For example, lets say you're in New York and you plan to stop over in London for three months before continuing on to Europe and Asia. You could buy a rock-bottom ticket from NY to London, and start your RTW journey from London, since the ticket isn't valid until you actually start using it. Conversely, you could do the same thing at the end of your trip, by ending your RTW ticket at the final stop before home, and flying home on a separate cheap ticket. Not easy, not cheap, but do-able.

The rules are pretty much the same for all flight networks, I'm afraid. Have a look at round the world tickets in case I've missed anything out!

Still DREAMING about taking that first big trip?
What's stopping you from DOING it?

If you're nervous about setting out on your own, if you find yourself making all sorts of excuses, if there are a million reasons why right now is not the right time...

Then you really need the Art of Solo Travel ! This book is made for you. Whatever is holding you back, The Art of Solo Travel takes the obstacles away, relieves your fears and insecurities, and gets you on the road!

Find out more