SkyTeam launches

The global SkyTeam airline alliance now offers a ‘Go Round Asia and South West Pacific’ pass, which allows travellers to jet around these regions on a single, discounted ticket.

What you’ll pay depends on how far you fly, with tickets broken up into three bands – 13,000 miles or less; 13,001-17,000 miles; and 17,001-21,000 miles.

Simply put, it’s a multi-city ticket with similar traits to a Circle Pacific or a round-the-world fare, albeit with a subset of available destinations.

“We’ve taken the Round the World concept and delivered it on a smaller scale to offer as many as 11 flights for customers wanting to travel extensively in this part of the world,” said Mauro Oretti, SkyTeam’s VP Sales and Marketing.

The passes allow for two to 10 stopovers and can be stretched over an entire year, so whether you’re on an extended business trip or a relaxing holiday, a ‘Go Round Asia and South West Pacific’ pass could come in handy.

For business travellers, these fares need to be locked in at least three days before the first flight, but come in both business class and economy to suit all travel budgets.

Exploring the new SkyTeam pass

Here’s a sample itinerary under the ‘Go Round Asia and South West Pacific’ pass for a Sydney-based jetsetter:

• Sydney to Shanghai with China Eastern
• Shanghai to Seoul with China Southern, China Eastern or Korean Air
• Seoul to Vladivostok with Korean Air
• Vladivostok to Beijing with Aeroflot
• Beijing to Taipei with China Airlines
• Taipei to Guangzhou with China Airlines or China Southern
• Guangzhou to Ho Chi Minh City with China Southern or Vietnam Airlines
• Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore with Vietnam Airlines
• Singapore to Jakarta with Garuda Indonesia
• Jakarta to Sydney with Garuda Indonesia

All up, this 13,924-mile trek comes in at roughly $6,712 in business class – although SkyTeam is quick to warn that fare prices and taxes are subject to change, so always confirm the final price before you book.

Travellers can also earn points or miles in the various SkyTeam frequent flyer programs on these multi-city tickets, including in Garuda Indonesia’s GarudaMiles scheme.

Within Asia, flights on SkyTeam’s airlines can be intertwined to include visits to Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Russia (east of the Urals only), Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

And, in the South West Pacific, you could also stopover in New Zealand and Guam after starting your journey in Australia.

SkyTeam's ‘Go Round Asia and South West Pacific’ passes can be booked through travel agents or directly with a SkyTeam member airline.

Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.