One of the most legendary redemption options in the world of airline miles — the Star Alliance Round-the-World Award — will be discontinued.
ANA has announced that this award ticket will no longer be available from June 24, 2025 (Japan time).
In this article, I’ll explain what this award was, share the official announcement, and reflect on my personal experience flying around the world in First Class using ANA miles.
Table of Contents
What Is the Star Alliance RTW Award?
This was a special ANA Mileage Club redemption allowing you to travel the world with Star Alliance partner airlines.
It had very generous routing rules and allowed multiple stopovers across continents.
When Is It Ending?
The last day to issue a new RTW award ticket is June 23, 2025 (Japan time).
Tickets already issued before this date will remain valid and usable per their original terms.
My Personal First Class RTW Experience
Seven years ago, I redeemed ANA miles to book a First Class Round-the-World itinerary.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime journey, planned through phone calls with the ANA Diamond Desk.
- My full RTW journey
- Lufthansa B747-8 First Class
- Lufthansa First Class Terminal
- Thai Airways Royal First Lounge (Bangkok)
- ANA First Class
From Lufthansa’s private terminal to Thai Airways’ in-lounge spa massage to sipping Krug in ANA First, it was a dreamlike experience I’ll never forget.
Can You Still Book One?
Yes — but time is running out.
You can still book a RTW ticket using ANA miles until June 23, 2025.
It’s a phone-only process, so plan well and start early.
Eligible Airlines
Star Alliance Members:
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- ANA
- Asiana Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- Avianca
- Brussels Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- EgyptAir
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Eva Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Shenzhen Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- SWISS
- TAP Air Portugal
- Thai Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
Booking Rules
- Must cross both the Pacific and Atlantic once
- Eastward or westward travel only
- Up to 8 stopovers allowed (3 in Europe max, 4 within Japan)
- Maximum of 12 flight segments and 4 surface sectors
- Final international flight to Japan must be after day 10 of first segment
- Booking via phone only (not available online)
How Many Miles Do You Need?
Required miles depend on the total trip distance. Here’s the ANA chart:
Required Mileage (by total distance)
| Total Distance (miles) | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,001 – 7,000 | 38,000 | 63,000 | 90,000 |
| 7,001 – 9,000 | 43,000 | 68,000 | 100,000 |
| 9,001 – 11,000 | 55,000 | 85,000 | 120,000 |
| 11,001 – 14,000 | 60,000 | 90,000 | 140,000 |
| 14,001 – 18,000 | 65,000 | 105,000 | 160,000 |
| 18,001 – 20,000 | 75,000 | 115,000 | 180,000 |
| 20,001 – 22,000 | 85,000 | 125,000 | 200,000 |
| 22,001 – 25,000 | 100,000 | 145,000 | 220,000 |
| 25,001 – 29,000 | 120,000 | 170,000 | 260,000 |
| 29,001 – 34,000 | 140,000 | 200,000 | 300,000 |
| 34,001 – 39,000 | 160,000 | 220,000 | 340,000 |
| 39,001 – 44,000 | 180,000 | 270,000 | 390,000 |
| 44,001 – 50,000 | 200,000 | 300,000 | 450,000 |
* Based on total basic sector mileage. Seasonality does not affect mileage requirements.
Bottom Line
This award was a dream goal for many mileage enthusiasts.
Been saving miles? This might be your last chance to book a RTW award — before it’s gone for good.
Related
Note: These methods for earning ANA miles are only available to residents of Japan.
- How to exchange points via Mizuho Route (Japanese)
- How to use nimoca to convert points to ANA miles (Japanese)