How to Do an Around-the-World Trip With Points

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026

The short answer: You can circle the globe on points two ways: a single alliance round-the-world award that allows many stops for a set mileage price, or a series of one-way awards stitched together across programs. Each suits a different traveler, but both turn a months-long, five-figure trip into a points itinerary, especially in premium cabins.

The dream redemption

An around-the-world trip strings together long-haul flights across continents, the single most expensive thing you can buy in the air, which makes it the highest-ceiling points redemption there is. Done in business or first class, the cash price would be enormous, while the points cost can be remarkably reasonable if you build it well. It is the trip serious points collectors save for. See best business class redemptions.

Option one: an alliance round-the-world ticket

Some programs sell a true round-the-world award that lets you take many flights and stopovers around the globe for a single mileage price based on total distance or segments. These can be extraordinary value for a multi-stop trip, though the rules on direction, stops, and mileage bands are intricate. They book within one alliance, so you plan the route around that alliance carriers. See stopovers and open-jaws.

Option two: stitched one-way awards

The more flexible approach is to book a series of one-way awards, each on whichever program prices that leg best, which lets you mix alliances and chase the best sweet spot for every segment. It takes more searching and more separate bookings, but it can beat a fixed round-the-world fare and lets you fly the best cabin on each route. Confirm each segment before transferring. See finding award space.

Planning the trip

Either way, plan the rough route first, then find award space leg by leg, building the trip around the segments where premium space opens. Leave buffer days between flights, watch surcharges by program, and earn a broad base of transferable points so you can reach any program a leg requires. The payoff is a bucket-list journey for a fraction of its cash cost. Award prices and availability change constantly as programs devalue and adjust, so treat every points figure here as a rough, illustrative guide rather than a guarantee. Always confirm the current price and that an award seat is actually available on the airline own site before you transfer points, since transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed.

Frequently asked questions

Can you book an around-the-world trip with points?

Yes, two ways: a single alliance round-the-world award that allows many stops for a set mileage price, or a series of one-way awards stitched together across programs. Both can deliver a global trip in premium cabins for far less than cash.

What is an alliance round-the-world ticket?

An award some programs sell that lets you take many flights and stopovers around the globe for one mileage price, based on total distance or segments, booked within a single airline alliance. The rules on stops and direction are detailed.

Is it better to book one-ways or a round-the-world fare?

One-ways are more flexible and let you mix alliances to chase the best sweet spot on each leg, often beating a fixed round-the-world fare. A round-the-world award is simpler for a many-stop trip within one alliance. It depends on your route.

How do I find award space for a round-the-world trip?

Plan the rough route, then search leg by leg and build the itinerary around the segments where premium award space opens. Hold a broad base of transferable points so you can reach whichever program prices each leg best.