I HAVE booked two return seats on PIA from Islamabad to Toronto for travel in July and asked for the allocation of non-bulk-head seats since my wife is handicapped. However, PIA refused a pre-allocation of seats and demanded extra charges owing to some unannounced policy.

Incidentally, PIA runs advertisements for booking bulk-head seats for a charge but not all seats. I am told PIA will charge for pre-allocation of any seat in any cabin, but you cannot get even an empty seat in-flight. Such a policy has no legal basis and is not advertised.

I tried to reluctantly pay extra charges through my Award plus miles, which has money value, but is being denied to me. I have contacted all PIA offices but none of my complaints, emails or messages was entertained; they are sent to Call Centre, which has no powers or authority.

During a flight even empty bulk-head seats are allowed to be occupied by present and ex-employees or families or friends. The CEO and general manager concerned may look into this and the pre-allocation of seats be re-introduced. It is a basic facility which PIA must honour as is done globally. Every aircraft has seats for the handicapped, elderly and infants.

Afzal Siddiqi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2020