Going Around The World Next Week — Unintentionally

S tarting next week, I will be embarking on a trip around the world — and I would like to know your thoughts on how you would like for me to report on it.

The reason why I say unintentionally was that I have a meeting in Dublin scheduled in early October — and what started as trying to find a reasonably low airfare turned into this journey around the world to countries such as South Korea, Hungary, China, Spain and the Philippines.

Here is my itinerary — and no, it is not a “mileage run”:

ATL-LAX-FCO-BUD-DUB-MAD-AMS-ICN-PVG-MNA-PVG-JFK-LGA-ATL

The airlines on which I will be traveling are Delta Air Lines, Alitalia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, China Eastern Airlines…

…and Ryanair — twice. It will be my first time as a passenger on an airplane operated by Ryanair.

When I mentioned this itinerary to Ben Schlappig of One Mile at a Time a couple of nights ago, he uttered two words in astonishment:

“In economy?!?

Yes, Ben — the entire itinerary will be in the economy class cabin…

…and all for fewer than $1,600.00 — including all taxes and fees.

I do not want to bore you with a 374-part trip report; so I am thinking of simply doing a bunch of short trip reports similar to the ones I have posted here in the past couple of months — as their own trip reports rather than part of a massive trip report…

…and I want the trip reports to inspire you to embark on your own journey — not just simply highlight my travels. Please offer me suggestions about what you want to read.

Meanwhile, I am getting the final lodging arrangements in order — although I could use some advice for a hanok in Seoul for one night…

  1. Sounds like a great way to experience skyteam economy! How many miles are you accumulating from this trip and are you planning to earn them on DL or another skyteam FF program?

    1. I plan on earning them on Delta, Joey.

      Unfortunately, I only earn 25 percent of the Medallion Qualification Miles on China Eastern Airlines — especially for a 15-hour flight plus three more segments — but I would not earn enough Medallion Qualification Dollars on this itinerary towards Medallion elite level status.

      I should be earning full credit on the Alitalia and KLM segments, though.

      I have not calculated the SkyMiles yet that I would earn; but I estimate to earn approximately 22,000 Medallion Qualification Miles in total. I can let you know the final tally once the trip has concluded…

      1. Awesome! Not sure if you’re skyteam elite plus but if you are, I’ve heard China Southern gives you a glass of water. I wonder if China Eastern will as well.
        Thinking of drinks, I wonder what’s the most *expensive* complimentary drink you can get in economy in each of those airlines.
        Have a great trip!

  2. Haha and Lucky says he’s a travel blogger….

    You are smart to focus on the destinations and not what airline class you are flying to get there. Having done 4 RTW’s in economy I can say they are well worth it to see a variety of sites. Enjoy the trip.

    1. I will, Points With a Crew — but I am trying to do a trip report that is a little bit different.

      We shall see if it works…

  3. New reader! Read lots of amazing posts- this one… Brian, I am wondering if you meant MNL Manila instead of MNA… How was the Philippines!

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