PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Ian Monier-Williams
12 November 2006

Internal Pakistan flights Karachi to Lahore to Islamabad to Karachi business. Well organised flights, good cabin, friendly and efficient staff. Business plus service, with checkin at the car drop point and a porter to take you and your bag to the lounge, is an excellent idea. Overall PIA impressed me with planes, cabin and service.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Mohammad Ali Dada
5 November 2006

My mother flew into LHR with an open return ticket. PIA refused to confirm return seats on any Heathrow flight which required me to change her return journey on the new Stanted flight PK 774 on 04 November. In an era of paperless tickets, PIA also insisted that I would have to visit their office to allow them to make a change. Called up PIA on the day of the flight only to be informed that the flight had now been cancelled and the passengers had all been booked onto the PK 788 on 05 November flight. Nobody from PIA bothered to call us to inform that the flight had been cancelled. Basically PIA cancelled the flight they had more or less persuaded me to select as it was the only confirmed seat they could offer. Not sure if the convenience of being the only non-stop option between London and Karachi is coping with the disgraceful customer service. Its so appropriate that PIA has dropped its slogan of 'Great People to Fly with' to a desperately worded 'Come Fly With Us'. Never again!

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Mohammed Iqbal
8 July 2006

YYZ-ISB-LHE-YYZ. Tickets were Economy Plus on the new Boeing 777-240LR. Leaving Toronto, flight was on time, courteous staff, excellent food, in-flight entertainment was working, and the level of service was amazing. Economy Plus seats were the same as Economy, but service enhancements (Separate check-in counters, food, and the extra attention by the cabin crew).

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Yasser Abbass
10 May 2006

LHR-KHI (and supposedly - LHR). London to Karachi and although this was a business trip, was purchased economy seats from the company who paid for my ticket. I was not fussed as although this was a business trip lasting 2 weeks, I have family in Pakistan so managed to schedule some time to meet them too. I specifically asked for a seat with leg room (which I was informed had been reserved) as I am 6ft 2 inches tall and when I checked in at the airport was informed that I had been given the seat next to the emergency door (wide leg space area). I was pleased about that. Once I got to my seat, I was amazed to see that the flight was overcrowded. In the jump seats in front of me, they sat down two kids in their teens and when I questioned them as to why they were seated there (restricting me of the leg room), I was informed that they were the Pilot's very good friend's kids who had been squeezed onto the flight by the pilot (who was doing his friend a special favour). I was extremely irate. The flight was scheduled to take off at 20:00hrs and we managed to finally fly 90 minutes later. My seat was right next to the toilets, as you can then imagine it was a disaster flight for me. There was no view of the projector screen which was several meters ahead of me. It did not tempt me to reach for the hard rough plastic earphones (with no ear cushioning) that had been given to me earlier and place them into the earphone plug socket on my armrest (which was positioned in such an awkward position on the arm-rest itself that I would have had to stand up in order to insert them and risk snapping them when I sat back down) and risk causing pain on my ears (by placing the earphones or even listening to what was being played). Within an hour or so after take off PIA started to serve the food. I must say although it is difficult for the flight attendants to get past the aisle as their were people constantly walking up and down for no reasons (and that was not just the children but adults too) they did a fair job and managed to serve the food and drink in ample time. The food was nice. As dinner had been served people decided to use the toilet. Naturally, however those who could not use the toilets (due to them being occupied) decided to queue right next to my seat and congregate in the (now restricted, thanks to those kids in the jump seat) emergency escape area where I was sitting. I remember thinking to myself that I would never fly PIA again (I have flown them before on family visits to Pakistan) as no matter what happens, it never gets better but can get a whole lot worse. The next thing I remember is that I woke up to the same level of noise however daylight was coming in from the windows. I asked the passenger next to me if they had served breakfast to which he replied "YES". I did not mind that I wasn't woken for breakfast, I got some sleep so it was a fair trade. Within seconds after landing I heard seat belts being unfastened and people starting to open the overhead storage compartments. The attendants really have no control. However they do try their best. My return did not take place on a PIA flight. I cancelled and flew back by Gulf.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Marianna Keen
25 March 2006

Business + return between Heathrow and Islamabad Check-in at Heathrow posed no problem, and they actually let me take 13 kg over my allowance of 50 kg. The shared first class lounge was excellent. The service on board was very nice, with refreshments on arrival. The entertainment didnt work on the outbound flight, although it was fine on the way back. Crew were lovely, I had 1A on both ways, which was a lone seat so I didn't have to sit next to anyone. Islamabad airport is an absolute nightmare - but thats not PIA. Well worth paying the extra for Business+, thoroughly recommend the airline.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by M Robinson
18 March 2006

LHR-LHE-LHR Economy Plus. I decided to fly PIA because they had reduced their fares and it is a direct flight to Lahore which does make all the difference especially when you're expecting to arrive in temperatures of over 40c. Security, post 7/7, regarding PIA flights from the UK has obviously been increased dramatically. Nearly all men on the flight were subjected to some form of questioning at the departures gate by customs officials. It delayed the departure by about 20 mins. My suspicions though about my economy plus seat were raised when I notice that the plane wasn't a 747 and there was clearly no upper deck where I had been assured that the economy plus seats were located. When I was shown to my seat I simply couldn't believe my eyes - it was a standard economy seat. A section of the economy seats at the front of the cabin had been curtained off and were designated as 'Economy Plus'. I was appalled and felt cheated. The cabin staff simply didn't understand what I was going on about and couldn't care less. The inflight entertainment didn't work either. It was a long and uncomfortable 8 hours to Lahore. The only thing that kept me going was knowing that some street-side halwa puri for breakfast awaited me once I left Lahore airport. The service in the flight was ok though the staff seemed tired and miserable. The food though was quite tasty and in typical hospitable Pakistani fashion it was never-ending! Pakistanis never seem to astound me with their generosity. The flight back to the UK was a complete contrast. The plane was a 747 and the upper deck seats were fairly comfortable though the interior of the plane was in great need of refurbishment. It looked and felt old. It makes all the difference. On board security was lax though - the door to the pilots cockpit was endlessly opening and on a couple of occasions was visibly ajar while seemingly unattended. Anyone could have gone in there. Overall, the comfort of flying direct is a big bonus. But that is the only thing that would make me fly with PIA. It fails to live up to its competitors in every other aspect. And frankly, I'm still furious about being sold a seat that didn't exist. I've flown a few times with PIA inside Pakistan from Islamabad to Lahore and it was generally fine - if you can cope with the horror that is Islamabad airport! A new one is being built and if its similar to Lahore airport it'll be a marked improvement. Very dull with nothing to do but certainly better.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Nadim Alam
15 March 2006

LHE-KHI Economy Plus. Pleasant check in at Business Counter. The plane wasn't the scheduled 747-300 but Airbus A310. Pretty full. Inflight entertainment seat unit didn't work, no head set given either. The seats were 3x3x3 format and had safety cards for the 777! Food hot and acceptable but normal standard fare of pilau rice, chicken, gulab jaman, salad, yoghurt.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by M S Sheikh
17 January 2006

My wife and I travelled to Lahore P class. This time I bought the tickets very early and was able to secure 91 A&B seats. These are emergency exit door seats and hence with miles of legroom. But I was still disappointed. These seats have the Audio/Video controls on the side of the armrests. This makes the seats narrow. Further the L shaped AV plug, when in its socket, digs into the side of your upper leg. London-Lahore passengers pay £100.00 more than London-Karachi passengers but they travel in 747-300 as compared to 747-200. The former has more seats on the upper deck than the latter and thus very small legroom. Cabin staff was young, pleasant and courteous but the food was awful. We are now considering carrying our own food when we fly PIA. On both, out and in flights, water dripped from above on passengers at the time of landing. There was no early baggage delivery, hot or cold towel, selected menu choices or complimentary amenity kit as promised by PIA “P” class blurb!

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Nadim Alam
21 December 2005

Recent KHI - LHE domestic flight after flying in from the UK. Flight was overbooked. I had an E TICKET in Econ + that was booked online, and cancelled by the time I had got to Karachi! Its a case of who you know when the stampede starts for standby pax. I was told that my agent had made an incorrect booking hence the seat going. I was in the know and got onto the flight at the last moment. No complaints with the flight, just the way they operate. Perhaps someone could have advised me, as their call centre did say, seats would only be held for 3 days.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Mohammad Hussain
13 September 2005

For past 3 years monthly flights between ISB-CPH and occasionally between ISB-MAN. ISB-CPH is hardly ever delayed while some delays experienced on ISB-MAN. Never lost baggage. Economy Plus is worth the price-difference. Economy Plus is often not full which provides ample room for sleeping across 3-4 seats (and thus often more comfortable than Club class). Plenty of leg-room. Food is good but gets trivial on frequent flying. Main objection is washrooms in Economy class. They are nice and clean at take-off but soon tissues are lying everywhere on the floor, the sink etc.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Nessar Hussain
1 July 2005

LHR-LHE economy, KHI-LHR economy plus for rtn. Outbound experience with wife and two children was surprisingly good. Food was tasty. Inflight service was attentive and caring, male stewards better then female (who seemed to regard passengers as an inconvenience). IFE was working most of the time. No kids packs (not good). Return flight was nice surprise: plus points would be spacious seats, nice food, kids served first, clean interior, attentive stewards/ stewardesses. Negative points would be, non maintained IFE system (no sound), no PTV screens, no kids packs. Good toiletry pack but would have been better if given at start of flight instead of after landing!

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by M Sheikh

25 April 2005

I have flown to Lahore from London by Pakistan International Airline at least once a year for a number of years. PIA used to be a good carrier on both international and domestic routes but for many years its services both on land and in the air are a disgrace. Often check in staff is not aware of frequent changes in the PIA baggage allowance and they are inefficient and rude. Having said that, in my experience of about thirty trips to Pakistan from London and about 15 flights within Pakistan, PIA has never lost my baggage. Full marks to PIA for that. If only PIA would look after its passengers as well as it looks after their baggage it would have a high place in airlines league table. I am a 67-year-old 17 stone 6ft 4in tall person. The usual legroom in PIA Economy class between seats is too small for me. With the passing years it is becoming more and more difficult and uncomfortable for me to sit in cramped conditions in Economy or even P class. The few seats with good legroom in the economy class are never available for ordinary passengers like me. They are blocked for friends and families of PIA staff or to oblige someone special. No amount of direct, advance, written or recorded requests, pleas or approaches have ever secured me the seat with legroom in the Economy class. When PIA introduced P class with “more personal space” and promised many more goodies I thought my problem was over and I went for it although the “nominal” extra cost for the benefits was about 40% more than the economy fare. But it was still a disappointment in every respect especially the legroom aspect. PIA told me that it was the wrong version of 747 by which I had flow to Lahore implying that I should travel by the right version as if I have control over which aircraft I fly in. Having been disappointed by the more personal space promise in P class hype in 2004 I decided to travel by Club class in 2005. It was not that I wanted to travel in PIA luxury or can afford it but I flew Club class only because it offers very generous legroom. The anticipated PIA Club class luxury was the icing on the cake. But yet again I was disappointed. On way to Lahore my entertainment equipment was not working and on way back my lights were out of order. The food was cold though plenty. I suppose PIA’s desire to look posh was responsible for the cold food. I guess that the heated food is served differently in the two classes. The Economy class is served the heated food in heated and still sealed containers whereas for Club class the food is emptied into serving dishes first and then into the passenger’s china. I suspect that this transfer first of heated food into serving dishes is responsible for the food getting cold. I would prefer hot food in a reasonable container to cold food in china any time.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Shahid Anjum

12 April 2005

PIA from LHR-KWi on the upper deck economy plus+ seat and was impressed. Ample legroom and food was top notch. The entertainment system and especially the pa system should be improved. The urdu seems fine but when the hostess speaks English, it is a bit of a struggle. Coming back from Lahore after the initial routine hassles at the airport, the flight was fine. Although no inflight magazines were available, the flight was on time and there were no blocked toilets - which is usually accustomed to PIA. but only thing is in this route inside the flight no entertainment.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Alan Solomon

19 January 2005

Flown several domestic flights, and almost every year Toronto-Manchester-Islamabad. The flight is very comfortable, and PIA pilots have one of the smoothest take-offs and landings. They have never lost/delayed my baggage which is a frequent occurence with Air Canada or Emirates. The in-flight entertainment is satisfactory, meals are good and they will not starve you like European carriers. Attendants could lose some weight. Flights are generally delayed 20-30 minutes, but amazingly they always arrive on or before scheduled time.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Kurt Müller

15 November 2004

KHI-LHE on PK302 on 10/11 and return on PK305 on 11/11 in Economy Plus. Both flights excellent in terms of cabin appearance, crew enthusiasm and meals. However, in both instances, the overall experience was totally marred by the indifferent and clearly contemptuous baggage handling. In Lahore, I waited for more than 30 minutes for my suitcase, while low cost carrier Air Blue landed 5 minutes later and had all baggage delivered on the neighbouring belt 10 minutes prior to mine. The return flight was even worse - not only did delivery of the baggage take more than 30 minutes, but at first I thought my case had been lost as it had not appeared on the by now stopped belt. Upon closer inspection I found my suitcase stuck half-way through the hole in the wall. It had obviously been the last item and the brainless baggage crew had switched off the belt without allowing for all cases and bags to be conveyed into the baggage claim area.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Sohail Ashraf

20 September 2004

LHE-KHI-BAH: Beginning Sept. 04, my wife was to travel with my 18-month old son to Bahrain. Owing to end-of-vacation rush she had to choose PIA travelling via Karachi. The problem is that PIA treats its LHE-KHI passengers as 'domestic' passengers. Therefore the poor lady had to first receive her luggage from domestic arrival and then move a floor up to to international departure. This is highly inconvenient for any person let alone a lady or an elderly one. In my suggestion, PIA must arrange for transit facility at Karachi airport for upcountry passengers. Otherwise, flying out of Lahore by Middle Eastern airlines will continue to be better choice.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Kurt Müller

30 August 2004

DEL-LHE on PK271 and LHE-KHI on PK 307, both in Y class. There could not be any greater inconsistency in the product offered by one carrier. Despite this being an international flight, the DEL-LHE experience was disappointing, with a very old B737 sporting a totally run down interior and offering what may to many would be a decidedly poor first impression of Pakistan. The cabin crew were reasonably efficient albeit not exactly enthusiastic, serving pre-flight soft drinks to bridge a minor delay (late passengers, last-minute baggage identification) and an in-flight snack. (At least two fellow travellers at the all-Economy check inquired about purchasing C-class seats but were informed there would be only Y-class seating on this flight. As it happened, there was indeed a C-class cabin which seemed to be occupied entirely by non-revenue pax). What world of difference on the domestic Airbus 310 flight from LHE-KHI! Despite this also being an aircraft with a couple of years of service behind it, the interior was superb, both in its design and its presentation. With every single seat taken and a 10 p.m. departure, cabin crew at all times extremely polite and eager to please, serving a hot dinner with a choice of two menus (Pakistani or Western). Based on this and numerous previous domestic flights with PIA, I can only say that they are far superior in terms of service and catering to almost all intra-European (let alone US) flights. It is a mystery to me why their international service is not of a similarly high standard.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by David Richardson

24 May 2004

I flew on PIA on 15 May from Dhaka to Karachi. A fellow passenger was using a mobile phone during the flight and when I raised this with the cabin crew theY initially said it was ok as long as we weren't taking off/landing. When I then asked to see the captain they reluctantly spoke to the passenger concerned. The crew seemed unAware of the risk to safety of interference to navigation equipment and the possible consequences of this. Perhaps a section of your website for the worst safety ?

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Nadim Alam

24 May 2004

KHI-LHE. Flight 3 hours late, despite changing 2 planes as well as the original 747. Seats were very cramped in the time I was in the original plane. The normal 30 mins delay from the cabin staff normally means 2 hours plus if you didn't know. Once offloaded, the staff were trying to find a replacement plane, as the 2nd one left the jetty and came back.. Staff were heard to say we cant find another plane, which I found highly amusing, as it was a 747 they were looking for. The 3rd plane was OK, typical sandwich and tea fare for food. That was the first time I flew PIA after some 3 years flying Business Class on Emirates. Nothing has changed.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by Nadir Sharif

5 May 2004

I have only flown PIA on the Lahore-New York route, having made the trip both ways a couple of times. I find PIA to be the best option considering my budget and their service. PIA will take you between these cities in about 18 hours almost non-stop (only one stop of about an hour in Manchester, GB) There is no limit on baggage as long as it is cabin size and you can carry two bags up to 32 kg in the luggage hold. In-flight entertainment is also offered (only on this route though). The food is pretty good. Some times it can be tough to cope with neighboring passengers, but being a Pakistani, I manage well. I do suggest though that they improve toilet facilities.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by M Abrar

29 April 2004

I have flown with PIA several time in the last 3 years LHR - ISB. Their service cannot compare with Gulf or Emirates. So why fly with them? I did not want a Middle East stopover of several hours and the baggage allowance of 40 Kg was useful. One of the things that has surprised me about service on PIA flights is how variable it can be. On one flight the main meal comprised a sandwich which a goat might have found palatable (that was the only long-haul flight I have EVER been on where I left the plane hungry), yet on other flights meals have actually been quite tasty. The FAs do not do this job because they want to serve the customers; they do it as it is seen as a high status job in Pakistan. Some of them are quite arrogant, but I have found most to be friendly although not to the extent that they will go out of their way to do anything beyond the call of duty for the passengers. Having said that, they do have to deal mostly with Pakistanis, many of whom do not make pleasant passengers. Even knowing about the service and food, I travelled with them because of the convenience of a no- stop flight and baggage allowance. They have now surpassed themselves in ensuring customers are inconvenienced. When you get to ISB airport, you find that there are several international flights leaving within intervals of about half an hour. This in an airport that can barely cope with one flight at a time. Couple this with corrupt customs officials after bribes, ridiculously long queues (two and a half hours to check in!), check-in staff who work as though rapid movement might hurt them and who allow friends etc to bypass the queues, you have a very unpleasant experience. One problem is the lack of competition, Only PIA and BA fly this sector non-stop. BA offer 2 inches less seat pitch and only 20Kg allowance. And there is no competition on price. At least they’ve got a few new 777s – about time too. Staff accountability would be a nice next step.

PIA Pakistan Int'l review by K Müller

29 April 2004

Flew KHI-LHE on 26/4 and LHE-KHI on 27/4 in PIA's "Economy Plus" class. Both flights on 747 equipment, with "Economy Plus" cabin on upper deck. Excellent leg room and - for a domestic service - generous meals (full cooked breakfast on outward leg, and light afternoon meal on return). Above all, both flights spot on time wise. Although personal TV screens were fitted, there was no IFE available.

Pakistan Int'l - by Zeshan Riaz

28 April 2004

A reply to Martin Hathaway's comment - used to be the case with PIA and their timetables, but you will find the new website is much improved and has got real time updates - including seat availability and flight status. You can also view the status of your own booking on their website - although I am not sure that how safe it is to allow that information through the website without any password! In recent years have seen a great improvement on their flights London-Lahore-London and travel on that route at least once every year.

Pakistan Int'l - by Martin Hathaway

25 April 2004

Further to my recent message and Mr. Wilding's message regarding being sold a ticket for a flight that did not exist I must report that PIA's web site is frequently out of date. Three years ago I planned a trip to Pakistan with the aid of their website. I wanted to fly Islamabad-Gilgit, Chitral- Peshawar and Peshawar Lahore. From the website I noted the flight numbers and departure and arrival times. At the travel agent it transpired that all three flights had been rescheduled! Out of date schedules are about as useful as a bucket with a hole! Being fair I have to say that the website is otherwise better than average. I especially like the facility that shows all flights for the whole week of a given date. The websites of most of the best airlines do not feature this thus making use of the websites a trial and error process. Worse you may not know if such a flight even exists.

Pakistan Int'l - by Paul Wilding

10 April 2004

Bangkok to London Return. Flight to London went fine but a couple of weeks later when I phoned to reconfirm the return flight I was told it does not exist. The people in Bangkok had booked it using old schedules. Al they could other was a new flight a few days later with a night in a hotel in Karachi. On the flight to Karachi I told a steward what had happened and he told me there was no flight out of Karachi the following day. Arrived at the airport and was taken to the office where I was assured it did exist and given a ticket for the flight, sent to a grotty hotel and told I'd be called 4 hours before the flight. 3 hours before the flight they rang, I was told there was no flight. I would have to wait another day and fly from Islamabad. The next day was put on a domestic flight to Islamabad and issued with tickets on a new flight to Bangkok that did exist finally. Checked in for the flight and was asked to pay departure tax, $50. Politely I told them I was a transit passenger, the victim of their airline's incompetence and hadn't even been in their country. Instantly I was screamed at and abused. I asked to see the manager and was refused. Finally after refusing to budge he opened his door, 50ft away and from there swore at me and slammed it. Finally when I paid the tax I was refused a receipt and had to call a policeman to get one.

Pakistan Int'l - by Balal Ahmed

8 April 2004

LHR - LHE - LHR last month on PIA. Outbound - Economy Return Economy+. Both outbound and return flights were on the Saturday flight. This flight is usually fully packed all the way to the back of economy and it shows in the service. Opt for the Wednesday flight instead. LHR-LHE : Firstly I have to say that the check in service at Heathrow has improved since PIA started enforcing a 'passengers only to the desk policy'. This has made check in much less congested. LHR check in was smooth and efficient no problems at all. One observation is that PIA always seem to get the gates that are a long walk from the lounge, possibly due to them renting a cheaper slot ? so far so good. Once in the plane, the problems started, power cut (Yes power cut on the ground) , rude staff, grubby presentation aircraft presentation, smelly blankets, broken seats, No headphones. The flight, however, left and arrived bang on time. LHE-LHR : Poor check-in staff, but was prepared for that anyway and is a given, Plane was much cleaner and staff were much better, food was good, Headphones provided this time. Flight was overbooked and luggage had to be offloaded hence 30 min departure delay, but flight arrived on time. Overall, PIA lack the polished effect of a professional airline. There is just that 'little something' missing that makes the experience a disappointment. Take-offs and landings were silky smooth both times which is reassuring in a fully loaded massive 747. My advice, fly PIA if you don't want the hasslel of a transfer, If you don't mind stopovers/plane changes go for one of the Middle Eastern alternatives.

Pakistan Int'l - by Martin Hathaway

4 April 2004

PIA have been operating for nearly 60 years so they have had more than enough time to get it right, Virgin got it right in their first year, its as simple as that. All airlines get things wrong occasionally but PIA get it wrong far too often, I put this down to a bad attitude at government and executive level. As a European I accept that meals that are appealing to Pakistanis may not be so to others. Also I accept the reserve Muslim women show to males and especially non Muslim males. Talking with fellow travellers (British Pakistanis) during my last visit two things became abundantly clear; Emirates are more reliable and less expensive and the only advantage with PIA is a direct service. Secondly PIA's International service has improved greatly since the western airlines cancelled their Pakistan services post 9/11.

Pakistan Int'l - by Atif Darr

7 March 2004

I booked a flight for my wife and 18 month year old son for Manchester - Lahore. Even though it was £100 more expensive than Emirates I still made this choice as PIA is 'supposedly' a direct flight and my wife was 2 months pregnant and in the 'throws of morning sickness'. We arrived at the airport only to discover that the flight was delayed by 14 hrs! Luckily we live near the airport so it was not too great an inconvenience for ourselves and we were half expecting a delay as my mother had travelled 2 months earlier and her flight was delayed by the same amount of time. We arrived back at the airport at the ungodly hour of 4:00am the next morning. My wife went to the gate and I waited for her call to tell me that she was boarding the plane. However, all was not well the flight now was delayed a further 5 hours! My wife was literally in tears! and I was helpless to do anything as airport security would not allow her back from the departure lounge. She was in no condition to to after our son for an additional 5 hours prior to boarding the flight. Alas there was nothing I could do apart from swearing that I would never fly PIA again. For Heaven's sake the whole point of her going to Pakistan was to receive some TLC due to a difficult pregnancy and also having to look after our son at the same time. I was cursing PIA under my breath as I walked out of the airport. And as I did so as I reached the airport exit I noticed the flight times board. This flight would not fly directly to Lahore, but would firstly land in Karachi adding a further 3 hours to the journey time! That truly was the icing on the cake!!! So in summary what was due to be an 8 hour flight turned out to be a projected 27 hour mammoth expedition!!!! I say projected as she has not landed yet so I do not know the full extent of the damage! The moral of this tale is do not fly PIA, do not let your friends and relatives fly PIA, for God's sake do not let your worst enemy fly PIA!

Pakistan Int'l - by Ayyaz Qureshi

20 February 2004

LHR-LHE economy, KHI-LHR economy plus for rtn. Outbound experience with wife and two children was surprisingly good. Food was tasty as always. Inflight service was attentive and caring, male stewards better then female (who seemed to regard passengers as an inconvenience). IFE was working most of the time. No kids packs (not good). Return flight was nice surprise: plus points would be spacious seats, nice food, kids served first, clean interior, attentive stewards/ stewardesses. Negative points would be, non maintained IFE system (no sound), no PTV screens, no kids packs. Good toiletry pack but would have been better if given at start of flight instead of after landing!

Pakistan Int'l - by S Saif

19 February 2004

I flew on PIA's second brand new 777 on what was only its second flight. I flew from Lahore to Karachi on the 16th of Feb 2004.I tried till the last moment to get a seat in Business but that was totally full. I flew in Economy and the arrangement is 3-3-3 which is pretty good. The service was as good as any economy you would expect on a short flight but 100 times better then the domestic flights in USA or the intra Europe flights. A full hot meal was served. The flight was very smooth and as expected the plane was as new and as clean as possible.

Pakistan Int'l - by Imran Rahim

15 February 2004

Karachi to Islamabad on PK 308 Business Plus on the new 777 aircraft. The seats are packed into the cabin and the level of comfort is terrible. If a person is 6' ft tall, he or she will have great difficulty in stretching out when the seat is reclined to flat position. Even though the aircraft is very new, half the seats have already started to malfunction. When I asked the purser as to what seemed to be the problem when my seat never reclined back fully to it's upright before landing, he answered very politely by saying that the seat had major faults and they were being rectified in a couple of months. All in all the service was great and the takeoff and landing were very smooth as expected of the 777 aircraft and with the fact that it was being flown by the Boeing trainer pilots. For a short flight it is great - but on a long haul trip I would certainly not advise anyone to travel PIA Business Plus on the 777 if they are looking for comfort!

Pakistan Int'l - by Mees van Krimpen

14 February 2004

ISB-AMS Economy and AMS-ISB (via Frankfurt) in Economy Plus. Both flights departed with a delay but arrived before or on schedule. Old Airbus 310 but more or less clean on departure. Seats (Economy), despite age are comfortable, the seat pitch is much better compared to e.g. Emirates or KLM. Food is okay, not outstanding but I do not understand the use of plastic cutlery of an extremely poor quality. Cabin staff is a bit grumpy but do pay attention to your needs. The male attendants do their work mechanically, they do not seem to care at all. Economy Plus service is indeed a touch better, towels (2 during flight), the food is better and a complementary toiletry kit, not bad at all. On the minus is the IFE. A few overhead monitors and the same films out and inbound. Recycled and only Pakistani newspapers, inflight magazine not worth a look, if available at all. As said before, value for money but fleet renewal and refreshing the cabin crew together customer oriented training will go a long way to improve PIA's standard. Finally, customs officers at Islamabad Airport are the worst I have met, very rude. Otherwise, check-in and immigration were okay and efficient.

Pakistan Int'l - by Kashif Urfan

4 February 2004

PIA from LHR-ISL on the upper deck economy plus+ seat and was impressed. Ample legroom and food was top notch. The entertainment system and especially the pa system should be improved. The urdu seems fine but when the hostess speaks English, it is a bit of a struggle. Coming back from Islamabad, after the initial routine hassles at the airport, the flight was fine. Although no inflight magazines were available, the flight was on time and there were no blocked toilets - which is usually accustomed to PIA.