What Are The Best And Cheapest Airports To Start A Round-The-World Trip In Business Class?

Starting a Round-The-World (RTW) trip in business class can be both an exciting and cost-effective way to explore multiple destinations.

If you’re planning a Round-the-World (RTW) trip in Business Class, the departure airport can make a huge difference to the total cost. The trick is to compare not only traditional RTW tickets but also multi-city tickets, airline promotions, and separate one-way Business Class fares.

Some airports are known for offering cheaper RTW tickets, especially when you start your journey there.

Here are some of the best and most affordable airports to consider:

These are my recommended starting points for a Business Class fare search, based on their connectivity, airline competition, and potential for discounted long-haul fares. They are a shortlist to investigate, not a verified live price ranking.

1. Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB)

Worth testing for selected South Asia–Europe or South Asia–Asia itineraries, especially when an airline promotion aligns with your route.

Why It’s Affordable: Colombo is well-known for offering some of the cheapest RTW fares in business class, particularly with alliances like oneworld and Star Alliance.
Additional Perks: Sri Lanka’s low taxes and strong airline competition contribute to better pricing. It’s also a great starting point for exploring Asia.

2. Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)

Excellent connectivity and a wide choice of Asian and long-haul airlines. Compare both published fares and promotional Business Class tickets.

Why It’s Affordable: Bangkok often offers competitive business class fares, especially for RTW tickets. The airport is a major hub with many international carriers, allowing for good deals.
Additional Perks: Thailand is a popular tourist destination with affordable accommodation and services, making it easy to start or end your trip here.

3. Cairo, Egypt (CAI)

Why It’s Affordable: Cairo is another airport where you can often find discounted RTW business class tickets, especially with Star Alliance.
Additional Perks: Starting your trip in Cairo allows you to explore the Middle East and North Africa region, which can be an exotic and culturally rich experience.

4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL)

Why It’s Affordable: Kuala Lumpur is a hub for budget-conscious travelers, with airlines like Malaysia Airlines offering competitive RTW fares in business class.
Additional Perks: Malaysia is centrally located in Southeast Asia, making it a great launching pad for the rest of the region.

5. Manila, Philippines (MNL)

Why It’s Affordable: Manila offers some of the cheapest RTW fares in business class, particularly with oneworld and SkyTeam alliances.
Additional Perks: The Philippines is a fantastic destination in its own right, with beautiful islands and vibrant culture.

6. South America – Santiago, Chile (SCL)

Why It’s Affordable: Santiago often offers good deals on RTW tickets in business class, especially when booking through oneworld.
Additional Perks: Starting in South America can give you access to unique destinations and routes that might be more expensive if starting from North America or Europe.

7. Europe – Madrid, Spain (MAD)

Why It’s Affordable: While Europe is generally more expensive, Madrid is known for relatively affordable RTW fares in business class, especially with the oneworld alliance.
Additional Perks: Starting in Europe gives you access to a wide range of destinations and routes within the continent before heading elsewhere.

8. Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)

Why It’s Affordable: Johannesburg can sometimes offer competitive RTW business class fares, particularly with Star Alliance.
Additional Perks: Starting in Africa allows you to explore unique destinations that might be more challenging to include in an RTW trip starting from other regions.

The strategy to find the lowest total price

For example, a $4,800 RTW fare from Delhi might still be cheaper than a $8,000 fare from Zurich, even after adding a positioning flight and a hotel night. But you need to compare the complete itinerary and fare rules.

Tips for Booking:

Flexible Travel Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find the best deals.
Book in Advance: RTW tickets are generally cheaper when booked well in advance. (Min. 6 Month in advance)
Consider Alliances: Airlines within the same alliance often offer better deals for RTW tickets.
Work with a Travel Agent: Experienced travel agents can help you find the best routes and deals for your RTW trip.

Choosing the right airport to start your RTW trip can make a significant difference in both cost and convenience, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious experience at a fraction of the usual price.

Check out our curated Business Class deals