Made it to Islamabad (minus bags)

Flying out successfully

There’s only one flight today to Islamabad at 1120 which meant a leisurely morning.  We waited outside the airport gate.  Things look optimistic when the security staff were handed a passenger list (as e-ticket itineraries held by the passengers may show incorrect dates from cancelled flights).  We checked in and waited in a nearby area.  The crowd seemed to diminish so I gathered that we were waiting in the wrong area (which should be quite difficult in a small airport like this).  We then realised the departure lounge which was off the side through a small doorway.

The incoming flight arrived 30 minutes late and consequently we left 30 minutes late too.  Walking towards the ATR42, I could see my bright orange pack on the trolley outside the cargo hold; it was the first bag on the outside of the aircraft. I was pleased that we were on our way.  The Captain announced that he couldn’t take the direct route today and the valley route (presumably the one we’re on) is cloudy.

We swooped over the Gilgit area and climbed to meet the snowy peaks. We navigated in the airspace above the valley with the majestic mountains on both sides. About an hour into the flight, I could see the valley floor slope down. The land then descended into the dry dusty plains. It was a strange feeling as we suddenly felt like we were cruising at a higher altitude, relative to the ground, as soon as we exited the terrain.

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Arriving without our bags

The flight time was about 30 minutes more than scheduled; presumably the incoming flight had to follow the same flightpath.  We arrived an hour late at 1300 with no complaints from anyone. Waiting at the luggage carousel, our bags didn’t turn up.  Likewise with a small bunch of other people. After sending someone to check the aircraft, we gathered into the office to give our details.

With a simple point-to-point and outstation-to-hub service, it is clear where the luggage was.  So, they noted details on the paper without giving a computerised Baggage Irregularity Report with a SITA/IATA Worldtracer tracking reference; not good if you’re wanting to do an insurance claim but then I’m uninsured in Pakistan.

I’m so glad I have a Pakistani mobile number as I will be contacted once the luggage arrives, inshaallah tomorrow, subject to operation of the flight which is in turn subject to weather.  I asked about compensation and was led to a different office in a nearby building to get a form. 

After a bit of waiting for approvals we were given PKR500 (NZD6) each as interim compensation. I wouldn’t have asked if I had known it would be so much hassle for me and the officer for that pitiful amount.

It was pretty clear to me that there was a weight limitation on the aircraft.  It was taking off from a somewhat hot-and-high airport with a detoured flightpath with a full passenger load, some of which had excess baggage.  I understand there was no fuel uplift in Gilgit either which means the flight operated with only a half-tank of fuel.  It could have been managed better (eg. ensuring that only passengers with a second piece are affected and advising them in advance).

However, this happens everyday with the best of airlines; musicians I know in New Zealand sometimes turn up at their destination without their instruments.  The difference here is that the next flight is a day later and subject to weather! It was around 1500 by the time we taxied to the Paradise Hotel in Rawalpindi (Islamabad’s nearby city).  The irregularity had taken up about 90 minutes to sort out; the last 30 minutes of which was getting my compensation!  I took a photo of the compensation form as it is the only paper record of our luggage going astray.

My compensation for delayed luggage.