My ANA Round-the-World Ticket Booking Experience For Spring 2026

Hey everyone! I'm so stoked to share my experience booking an ANA (All Nippon Airways) round-the-world (RTW) ticket. This has been a dream of mine for ages, and I'm finally making it a reality. I booked my flights way back in June 2025 for a trip in Spring 2026, and let me tell you, the process was quite the adventure in itself. I'm going to break down everything – from the initial research and planning stages to the actual booking process and some tips I picked up along the way. So, buckle up, grab a snack, and get ready for my RTW booking saga!

The Allure of an ANA Round-the-World Trip

First off, let's talk about why I chose ANA for my RTW adventure. There are a few key reasons why ANA Round-the-World tickets are so highly sought after in the travel community. One of the biggest draws is the amazing value they offer. You can potentially visit multiple continents and experience a wide range of cultures for a fraction of the cost of booking individual flights. This was definitely a major factor in my decision-making process. The cost-effectiveness of an ANA RTW ticket allows you to stretch your travel budget further, enabling you to experience more destinations and activities along your journey. Think about it – instead of paying for several separate long-haul flights, you're essentially bundling them together at a significantly reduced rate.

Another compelling reason to fly ANA is their stellar reputation for customer service and in-flight experience. ANA consistently ranks among the world's best airlines, known for their attentive staff, comfortable seating, delicious meals, and extensive entertainment options. For a long and complex journey like a round-the-world trip, having a reliable and comfortable airline is paramount. Knowing that I'd be in good hands with ANA gave me a great sense of peace of mind. The thought of spending countless hours in the air is much more appealing when you know you'll be well-cared for and can actually enjoy the journey itself. Plus, arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and relaxed can make a huge difference in how you experience a new place.

Finally, the flexibility that ANA RTW tickets offer is a major advantage. You have a significant amount of freedom to customize your itinerary, choosing your destinations, stopover durations, and travel dates (within the rules, of course!). This level of control is fantastic for travelers who want to create a truly personalized and unique journey. I loved the idea of being able to craft my own adventure, tailoring the trip to my specific interests and preferences. Whether you're into exploring historical sites, immersing yourself in local cultures, or simply relaxing on beautiful beaches, an ANA RTW ticket allows you to design the perfect itinerary for your dream trip. The possibilities are truly endless, and that's part of what makes the experience so exciting!

Planning My Route: A World of Possibilities!

Okay, so I was sold on the idea of an ANA RTW ticket. The next step was the daunting but exciting task of planning my route. This is where things can get a little overwhelming because, well, you can go practically anywhere! The world is your oyster, guys! Where do you even begin? My strategy was to start by identifying my must-see destinations. I made a list of all the places I'd been dreaming of visiting – cities I'd read about, cultures I was eager to experience, and landmarks I had to see with my own eyes. This initial brainstorming session helped me narrow down my focus and gave me a general direction for my trip.

Once I had my list of dream destinations, I started to think about the geographical logistics. Round-the-world tickets have certain rules and limitations, such as the maximum number of stopovers allowed and the direction of travel. ANA, in particular, has specific routing rules you need to adhere to. It's crucial to understand these rules before you get too far into planning, or you might end up with an itinerary that's simply not possible. I spent a lot of time studying the ANA RTW rules and trying to figure out the most efficient and logical way to connect my desired destinations. This involved a lot of map-gazing, time zone calculations, and mental gymnastics! But hey, that's part of the fun, right?

I also considered the time of year and the weather conditions in each of my potential destinations. I wanted to avoid traveling during peak tourist seasons or monsoon seasons, if possible. Nobody wants to spend their dream vacation battling crowds or getting rained on every day! This required a bit of research into the climate patterns of different regions and figuring out the optimal times to visit each place. It was like putting together a complex puzzle, trying to balance my desired destinations with the practical considerations of weather and seasonality. I used various online resources, travel guides, and weather websites to gather the information I needed to make informed decisions about my route and travel dates.

Finally, I factored in my interests and priorities. What did I really want to get out of this trip? Was I more interested in cultural experiences, historical sites, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing and soaking up the local atmosphere? This helped me prioritize certain destinations and activities over others. For example, if my main goal was to experience different cultures, I might spend more time in cities with rich histories and diverse populations. Or if I was an avid hiker, I'd want to include destinations with stunning natural landscapes and hiking trails. By aligning my itinerary with my personal interests, I could ensure that my RTW trip would be a truly fulfilling and memorable experience.

Navigating the ANA RTW Booking Process: A Few Hiccups and Triumphs

Okay, so I had my route planned, my dates penciled in, and I was ready to book! This is where the real challenge began: navigating the ANA RTW booking process. Now, I'm not going to lie, it wasn't exactly a walk in the park. ANA's online booking tool, while functional, can be a little…quirky, let's just say. It's not the most intuitive system, and I encountered a few hiccups and frustrating moments along the way. The system requires a specific way to input your destinations and dates, and if you deviate even slightly, it can throw you an error message. There were times when I felt like I was speaking a different language than the booking engine!

One of the biggest challenges was finding award availability on the flights I wanted. ANA RTW tickets are incredibly popular, especially in premium cabins like business or first class, and award seats can be snatched up quickly. This meant that I had to be flexible with my dates and flight options, and I had to be willing to make adjustments to my itinerary if necessary. I spent hours searching for available flights, playing around with different dates and routes, and trying to piece together the perfect itinerary. It was like a treasure hunt, constantly searching for those elusive award seats. I used various tools and websites to help me with this process, such as ExpertFlyer and the United Airlines award search engine, which can sometimes provide a broader view of Star Alliance availability.

Another tricky aspect was understanding the complex rules and restrictions associated with ANA RTW tickets. There are limitations on the number of miles you can fly, the number of stopovers you can make, and the direction of travel. It's essential to be familiar with these rules to avoid any surprises or disappointments later on. I carefully reviewed the ANA RTW terms and conditions multiple times to make sure I understood everything correctly. I also consulted various online forums and travel blogs where other travelers shared their experiences and insights. This helped me to clarify any ambiguities and avoid common mistakes.

Despite the challenges, there were also moments of triumph and excitement. Finally piecing together an itinerary that worked, finding those elusive award seats, and seeing the confirmation screen after hitting the