Your PIA baggage allowance from the UK is set by your ticket, and PIA doesn’t publish one fixed figure. Economy passengers can take one cabin bag of up to 7kg, measuring 38cm by 22cm by 55cm. Each checked bag can be up to 158cm in total size. A carton can be up to 140cm and 32kg if it fits inside your free allowance. Buying extra weight in advance is cheaper than paying at the airport.
Websites quote different UK figures, from two bags of 23kg each to older listings of 40kg in total. This guide explains why, shows where to find your own allowance, and covers cartons, excess fees and packing. It also covers what you can bring back to the UK, and how to get heavy luggage to the airport.
PIA baggage allowance from the UK at a glance
| Item | PIA rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Set by your ticket | Check the baggage line on your e-ticket |
| Cabin bag | One bag, 7kg | 38cm x 22cm x 55cm, or 115cm in total |
| Largest checked bag | 158cm | Length plus width plus height |
| Carton | Up to 140cm and 32kg | Must fit within your free allowance; sealed and secure |
| Extra piece inside your allowance | A 4kg excess ticket | Not on flights to the USA and Canada |
| Advance excess baggage | Bought until 4 hours before departure | In blocks of 5kg |
These rules come from PIA’s baggage guide, as read in October 2026. PIA can change them, so check the latest version before you pack.
How to find your own PIA baggage allowance
Read the baggage line on your ticket
PIA says its policy uses both a piece concept and a weight concept. In practice, the allowance printed on your e-ticket is the one that applies. Two passengers on the same flight can have different limits, depending on their fares.
Why websites quote different figures
Some UK travel agent pages list two checked bags of up to 23kg each for Economy. Older pages list 40kg in total, with no bag over 30kg. Other pages quote 20kg or 30kg. These figures depend on the route, the fare and the date of the page. PIA’s own traveller information mentions two pieces of 23kg each on other airlines’ sectors, which may explain why that figure appears so often. Treat any single number as a guide only.
Ask if your ticket isn’t clear
If the baggage line is missing or confusing, ask your travel agent or PIA before you pack. Do it well before the day of travel, because a wrong guess can cost you at the check-in desk. For flights from Manchester and Heathrow, our PIA flights guide explains where PIA currently flies from.
PIA cabin baggage rules
Size and weight
PIA allows one cabin bag of 7kg in Economy. The limit is 38cm long, 22cm wide and 55cm high, which adds up to 115cm in total. Check your own bag against these measurements, as many standard cabin cases are bigger.
Items that travel on top of your allowance
PIA lists several items as free, subject to the operator’s rules. They include one laptop, five litres of Zamzam water, a baby pushchair, a wheelchair and sports kits. Our guide to Zamzam water airline rules explains the container rules in detail.
Liquids in your hand luggage
PIA’s traveller information says liquids, gels, perfumes and creams aren’t allowed in hand luggage. UK airports also apply their own liquid limits at security. As a result, the safest plan is to pack liquids in your checked bag. Our UK liquids rules guide explains the UK limits.
Power banks and batteries
PIA bans lithium batteries from checked baggage. Spare batteries and power banks must travel in your cabin bag, and PIA’s limit is 100Wh for each battery. Our UK hand luggage size and weight rules cover the UK cabin limits.
Checked baggage: size, weight and packing
Size limit
PIA’s maximum size for a checked bag is 158cm, measured as length plus width plus height. Weigh and measure each case at home. Weight limits come from your ticket, so use the figure on your own booking.
Bags PIA may refuse
PIA says it won’t accept irregular bags, including round bags and bags tied with rope or string. The same goes for bags with loose straps and bags wrapped in a blanket. Baggage over the prescribed size must be repacked before PIA accepts it, and oversized or non-standard items may be refused at check-in. A proper suitcase or a well-packed carton avoids the problem.
Extra pieces
If you want to check in a piece beyond your free allowance, PIA accepts it only against excess baggage charges. An extra piece that fits inside your weight allowance needs a 4kg excess ticket, except on flights to the USA and Canada. A waiver is possible only at the discretion of PIA staff.
Cartons on PIA flights
Carton size and weight
Many families check in cartons packed with gifts for relatives. PIA allows a carton of up to 140cm in total size and 32kg, provided it fits inside your free allowance. Oversized cartons aren’t accepted at the check-in counter.
Sealing and packing
PIA says cartons must be properly packed, sealed and secured to the satisfaction of the handling staff. Use strong tape and a sturdy box, and don’t overfill it. Put your name and address inside and outside, and take a photo of the contents before you seal it.
Oversized items
PIA’s rules say a box or case between 162cm and 225cm in total may be accepted against a 4kg excess ticket, plus handling charges. Items such as large televisions can carry mandatory charges. Ask PIA for the exact amount before you bring one to the airport.
Special items on PIA flights
Golf equipment
A golf bag is free inside your allowance. Above it, PIA charges a special rate on the weight system, which covers the first 15kg for a flat 6kg of excess. Anything beyond 15kg is charged at the normal per-kilo rate. For example, a golfer with 30kg of equipment pays for 6kg on the first 15kg, plus the normal rate on the other 15kg. The bag can be up to 190cm by 75cm by 65cm.
Wheelchairs and mobility aids
Tell PIA at least 48 hours before departure if you travel with a battery-powered wheelchair, and give the battery type and watt-hour rating. If someone in your group needs help in the airport, our guide to Birmingham Airport special assistance explains how assistance works.
Excess baggage fees on PIA
How charges work
PIA charges for baggage above your allowance under its commercial policy. It doesn’t print one price. Charges depend on the route, the fare and taxes, and they show during booking.
Buy extra weight in advance
PIA sells advance excess baggage at a lower rate than the airport. You can buy it from the time you book until four hours before departure, in blocks of 5kg. Each route has its own maximum, and the service runs on selected routes only, so check that it covers yours. If you or PIA change the ticket, PIA refunds the advance fee without extra charges. Read PIA’s advance purchase page for the latest terms.
A simple plan
- Check your allowance on your ticket.
- Weigh your bags and cartons at home.
- If you’re over, buy extra weight online before the flight.
- Keep the receipt or updated e-ticket for check-in.
Checking in at Heathrow or Manchester
Where PIA flies from
At the time of writing, PIA’s UK flights have run from Manchester and from Heathrow Terminal 4. Our guide to Heathrow Terminal 4 explains check-in and facilities. Confirm your airport and terminal on your booking before you travel.
Before you reach the desk
Have your tickets, passports and baggage line to hand. Staff may weigh your bags and cartons at the desk, so repack at home rather than on the floor. PIA says baggage over the prescribed size must be repacked before it’s accepted, which costs time at a busy counter.
Planning the journey home
Leave some room in your luggage for the return. Gifts, food and bought items add weight quickly, and the return ticket may carry a different allowance. Check both legs of your booking before you pack for the trip out.
Banned items in checked and cabin baggage
Checked baggage
PIA bans a long list of items from checked baggage. They include explosives and fireworks, gas and aerosols, poisons and pesticides, lithium batteries and lighters of any kind. Paints, adhesives and safety matches are also banned.
Cabin baggage
Knives of any type, scissors and other sharp or bladed items aren’t allowed in the cabin. That includes nail clippers. Pack them in your checked bag, or leave them at home.
What you can bring back to the UK
Food rules
GOV.UK says you can’t bring meat or meat products, or milk and dairy products, into Great Britain from outside the EU. There are also limits on fish products. Most fruit and vegetables need a plant health certificate. Packaged biscuits, bread, chocolate and confectionery are among the items allowed from any country, though those with a lot of unprocessed dairy aren’t. Read the GOV.UK rules on bringing food into Great Britain before you pack your return cartons.
Declare what you’re unsure about
When you’re unsure about an item, declare it at customs rather than risk a penalty. Border Force officers can tell you what’s permitted.
Getting heavy luggage to the airport
Cars and cartons
Several cartons and large suitcases won’t fit in a standard car with passengers. Our guide to V-Class luggage capacity explains what the vehicle can carry. For families and groups of up to seven, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class has room for passengers and luggage.
Allow extra time
Heavy luggage takes longer to check in, and PIA says boarding gates close 30 minutes before departure. Our guides to how early to arrive at Heathrow and how early to arrive at Manchester Airport give realistic timings. For airport baggage services, see our Heathrow baggage guide and Manchester baggage guide.
You can get a quote online for a fixed price to the airport, for the outbound trip, the return or both.
If your bags are delayed or damaged
Valuables and documents
PIA advises passengers not to put cash, jewellery or important documents in checked baggage. Keep them in your cabin bag, along with medication and chargers.
Reporting a problem
Report delayed or damaged luggage at the airline’s baggage desk before you leave the arrivals hall, and keep your baggage tag. Our guide to lost or delayed baggage compensation explains your rights and the deadlines that apply.
Packing tips for PIA flights
- Weigh every bag and carton on a luggage scale at home.
- Put heavy items at the bottom and close to the wheels of a suitcase.
- Pack liquids in your checked bag, in sealed containers.
- Keep valuables, medication and chargers in your cabin bag.
- Leave a few spare kilos for gifts on the way back.
- Label every bag inside and out.
Book your airport transfer for PIA flights
For your PIA flight from the UK, National Executive Transfers provides fixed-price chauffeur transfers to Heathrow and Manchester. Our Manchester Airport chauffeur service and Birmingham to Heathrow transfers cover both airports. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class and V-Class vehicles are available, with flight monitoring included and meet-and-greet on your return. Tell us your flight, passenger numbers and luggage, and we’ll plan the journey. Get a quote and book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your ticket. PIA says the allowance printed on your e-ticket applies, and websites quote different figures. Check your baggage line or ask your travel agent.
One cabin bag of up to 7kg in Economy, measuring 38cm by 22cm by 55cm. A laptop, five litres of Zamzam water and a few other items travel free, subject to the operator’s rules.
Up to 140cm in total size and 32kg, if it fits inside your free allowance. It must be properly packed, sealed and secure.
PIA doesn’t print one price. Charges depend on the route, the fare and taxes, and show during booking. Buying in advance is cheaper than paying at the airport.
From the time you book until four hours before departure, in blocks of 5kg. Check that the service is offered on your route.
You can’t bring meat or dairy products into Great Britain from outside the EU. Packaged biscuits, bread and most confectionery are allowed. Check GOV.UK before you pack.
