Hello I am thinking of booking lahore to toronto direct flight on pia, anyone have any experiences with this? i have heard that they always overbook the flight and then deny boarding to passengers even if u have a ticket? i am very scared, maybe this is only for domestic flights, but is it also for international flights? i really like this flight because its very fast and it will be direct with no stops, anyone flown this route or any other route like karachi to toronto etc? please share your experiences and anyone know the baggage limits? and how far in advance should i book?
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
I've never had such experience with PIA nor have I heard anything about overbooking. :D . I started taking PIA last year (took twice) and it wasn't that bad.
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Overbooking is an airline industry fact but that happens with every airline in the world depending on the load season. I have traveled with PIA many times but never been off loaded coz of over booking on the other hand I have been denied boarding twice in US (once at LAX and once at JFK) due to over booking and were offered return money and flight next day.
If you BOOK EARLY and BE AT THE AIRPORT EARLY (i.e. min 3 hour before flight and preferably 4 hours before), you should never had problem. I have seen ppl arrieving airport 30 min before international and then cursing airline coz they were offloaded due to over booking. Of course Airline will not wait for you forever.
How early you should book? Depends on the season. For example I am trying to make a reservation of 2nd week of Jan 2007 but till now, I am unsuccessful J
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
really 2nd week of january? on the pia website it says flights are available for the end of november from lahore to toronto, if thats not the case then i am in big trouble
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
This is where “high season” comes into play. Seats may be available for even tormorrow and november but its hard to get seat for december and first half of Jan 2007. Oct and Nov are “Low seasons” but still, dont wait. book your seat and buy your ticket.
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Try British Airways - my husband just got a really reasonably priced ticket for ISB during the middle two weeks in January. You have to book off their web site, though.
Part of the problem is that Eid ul Adha will fall during December holidays this year.
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
I travelled Islamabad to Toronto, 3 years ago, in January. I don't remember if it was a direct flight, or if I changed flights somewhere in Europe, but I do know for sure, that the plane which took off from Islamabad was PIA, and it was overbooked (more ticket-holders than seats available on the airplane). There were some seats for which there was more than one ticket-holder. I was one of these people. The PIA ppl, before we boarded the plane, first started to demand us to take the next flights (with the fares covered by them), but a little bit of harsh attitude towards them solved the problem. In the end, a few volunteers decided to take alternative flights.
...and that was the last time I flew PIA.
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Gulf Airlines is a much better alternative + their airhostesses are hotter 
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
We've been taking PIA for abt 15 years now, and that has never happened.
I think Decent6Chora put it best, be at the airport early, and you should not have any problem.
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Can someone please explain to me what difference does it make how the hostess LOOKS? If she’s courteous and polite and the service is good, why shud it matter if they’re “hot” or “not”? Or is it that “hotter” women are automatically nicer and sweeter and thus better service? 
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
If you want to travel with PIA go to there office at the airport atleast a day early get your ticket stamped, and you will be fine. PIA is actually quiet good now, and has had better customer relations etx... but since its international be there 3 1/2 hours early..go inside the terminal enjoy a cup of chai talk with other travelers and have fun... one thing this flight is 14 hours...so ...get ready for a long sleep... the planes are really good the new 777 very comfortable with own lcd screens...so its the best bet... PIA THAPAR KHAYEH
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Ummm…I’d say about a month and half or so. I had my ticket in hands like a month before I went. I never wait til the last moment to get my ticket. Even when I go to the Airport, I get there like 4-5 hours before my flight, take care of my luggages first and then just chill @ the airport with the remaining time. My advice: Follow what Sara said in post 10.
Our agent is really good and he makes sure that our seats are confirmed, etc etc and even gives us couple of inside tips 
. With him as our agent, we do not have any problems when going to Pak.
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
yes pia is quite good now if you get there early there should be no problem
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Part of the problem is that Eid ul Adha will fall during December holidays this year.
The problem isnt Eid ul Adha, the problem is british airways!
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
British airways is aite.
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
***No explaination, sorry Sara ji, it is a man thing, let it be…
***
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
Very piggish really..
Re: PIA Lahore to Toronto
I prefer “cold” airhostesses, so that i can take some sleep and rest warna 13 hour kee flight per bhee sona naseeb nahi ho ga (majboori hai)