Beginners Guide to Travel to Pakistan

Pakistan is a culturally rich country, one of the most intriguing in fact because it is home to numerous ethnic groups with their own distinct and fascinating heritages. It is also one of the most visually striking areas with desert dunes, mountains and lots of green forestry and fields. If you are planning travel there, doing so on a PIA flight is one of the best ways.

As we know it may be your first time visiting this amazing country, we’ve put together the following guide to help you.

Tips for Flying Comfortably

Bag Choice

When travelling to Pakistan from UK, just as the case when taking any long-haul flight, it's best to travel as lightly as possible. So rather than using bags that are big because they offer larger capacities, it is actually a better idea to use smaller bags that can be worn across your body. They will be much easier to carry and a lot more comfortable to use too. Depending on what your plans are for when you arrive, it may be a good idea to invest in a sleek rollaway bag, particularly if you are meeting up for lunch or another type of engagement, once you've landed without feeling too sweaty or uncomfortable.

Tips for Packing Your Bag

Once you've got your bag that you will take with you onto the plane, you need to think about what you are going to keep in it. It is best to keep your passport in its own pocket in your bag, to keep it safe and so you know where it is when you arrive at the destination airport in Pakistan. You should also keep a pair of sunglasses in this bag too, because even if it is miserable and dreary back home in the UK, it might be gloriously sunny in Pakistan. Obviously, it will depend on what the weather is forecasted to be. Many travellers like to keep a spare smartphone or cheap mobile phone, as a backup if anything happens to your primary model.

In addition, you should invest in a spare shirt or top, just in case you have any spillages on the plane and want to feel fresh when you arrive in Pakistan. One thing that many people forget to pack in their bag though, that can be especially helpful, even if you mostly use digital devices, is a ballpoint pen. It can be used for doing things to keep you entertained during your flight to Pakistan, and is also great for making notes without using up your phone's charge.

At the Airport

After you've checked in, which you can either do en route using your phone or at the desk when you arrive at the airport, you will have to go through security scans to get to the departure lounge. Although you will be directed as such, you need to put your smartphone, keys and any batteries you may have on your person into the special container so they do not get damaged by the x-rays they use to scan. It is also a good idea to take your watch off, so that does not get ruined.

While on the Plane

To get the most out of your time on the plane to Pakistan, especially if it's your first time, you should pay close attention to the safety instructions and directions regarding the use of the chairs. To stop your ears from popping when you take off and land, you can avoid discomfort and irritation by wearing ear plugs.

Once you are in the air, as long as you have an airplane mode, you can use your devices, such as a laptop or tablet to watch movies (if the plane does not have a TV screen) or listen to music while you are flying and relax a little. You are even able to move around to some degree, though the staff prefer that this is kept to a minimum. Remember that when the 'put your seatbelts on' lights are flashing and the cabin crew are directing you to do this, you should follow their lead.

Travel Kit

In this section we will discuss the essentials you must have for your survival kit for flights to Pakistan.

Pre-Travel Checklist for Traveling to Pakistan

• Make sure you do the following as far in advance as possible:
• Have copies of all relevant copies of personal identification
• Inform your bank of travel
• Confirm the reservations, for travel as well as accommodation
• Check what the weather forecast is for the day you are travelling
• Make sure you have your passport
• Visit the currency exchange to make sure you have enough rupees for your travels
• Check that your entire carry-on luggage is safe and secure.
• Further to the above, on the subject of carry-on luggage, the items you should consider carrying include:
• Your jacket (in case the weather is inclement when you arrive)
• Chapstick (place in a clear plastic bag with your hand lotion)
• Guidebooks
• Power Bank to make sure your mobile devices have enough charge before, during and after your flight to Pakistan
• Cosmetics
• Jewellery
• Hand Lotion (no more than 500ml)
• Scarf

Kids Checklist

There are also some items you will want to have when boarding the play for your children, including:

• Sweets
• Ear plugs (To help avoid their ears popping at take-off)
• Small toys to keep them occupied
• Story and colouring books, for the same reason
• Wet wipes or tissue paper to keep them clean

Important Note – TSA Carry-On Rules

It is vital that you remember, in line with the TSA Carry-on Rules that you only take three-ounces (100ml) of liquids in small containers in a quarter-sized Ziplock-style bag.

There you have it, some of the most important information we think you should have if you are taking your very first trip to Pakistan using Pakistan International Airlines. Although it may not necessarily happen to you, if PIA delayed your flight, you may be due compensation and we can help you out with that.