The Circle Pacific fare is one of aviation's best-kept secrets, letting you visit multiple major cities across Asia and Oceania for little more than a standard round-trip ticket. This comprehensive guide will show you how to build an incredible multi-city journey stopping in places like Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, and more - often for just 20-30% more than a simple return flight would cost.
What is a Circle Pacific Fare?
A Circle Pacific fare is a special type of multi-city ticket that follows a continuous direction (either clockwise or counterclockwise) around the Pacific Rim. Major airlines like Qantas, JAL, and Korean Air offer these fares, typically allowing 3-6 stopovers for one consolidated price. For example, a basic Circle Pacific route from Los Angeles might include stops in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, and Auckland before returning to LA - all for around $2,200-2,800 in economy class.
Best Airlines for Circle Pacific Routes
- Qantas - Most flexible routing options, excellent coverage of Australia/NZ
- Korean Air - Competitive pricing, strong Northeast Asia connections
- JAL - Premium service, extensive Japan stopover options
- Cathay Pacific - Strong Southeast Asia network, Hong Kong hub
- Air New Zealand - Best for South Pacific destinations
Sample Routes and Pricing
Here's a popular Circle Pacific itinerary starting from Los Angeles (LAX) with current pricing as of 2024: LAX-NRT (Tokyo) on JAL 777-300ER, NRT-HKG (Hong Kong) on Cathay A350, HKG-SIN (Singapore) on Cathay A330, SIN-SYD (Sydney) on Qantas A380, SYD-AKL (Auckland) on Air New Zealand 787, AKL-LAX on Air New Zealand 787. Economy typically runs $2,200-2,800, Premium Economy $3,500-4,200, Business Class $6,000-7,500. These fares often allow stays up to several months at each destination.
Maximizing Stopovers
Most Circle Pacific fares allow 3-6 stopovers (stays over 24 hours). The key to maximizing value is choosing strategic stopover points. Tokyo (NRT/HND) and Hong Kong (HKG) are excellent North Asian options with extensive connecting flights. Singapore (SIN) and Bangkok (BKK) work well for Southeast Asia. Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) are ideal for Australia, while Auckland (AKL) covers New Zealand.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns
Circle Pacific fares follow distinct seasonal patterns. The lowest prices typically appear for departures between mid-January and March, or October to early December. Peak pricing hits during July-August and December holidays, often 40-50% higher than off-peak. Book 4-6 months ahead for best availability and pricing.
Loyalty Program Strategies
Circle Pacific tickets can earn significant frequent flyer miles. A typical 20,000-mile itinerary could earn 40,000-50,000 base miles plus status bonuses. Focus on one alliance (Oneworld for Qantas/Cathay, Star Alliance for Air NZ/ANA) to maximize earnings. Currently, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers particularly generous earning rates on JAL and Cathay Pacific segments.
Booking Tips and Timing
- Book 4-6 months ahead for best availability and pricing
- Consider shoulder season travel (April-May or September-October)
- Check multiple starting points - YVR often prices lower than LAX
- Look for open-jaw options (different arrival/departure cities)
- Compare alliance options - sometimes mixing carriers saves money
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't try to pack too many stops into a short timeframe - Circle Pacific fares usually allow up to 12 months total trip duration. Avoid backtracking routes, which can invalidate the fare structure. Remember that some budget carriers don't participate in these fares, so stick to major airlines. Always check visa requirements for all countries, including transit visas where needed.
Final Recommendations
Circle Pacific fares offer incredible value for exploring multiple destinations. Start planning 6+ months ahead, be flexible with dates, and consider mixing premium cabins (business class for long overnight flights, economy for shorter daytime segments). Current sweet spots include LAX-Asia routes on JAL/ANA (from $2,400) and SYD-North America on Air New Zealand (from $2,600).
