Starting Point: Multi Orchards, Islamabad
Our adventure began from Multi Orchards (my home) in Islamabad. Safdar Mamu and I (Qasim) headed to Islamabad International Airport, ready to embark on an exciting road trip that would take us from Qatar to Saudi Arabia.
Fly Jinnah Experience: Islamabad to Karachi
On February 28, 2024, Safdar Mamu and I boarded Fly Jinnah, flight number 9P 675, departing at 21:30. The flight experience with Fly Jinnah was delightful and exceeded our expectations.
Booking Process: Booking our tickets online through the Fly Jinnah website was incredibly convenient and easy. The user-friendly interface allowed us to book our flights quickly, and the process was straightforward.
Fly Jinnah Overview: Fly Jinnah is a Pakistani airline and a joint venture between the Lakson Group and Air Arabia Group. Based in Pakistan, Fly Jinnah follows the successful low-cost business model, focusing on offering comfort, reliability, and value-for-money air travel.
Pre-Flight Services: We took advantage of several pre-flight services offered by Fly Jinnah, enhancing our travel experience:
- Pre-booked Baggage: We pre-booked our baggage allowance, saving up to 90% of baggage charges that would be paid at the airport. This was a cost-effective and convenient option.
- Preferred Meal Selection: We pre-ordered our preferred meals from the Sky Café menu, ensuring we were served first onboard the flight. The meal selection process was seamless, and the food quality was excellent.
- Seat Selection: We pre-selected our preferred seats, securing a window and aisle seat for a more comfortable journey.
- In-flight Streaming Services: Fly Jinnah offered in-flight streaming services, allowing us to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly on our devices. This feature kept us entertained throughout the flight.
In-Flight Experience:
- Seating: The seats were comfortable with ample legroom, making the two-hour flight from Islamabad to Karachi pleasant.
- Cabin Crew: The cabin crew was exceptionally friendly and attentive. They ensured that all passengers were comfortable and attended to our needs with a smile.
- Refreshments: We were served light refreshments, which included a selection of beverages and snacks. The quality of the refreshments was good, and they were served promptly.
Overall, Fly Jinnah provided a satisfactory start to our journey with their excellent service, comfortable seating, and attentive crew.
Stopover at Karachi Airport
After arriving in Karachi, we had a 4-hour layover at Karachi Airport before our connecting flight to Doha, Qatar, on the morning of February 29. During this time, we decided to rest and refresh at Dunkin Donuts, a familiar and cozy spot at the airport.
Dunkin Donuts: A Welcoming Haven
Our experience at Dunkin Donuts in Karachi Airport was particularly memorable. The reception boy at the café was exceptionally cooperative and accommodating. He welcomed us warmly and allowed us to stay in the café for hours, even letting us use the space to open our laptops and get some online work done. The coffee and donuts were delicious, providing the perfect pick-me-up during our layover. The ambiance was relaxing, making it a great spot to unwind and kill time.
Comparing Islamabad and Karachi Airports
Islamabad International Airport:
- Facilities: Modern and well-equipped with various amenities, including lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
- Cleanliness: The airport was clean and well-maintained.
- Service: Efficient and friendly staff, making the check-in and security processes smooth and hassle-free.
- Ambiance: Spacious and well-lit, providing a pleasant environment for travelers.
Karachi Airport:
- Facilities: Adequate facilities, but not as modern or extensive as Islamabad International Airport. Dunkin Donuts was a highlight, offering a cozy place to rest.
- Cleanliness: Reasonably clean, though there is room for improvement in some areas.
- Service: Staff were helpful and courteous, particularly at Dunkin Donuts.
- Ambiance: Busy and bustling, with a slightly more chaotic feel compared to Islamabad International Airport.
Overall, while both airports served their purpose well, Islamabad International Airport had a slight edge in terms of modern facilities and overall ambiance. However, the friendly service at Karachi Airport, especially at Dunkin Donuts, made our layover enjoyable and stress-free.
Our journey from Islamabad to Doha was off to a great start with Fly Jinnah’s excellent service, a comfortable layover at Karachi Airport, and the warm hospitality at Dunkin Donuts. The cooperative reception boy at Dunkin Donuts was a standout, making our wait time productive and pleasant. As we boarded our flight to Doha, we felt refreshed and ready for the next leg of our adventure, looking forward to the road trip from Qatar to Saudi Arabia.
Warm regards,
Qasim
