Ask Alex: Alex McWhirter answers your travel queries.

Dear Alex,

Is it possible to avoid the US when booking a round-the-world (RTW) trip? We are booking another first class circuit soon using Oneworld member airlines and starting in Europe and heading for Australia via Asia. We then fly from Sydney to Santiago (Chile) then head north to San lose, Costa Rica. From there we want to fly back to London, missing out the US.

Our previous trips have involved American Airlines and British Airways via Miami. The alternative to missing out the US means taking Iberia via Madrid. But Iberia doesn't offer first class on this route. Does this carrier have flat-bed seats in business class?

Clive Whittall, Nice

ALEX REPLIES: Several …