When is the best time to buy an Around the World Air ticket to begin This time next year?

It depends on which cabin of service you are planning on traveling in. If you are planning on going in Business or First Class, for even part of your journey, then I would book as soon as possible, with the earliest being 330 days before the date of the last segment (unless your chosen airline will allow you to add additional segments or alter the RTW itinerary once it has been set).

If you are planning on going in Coach/Economy/Premium Economy I would wait just a little bit, as changes to scheduling between now and your flights will likely happen. If the airline adjusts a flight which forces you into an illegal connection, or causes a missed segment, you may need to adjust other sections of the itinerary. So booking too early could cause you to have a lot of extra work to do. Plus you may get a slightly better fare if you wait just a bit. I'd say start booking 6 months before the trip.

The only reason it's better to book earlier for premium cabins is that availability is limited. Fewer tickets to go around so grab them while you can.

That said, if you are paying for your RTW trip with airline miles instead of cash, it should be booked ASAP regardless of the cabin of service, as available seats are limited.

Airlines don't open up booking a flight until 10 months/300 days before the day of flying.

http://www.farecompare.com/articles/when%E2%80%A6

Please check:

Tips:

a- use flexible dates

b- use alternative airports

http://www.airbrokers.com/html/around_the_world_ti...

http://www.airtreks.com/

http://www.cheapoair.com/

http://www.kayak.com/

http://www.orbitz.com/

http://www.expedia.com/default.asp

http://www.bing.com/travel/

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/

http://www.cheapair.com/