Originally Posted by
aarif1
I hope it's ok to create a new topic for this; all the existing threads seem fairly specific to the OPs.
I've never used rewards miles to fly anywhere, so I'd like some advice on my first attempt. I currently have over 80k Continental Onepass miles, and hope to have 75k or 150k AAdvantage miles (I think I just made it in on the Citi offers).
My family is planning on taking a trip to Islamabad (ISB) next year, probably some time around March. My family will be traveling there separately from me, but I was hoping to use CO miles to get there (one ticket, possibly on Turkish, or possibly on a United partner like Emirates), and use AA to get back with my family (up to three tickets, on Etihad or Gulf). My dates are pretty flexible, but I'd like to stay there for around 2 weeks.
Now, how likely is it that there are even tickets available for this itinerary? Also, how early should I try to book these tickets? Our plans are still tentative right now, but I should have a solid range of dates soon(ish).
Any specific help or general advice would be appreciated.
Welcome to flyertalk. I see very little hope (didn't mean to dissapoint you) for what you have described mainly because no star alliance or oneworld airline fly directly to ISB. In 2008 I was able to use BA miles (BA used to fly ISB) but that also up to LHR and on-wards I had to purchase the tickets. I have tried a couple of times to use AA miles on Gulf but have never been successful. So good luck on your quest. Personally I have come to the conclusion to use US/Europe awards if you have any miles and for ISB go on Etihad with the family. Since they allow everyone to pool their miles into family membership, you can combine them all. For example from SFO to ISB, each member will earn around 18,000 miles. Since we are five people travelling so X 5 will be 90,000. This will get you pretty close to one free ticket.