RTW or Explorer questions

[BillW]

Sometime in the next year I want to use some extensive long service to go slowly, for a change. I have a number of questions - do they ever end!

Can I get any sort of open-dated ticket? Presume not but are there ways for a next best option? I will be exploring! How do I know how long I want to stay, say, in China? I might love it or hate it. The weather might be cough. Don't suppose I can make it up as I go.

I have heard I can put together more than one explorer package. How does this work? I don't need to go RTW. I am happy to "return" but via very different routes.

Is it right that I can only book anything up to 12 months in advance? A pity because the closer to departure the less FF seats available.

Is it best to put it all together via Qantas or a travel agent? What does an agent earn out of a FF booking? Always wanted to know.

Thanks, Bill.

 

[JetLagged]

Sometime in the next year I want to use some extensive long service to go slowly, for a change. I have a number of questions - do they ever end!

No Bill, they never do - just seem to keep on coming!

Can I get any sort of open-dated ticket? Presume not but are there ways for a next best option? I will be exploring! How do I know how long I want to stay, say, in China? I might love it or hate it. The weather might be cough. Don't suppose I can make it up as I go.

Others here are much more into the options and restrictions side - but in general I believe that the answer is no - you need to book most flight details - though for a charge you can change them later on. Most of us self-funded flyers realise that there are hassles on booking 12 months in advance, but then we just make up our mind to make the most of the opportunity, regardless of the weather, etc. Best thing to do is - RESEARCH, PLAN and RESEARCH more - and this is a hell of a great place to do some of it.

I have heard I can put together more than one explorer package. How does this work? I don't need to go RTW. I am happy to "return" but via very different routes.

That one I'll pass to others - I know that if working with RTW restrictions (16 sectors, etc) that some people do two to fit it all in.

Is it right that I can only book anything up to 12 months in advance? A pity because the closer to departure the less FF seats available.

Actually, it is slightly less than 12 months - and there are differences, for instance, between AA and QF - a search of this site will throw up all of that information.

Is it best to put it all together via Qantas or a travel agent? What does an agent earn out of a FF booking? Always wanted to know.

I use my TA for most complicated bookings, to ensure smooth transition etc - has been the same no of points or cost that I have been quoted elsewhere - sometimes I book parts myself because internet specials are not available commerically.

Thanks, Bill. [/QUOTE]

Your welcome - and look forward to a frustrating 12 months - but as the boy scouts say: Be Prepared, and things go better!¬