Pal Airlines Baggage Policy +1-877-491-4448

Pal Airlines Baggage Policy According to the "pay-as-you-go" baggage policy of Pakistan's leading low-cost airline, checked luggage is typically not covered by the base ticket price. Understanding their extensive baggage policy is crucial to avoiding significant and often excessive airport costs. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of Pal Airlines' baggage policy to help you travel sensibly and economically.

The Foundation: Checked Baggage Policy

Pal Airlines primarily uses a weight concept for calculating checked baggage allowances, which varies depending on your destination (domestic vs. international) and ticket type.

• Domestic Routes (Within Pakistan):

• Economy Class: Passengers are generally entitled to a 15 kg (33 lbs) free checked baggage allowance.

• Business Class: Offers a more generous 25 kg (55 lbs) free allowance.

• International Routes:

• Economy Class: The standard free allowance is typically 20 kg (44 lbs).

• Business Class: Provides a 30 kg (66 lbs) free allowance.

Important Considerations:

• Free Allowance Exceptions: The free baggage allowance is not included in the base fare for most promotional or standard economy tickets. You must either pre-purchase it or pay for it at check-in. Some higher fare classes or specific promotions might include a baggage allowance – always check your ticket conditions.

• Pre-Purchase is Key: Pal Airlines, like most budget carriers, incentivizes pre-paying for baggage online. Fees are significantly lower when paid during online check-in (usually available from 24 hours up to 3 hours before departure) compared to paying at the airport check-in counter or kiosk. Airport fees are substantially higher and can vary.

• Excess Baggage Fees: If your baggage exceeds the free allowance you've purchased or the standard allowance, you will be charged for excess weight. Fees are calculated per kilogram over the limit and are considerably more expensive than the initial baggage purchase. It's almost always cheaper to pre-purchase an extra bag than to pay the per-kilogram excess fee.

• Baggage Weight and Size Limits: Each checked bag must adhere to specific limits:

• Weight: Individual bags must not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags weighing between 23 kg and 32 kg may incur an additional heavy baggage fee on top of the standard excess fee.

• Size: Each bag's total dimensions (Length + Width + Height) must not exceed 158 cm (62 inches). Bags exceeding this size limit but under 203 cm may be accepted as oversized baggage with an additional fee. Bags over 203 cm are generally not accepted.

Carry-On Baggage: The Critical Distinction

Pal Airlines has a strict and often misunderstood carry-on policy designed to generate ancillary revenue.

• Personal Item (Included): Every passenger is permitted one personal item that fits completely under the seat in front of you. This includes a small handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. Typical dimensions are around 38 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm (15" x 8" x 12").

• Carry-On Bag (NOT Included - Must be Paid For): If you wish to bring a bag that goes into the overhead bin, you must pay for it. This is a separate purchase from any checked baggage. The size limit for a paid carry-on is typically around 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm (22" x 16" x 8"). Failing to pay for a carry-on bag that you bring to the gate will result in it being gate-checked, and you will be charged the gate-check fee, which is often the highest possible fee.

• Weight: While less strictly enforced than size at the gate, a paid carry-on should ideally be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin yourself.

Special Items and Equipment

Pal Airlines accommodates special items, often with specific fees and conditions:

• Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, bicycles, skis, surfboards, and diving equipment are accepted as checked baggage. Fees are calculated based on the route and the item's weight/size. Bicycles must be dismantled (pedals removed, handlebars turned sideways).

• Musical Instruments: Small instruments that fit within your personal item or paid carry-on dimensions can be taken on board. Larger instruments can be checked as baggage with applicable fees. A unique policy sometimes allows one musical instrument as a carry-on if it's the passenger's only carry-on item and fits within cabin crew measurements.

• Pets: Small domestic cats and dogs can travel in the cabin for a fee (often around PKR 15,000-20,000 one-way, subject to change and availability). They must fit in a carrier that fits under the seat. Larger pets travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold for a higher fee and with specific health and documentation requirements. Advance booking is mandatory.

• Infant Allowance: Passengers traveling with an infant (under two years old) are permitted one fully collapsible stroller or pushchair and one diaper bag in addition to their personal item allowance, free of charge. Formula, breast milk, and baby food are permitted in reasonable quantities through security.

Excess, Oversized, and Overweight Baggage

• Excess Baggage: Paying for more bags than your free allowance permits.

• Oversized Baggage: A bag within the weight limit (32 kg) but exceeding the 158 cm size limit (but under 203 cm).

• Overweight Baggage: A bag within the size limit but exceeding the standard weight limit for your fare class (e.g., over 20 kg on an international economy ticket).

Fees apply for each of these categories and can be cumulative (e.g., a bag can be both overweight and oversized).

KrisFlyer Program Benefits

Pal Airlines' loyalty program, KrisFlyer, offers members additional baggage benefits:

• Silver Elite: +10 kg extra checked baggage allowance.

• Gold Elite: +15 kg extra checked baggage allowance.

• Platinum Elite: +20 kg extra checked baggage allowance.

These allowances are in addition to the standard free allowance for the cabin class and are applicable on flights operated by Pal Airlines.

Prohibited Items

Pal Airlines strictly prohibits dangerous goods in both checked and carry-on baggage. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Flammable solids, liquids, and gases

• Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

• Toxic and infectious substances

• Radioactive materials

• Corrosives

• Magnetized materials

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (including replicas)

• Sharp objects like knives and axes (except in checked baggage)

Tips for Navigating Pal Airlines' Baggage Policy

1. Pre-Purchase Online: This is the single biggest money-saver. Purchase all required checked and carry-on bags during online check-in.

2. Know Your Limits: Weigh and measure your bags at home. A bag that is 21 kg on an international flight will incur an excess fee.

3. Travel Light with a Personal Item: Master packing a small backpack or bag that fits under the seat to potentially avoid the carry-on fee.

4. Check the Website: Fees and policies change. Always verify the latest information on the official Pal Airlines website before you fly.

5. Gate vs. Check-in: Avoid the highest fees by purchasing baggage online or at the check-in counter. Gate fees for unpurchased baggage are the most expensive.

6. Loyalty Pays: If you fly frequently, consider joining KrisFlyer to earn extra baggage allowances.

Summary Table: Key Allowances

Conclusion

Traveling with Pal Airlines requires careful planning regarding baggage. Their "pay-as-you-go" model means that the true cost of your trip heavily depends on the baggage you need. By understanding the weight concept, the critical difference between a free personal item and a paid carry-on, and the importance of pre-purchasing online, you can avoid unpleasant financial surprises. Always check the official Pal Airlines website for the most current fees and policies before your journey, pack strategically, and enjoy your flight with Pal Airlines.