I am preparing a round the world trip via Sydney-Sao Paolo-Amsterdam-Johannesburg-Sydney.

I am preparing a round the world trip via Sydney-Sao Paolo-Amsterdam-Johannesburg-Sydney. Through the one world planner I only get connections to Sao Paolo via Los Angeles. This seems strange when a direct trip is possible via Santiago with Qantas-Lan, the latter also a One World partner. Anybody an idea?

I would suggest that inventory or schedule may play a role. The Sydney to Santiago flight does not run every day of the week, and you may be trying to book your trip on a date when the flight does not run. Alternatively, there may be no more seats in the RTW fare buckets.

If I was in your position, however, I would gladly route myself via North America just to get that much more flying out of the ticket. :P

Thanks Watson, that sounds logical. I have decided to 'surrender' to the long trip. In Business it's not really a big punishment.

My suggestion would be to use a good travel agent.The travelling public seems to be obsessed with doing everything "on line".A good agent can offer more alternatives than any computer could ever do.It also helps to be able to talk to a human being when your trip turns to custard! (Icelandic volcanoes spring to mind!)

My company uses Amex but I'm not always that happy with them. The alternative itinerary was really impossible! Sydney-Sao Paolo through LA and Panama about 35 hours.