Pakistan International Airlines allows you to bring one piece of carry-on up to 7 kg (Economy) or 12 kg (Business) , plus a small personal item. For checked bags, a 20 kg to 30 kg allowance is standard for domestic and international routes, and up to 40 kg for routes like the UK.
In this detailed guide, I will cover everything you need to know about PIA baggage allowance, including carry-on size and weight limits, checked baggage rules, excess baggage fees, and oversized luggage.
What Is Pakistan International Airlines Carry-on Baggage?
When flying with Pakistan International Airlines, you can bring hand baggage into the cabin, but it must meet the airline’s size and weight restrictions.
How Strict Is Pakistan International Airlines With Carry-on Baggage?
PIA allows passengers traveling in Economy and Executive Economy to bring one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 7 kg (15.4 lbs).
Your carry-on bag must not exceed these dimensions:
Height: 55 cm (22 inches)
Width: 38 cm (15 inches)
Length: 22 cm (9 inches)
Total dimensions: 115 cm (45 inches)
These measurements include the bag’s wheels, handles, and external pockets.
Make sure your bag meets both the size and weight limits.
Even if your carry-on is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment, it may not be accepted if it weighs more than 7 kg.
Does PIA Allow a Personal Item?
PIA’s published baggage guide specifies a 7 kg cabin baggage allowance but does not clearly confirm a separate personal item allowance with an additional weight limit.
If you want to bring a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack in addition to your carry-on, check with PIA before your flight.
PIA also lists certain items, including one laptop, a baby pushchair, and a wheelchair, under its free baggage provisions, subject to the applicable rules.
Don’t assume that you can bring two full-size bags into the cabin just because other airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item.
What Is Pakistan International Airlines Checked Baggage
PIA’s checked baggage allowance depends on your destination, direction of travel, cabin class, and ticket conditions.
Unlike some airlines that offer the same baggage allowance on all international flights, PIA uses both the weight and piece concepts.
This means your ticket may show a total weight allowance, a specific number of bags, or both.
How Much Checked Baggage Can You Take on PIA?
The following are examples of baggage allowances published by PIA for selected routes:
Route
Economy Class
Executive Economy
Dubai / Sharjah to Pakistan
30 kg (1 piece)
35 kg (2 pieces)
Pakistan to Dubai / Sharjah
30 kg (1 piece)
35 kg (1 piece)
Jeddah/Medina to Pakistan
40 kg (2 pieces)
45 kg (2 pieces)
Pakistan to Jeddah / Medina (Umrah)
36 kg
40 kg
These are examples, not a complete list of PIA routes. Other destinations may have different allowances.
For example, passengers flying from Pakistan to Jeddah or Medina on a non-Umrah ticket may have a different allowance from passengers traveling for Umrah.
Always take a look the baggage allowance printed on your ticket or e-ticket receipt before packing.
It shows the allowance that applies to your particular booking.
What Is the Maximum Checked Baggage Size on PIA?
PIA’s published maximum dimension for standard checked baggage is 158 cm (62 inches) in total.
To calculate your bag’s linear dimensions, add its height, width, and length:
Height + Width + Length = Total dimensions.
For example, a suitcase measuring 70 × 50 × 38 cm has total dimensions of 158 cm.
The same applies to 62 linear inches.
Bags that are above the permitted dimensions may need to be repacked, and oversized or irregularly shaped luggage may be refused at check-in.
What Is Pakistan International Airlines Excess, Overweight and Oversized Baggage?
If your luggage exceeds your free baggage allowance, you’ll need to pay an additional baggage charge.
The amount depends on your route, the extra weight or pieces, and the applicable PIA baggage rules.
How Much Does Extra Baggage Cost on PIA?
PIA offers passengers the option to purchase additional baggage in advance at discounted rates on selected domestic and international routes.
You can purchase additional baggage:
Online through PIA.
At PIA booking offices.
Through authorized sales agents and travel agents.
Advance baggage purchases are available from the time you book your ticket until four hours before departure.
You can purchase a minimum of 5 kg of additional baggage, followed by additional amounts in multiples of 5 kg.
The maximum amount depends on your route.
If you wait until less than four hours before departure, standard excess baggage charges will apply.
Additional baggage prices can change and vary by route. Check the amount displayed during the booking or purchase process before paying.
What Happens If Your Baggage Is Overweight?
If your suitcase weighs more than the allowance shown on your ticket, PIA may charge you for the excess weight.
You may also need to pay additional charges if you bring more bags than your ticket allows.
Remember that PIA uses both weight and piece concepts, so having enough unused baggage weight doesn’t automatically mean you can bring another suitcase without paying an additional fee.
Can You Bring Oversized Baggage on PIA?
PIA may accept oversized baggage, but acceptance depends on its dimensions, shape, packaging, and available aircraft capacity.
This is what the airlines says:
Standard checked bags should not go over 158 cm / 62 inches in total dimensions.
Oversized or irregularly shaped luggage may be refused.
Oversized suitcases or boxes may require additional handling charges.
Cartons must be properly packed, sealed, and secured.
Oversized baggage acceptance is subject to operational feasibility.
PIA also lists special handling arrangements for certain oversized items, including televisions.
If you’re planning to travel with a large suitcase, television, or unusual item, contact PIA before arriving at the airport.
What Is Pakistan International Airlines Special Baggage Allowances?
PIA also lists certain items under its baggage provisions, including:
One laptop.
Up to 5 liters of Zamzam water.
Baby pushchairs.
Wheelchairs.
Sports kits, subject to the applicable rules.
However, special baggage allowances may have additional conditions depending on your route and ticket.
If you’re traveling with sports equipment, medical equipment, or musical instruments, contact PIA in advance to confirm the applicable requirements and charges.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan International Airlines offers a 7 kg hand baggage allowance, while its checked baggage allowance varies depending on your destination, direction of travel, and travel class.
Before packing, check your ticket for the exact number of checked bags and the permitted weight.
If you need more luggage, consider purchasing additional baggage in advance, as this may cost less than paying at the airport.
You can also visit PIA’s official Baggage Guide for the latest baggage information.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
