NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - January 23, 2009) - As the British Pound continues to slide against both the U.S. dollar and the Euro, the United Kingdom has unexpectedly become a hotspot for purchasing lower priced around the world tickets. 1st-Air.Net (www.1st-air.net), the premium class travel authority, reports that travelers paying in currencies other than the pound can save as much as 30% by starting an around the world ticket in the U.K. This marks a major change in international travel strategies as the U.K. has been regarded as one of the most expensive countries for premium class travel. The rapid decline of the pound has now made the U.K. one of the least expensive countries on the planet to start an around the world trip.

As of Wednesday, January 21st, 2009, the IATA rate of exchange listed one U.S. dollar equaling GBP.69. Since the last IATA update, the dollar has continued to strengthen to GBP.72 through January 23rd, 2009. This slide makes around the world fares purchased with dollars originating in the U.K. nearly $3,000 less expensive compared with the same itinerary originating in the U.S.

The One World Alliance sells its 3 Continent business class around the world fare for US$8,600 plus taxes for departures from the U.S. The same itinerary originating in the U.K. sells for GBP3,999. Based on the latest IATA rate of exchange, this equates to US$5,781. U.S. travelers considering around the world travel may receive greater value by purchasing a one way ticket to the United Kingdom and then starting their around the world itinerary from London at the lower U.K. based fare.

In addition to lower costs, U.S. based travelers purchasing a U.K. originated around the world ticket also benefit from more lenient fare rules and a bonus trip back to the U.K. for future use. The One World Alliance maintains a 7 day advance purchase requirement for North American departures, but has no specific advance purchase requirement for European originations.

The Star Alliance offers comparable around the world pricing from the U.K. as One World in both business and first class. Star Alliance requires a one day advance purchase on ticket sales worldwide.

1st-Air.Net also reports that travelers from other Euro countries can save as much as 13% by originating their around the world ticket from the U.K., and purchasing a separate ticket from their home city to London to start their trip.

Travelers interested in originating an around the world ticket from the United Kingdom or any other country may visit the around the world section of the 1st-Air.net website at www.1st-air.net/world_specials.cfm.

1st-Air.net (www.1st-air.net ) offers premium class international travel at savings of 20% or more in markets without competitive fares. Since 1998, the company has used its proprietary routing technology and alliances to create value for premium class travelers.