is a pain in the ass. ALl airlines are booked and the price is over $1500. ANy tips?
If you just want one seat, then its weird that they are saying all flights are over-booked. Typically all airlines initially put you on waiting till they confirm all connecting flights.
Re: ticket price... yeah, it will be high. You can probably shave off a few dollars by opting for a cheaper middle-eastern airlines, or if you agree to go via Far East, but the extra hassle will just make it a bad choice.
yeah funguy, I tried to get PIA for chicago to isloo, but I cant come back before my classes start, which has put my plans in jeopardy. I cant even get a guy at the PIA mainframe to override that since the flight is closed... :( :(
Try Gulf Air. You'll make a stopover in Bahrain for a few hours. They are flexible and allow you to change your dates after booking as many times as you want without charging you.
Or, you can travel from Toronto rather than flying from the States. Over here, it costs the same amount ... $1,500.00 Canadian rather than U.S. Dollars. You'll save a bit that way. I don't know if that is a wise idea though with all the security measures.
One little tid bit of information I learned, do not pack any 34mm film in your luggage. The new x-ray equipment they have damages film but does not affect digital cameras. Carry any film in your hand luggage.
check out www.discountfares.com
Thanks for replying Faisal, Spock and Mehnaz. I wouldnt mind travelling via Toronto if I can get the dates.
CA, I tried your web site. It shows fares from Turkish, Emirates, American etc but when I click on Check for availability, it pulls a PIA travel agent reaction on me. Goes into an infinite loop of waiting without any answe. I guess my best right now is to purchase $1800 on British. It's just that I don't like eating SHepherds pie.
try cathaypacific. they were offering a pretty good package for asian countries.$999] hope they still have seats for dec.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by MehnazQ: *
One little tid bit of information I learned, do not pack any 34mm film in your luggage. The new x-ray equipment they have damages film but does not affect digital cameras. Carry any film in your hand luggage.
[/QUOTE]
I assume you have'nt flown before. These "new" x-rays have been around for years. You can protect your film by purchasing a special package from a camera store.
*Heart Beat * : Not valid for december.
hskhan, I have flown many times all over Europe and North America. I only heard about film being damaged after City TV did a special on it after 9/11.
Damage to camera film
New security screening can damage your camera film. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is deploying new screening equipment for checked baggage that will damage photographic film, but does not affect digital disks. The new checked baggage screening equipment is consistent with the types being deployed at airports in the U.S. and around the world. Passengers are advised to pack their film in carry-on baggage.
(The equipment used for carry-on baggage at pre-board screening areas will not damage film with an ISO/ASA under 800. However, multiple exposures of the same roll of film to a pre-board x-ray inspection may cause damage. Passengers may request a hand search at pre-board screening to avoid potential damage to film).
For more details visit the CATSA website.
http://www.aircanada.ca/services/luggage/ 
Personally, I have travelled many times with film in my checked in luggage and carry-on luggage. I’ve never had any problems in the past. Hopefully, I won’t in the future.
hmmm… did i ask for camera fil and x-rays at airport?.
I dont think so.
Oh hush. I was simply sharing with you a tid bit of information I recently learned that I thought you may find useful. Next time I won’t bother. 
funguy, I don't know how it is this year but couple of years ago (2001) I bought a ticket on Dec 23rd that cost me a little less than $1400. If you can make your dates a bit more flexible around the time you are travelling then try that and may be you can get better deal. For example, most of the people want to leave before Xmass. If you catch a flight after Xmass then there is a chance that you can get a relatively better price.
im paying about $1800+ to go in december :( its honestly ridiculous... and singapore airlines wont fly over india to get to pakistan... so gotta go on Thai.... aaagh!
Mehnazo, :D... was juss playing with ya. Good tip but I got a digi.
sadzz, $1800 Australian dollars? That's cheap.
Roman. dude I don't go to Pakistan for fun. It's a need and I am not flexible with dates. It has to be before x-mas.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by funguy: *
sadzz, $1800 Australian dollars? That's cheap.
[/QUOTE]
u reckon? i dunno.... the rest of my fam are going for $1370.... i guess cus its closer from here...
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by funguy: *
Roman. dude I don't go to Pakistan for fun. It's a need and I am not flexible with dates. It has to be before x-mas.
[/QUOTE]
hmmm baaat pakki hoa gayee kya beerRoo?
i haven't paid more than $1200 ever.... just make sure it's not Eid etc and you should be able to find something.. Chicago has many desi agents.. in fact once i bought a ticket from an agent in Chicago to travel from Houston.. your best bet is Kuwait Airlines..
You may also try and fly into Karachi and then find your way to wherever in Pakistan you're headed.
Oh PA bhaijaan, PIA waloN say baat pakki kerna itni assaan tau nahee naa. They don't put a laddoo in your mouth until you show up at their check-in counter. And then it's so late you just wana grab the laddoo and stick it up theat guy with moustaches frowning behind the counter.
i'm traveling on emirates for $1200.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by TUMS: *
i'm traveling on emirates for $1200.
[/QUOTE]
Emirates is tops if you book in advance.
But funguy... there is a ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLAINE
it is not so royal... but has remarkably cheap rates.
I am paying $1450 from New York -Islamabad, this December:konfused: