Pakistan International Airlines Baggage Policy Overview
Carry-On Baggage
Economy/Economy Plus: One carry-on bag, max 7 kg (15 lbs), dimensions up to 115 cm (45 in, 55 x 38 x 22 cm or 22 x 14 x 9 in, including handles/wheels). Plus one personal item (e.g., purse, briefcase, laptop bag) that fits under the seat.
Business Class: One carry-on bag, max 12 kg (26 lbs), same dimensions, plus one small briefcase or bag, max 5 kg (11 lbs).
Infants (under 2 years, no seat): Reasonable baby food/milk/formula for flight duration. One foldable stroller, car seat, or carrycot free, checked or gate-checked. No carry-on allowance unless specified.
Liquids, Aerosols, Gels (LAGs): Containers up to 100 ml in a 1-liter transparent, resealable plastic bag (max 20 x 20 cm). Duty-free liquids in sealed security bags allowed with proof of purchase. No liquids/gels/perfumes/creams allowed in carry-on, or they will be confiscated at security.
Notes: Strict checks at Karachi (KHI), Islamabad (ISB), and Lahore (LHE); measuring boxes used at gates. Oversized/overweight bags sent to hold with fees (~$50–$100 USD per leg). Bulkhead seats lack under-seat storage during takeoff/landing.
Checked Baggage
Max Limits: Each bag up to 32 kg (70 lbs), max 158 cm (62 in, length + width + height). Bags >32 kg or >158 cm sent via cargo.
Weight Concept (Most Routes, except USA/Canada):
Economy: 30 kg (66 lbs), typically 1 piece; above 30 kg, 2 pieces allowed.
Executive Economy: 40–50 kg (88–110 lbs), max 2 pieces.
Business Class: 40 kg (88 lbs), max 2 pieces.
Infants: 10 kg (22 lbs), max 115 cm (45 in).
From UK (Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow): Economy 40 kg (88 lbs, max 2 pieces, each ≤30 kg); Executive Economy 50 kg (110 lbs).
Piece Concept (USA/Canada):
Economy: 2 pieces, each max 23 kg (50 lbs).
Business Class: 2 pieces, each max 28 kg (62 lbs).
Infants: 1 piece, max 10 kg (22 lbs).
Children (2+ years): Same allowance as adults.
PIA Awards Plus+ Members: Emerald/Sapphire/Diamond tiers may receive excess baggage discounts, but not on USA/Canada routes.
Notes: Baggage combining allowed within limits (e.g., two 15 kg bags for 30 kg allowance). Codeshare/interline flights follow operating carrier’s rules (e.g., Turkish Airlines).
Excess Baggage Fees (One-Way)
Weight Concept:
Domestic: ~PKR 250 (~$1 USD) per kg over 20 kg.
International: ~$8–$25 USD per kg, route-dependent.
Piece Concept:
Extra piece (≤28 kg): ~$100–$200 USD, route-dependent.
Overweight (23–32 kg): ~$50–$150 USD per piece.
Prepaid Baggage: Purchase ≥5 kg (in 5 kg increments) >4h before departure, PIA booking offices, or travel agents for up to 20% savings. Refundable without charge for ticket reissuance.
Notes: Fees cumulative for overweight/oversized. Check exact rates.
Special Baggage
Sports Equipment (e.g., Golf Equipment): Free if within allowance (≤32 kg, ≤158 cm). Excess fees: 50% of standard excess baggage rate in piece concept (~$50–$100 USD); IATA rates apply in weight concept. Golf equipment includes one bag and one pair of shoes. Pre-book >48h via Contact Centre.
Musical Instruments: Within carry-on limits (≤7 kg Economy, ≤12 kg Business, ≤115 cm) or checked (≤32 kg, ≤158 cm). Larger instruments require extra seat (same fare, max 75 kg) or cargo. Pre-book >48h.
Pets: Dogs, cats, reptiles, household birds in cargo hold only, max 35 x 23 x 40 in (89 x 58 x 102 cm), with valid health certificate and entry permits. Fees: Standard excess baggage rates (~$100–$200 USD). Pets to UK accepted as cargo only. Pre-book >48h via Contact Centre.
Wheelchairs/Mobility Devices: Free, no weight limit, with >48h notice (min 1h 15m before departure). On-board wheelchairs available. Batteries disconnected, terminals protected.
Strollers/Car Seats/Carrycots: Free for infants, checked or gate-checked, not counted in allowance.
Notes: Pre-book special baggage. Limited liability for fragile items; insurance recommended. Label baggage with contact details.
Carry-On Baggage: Sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors >6 cm), firearms, stun devices, toy weapons, liquids/gels/creams >100 ml (except LAGs bag). One lighter allowed in transparent bag or on person.
Notes: Liquid medications allowed in carry-on if declared. Drones allowed in checked baggage (batteries ≤100 Wh in carry-on). Check destination restrictions (e.g., UK, UAE). Remove old baggage tags.
Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage
Reporting: File Property Irregularity Report (PIR) immediately at airport baggage desk or within 7 days (damage/loss) or 21 days (delay). Retain tickets, baggage tags, receipts, and PIR. Limited release tags used for damaged/fragile baggage limit airline liability.
Liability: Max 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (~$1,800 USD) unless higher value declared. No liability for fragile, valuable, or perishable items.
