Information on VietJet Air Flights

VietJet Air, more commonly referred to simply as VietJet, is a Vietnamese low-cost airline based in Hanoi. It’s a carrier that I’ve flown numerous times within Southeast Asia, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend VietJet to travelers – as long as you’re aware of a few caveats. Here’s our full guide to VietJet.

How the airline differentiates itself

It’s important to realize that VietJet is an ultra-low-cost airline, meaning you won’t get many creature comforts without paying extra for it. This approach is strongly focused on affordability, on-time service and cost-efficiency. Obviously, the upside is transportation that doesn’t cost a lot. VietJet is considered a great option for travelers seeking basic amenities and a reliable network at budget-friendly prices.

The airline provides an extremely basic in-flight experience, with all services beyond the seat itself offered à la carte. This aligns with their low-cost model, where passengers only pay for what they use. I’ve seen some incredible fares from VietJet over the years, including tickets that are well below the cost of full-service airlines during flash sales. This has helped make air travel accessible to many more people in Southeast Asia.

Where the airline flies

VietJet has a fairly extensive route network within Vietnam and across Southeast Asia. First, the airline connects all major cities in Vietnam, making it convenient for travelers exploring the country, and has steadily expanded to international destinations, too. Cities serviced in Vietnam include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and others.

On the international front, VietJet flies to destinations not only within Southeast Asia like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, but also other destinations in the Asia Pacific region like Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, and cities in India and China. This makes it an affordable option for travelers who may be in Asia for an extended period and want to hop around to multiple locales.

In addition, with many new planes under its belt, VietJet will continue to expand its network in Vietnam and internationally, reaching new destinations in Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and beyond. This expansion is aimed at meeting the needs of both locals and tourists.

The types of aircraft

As a low-cost airline, VietJet operates a simple fleet of narrowbody planes with a focus on fuel-efficient jets. That includes the Airbus A320-200 with seating for around 180 passengers in an all-economy configuration. In addition, the airline also has the Airbus A321neo for longer flights, with seating for around 230 passengers, depending on the configuration.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you should know about the VietJet ground and pre-flight experience at airports.

Bag policies

Since VietJet is a low-cost airline, baggage policies are structured to allow flexibility but include fees for nearly every additional service, typical of budget carriers. First, each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag (up to 15 pounds) and one personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag). Anything else would cost extra. The carry-on can not be larger than 56 x 36 x 23 cm.

No passengers receive free checked baggage with standard tickets. Passengers can pre-purchase checked baggage for up to 70 pounds of items. These fees depend on the route and the weight purchased but, notably, booking an allowance online ahead of time is often cheaper than adding it at the airport. Finally, travelers who purchase a “SkyBoss class” ticket receive a piece of complimentary checked baggage plus other benefits like priority handling.

Other fees and add-ons

VietJet provides the option to add on various services for a fee while at the airport or online before check-in. Common fees include seat selection including preferred seats (those with extra legroom); priority boarding to be among the first to board and settle in; and any flight changes. VietJet charges fees for these flight alterations, though how much will vary depending on fare class. Lower-priced tickets generally have stricter rules regarding changes.

The airline offers its own travel insurance for an added fee, covering issues like flight delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and personal accident protection. Finally, in what is probably the most low-cost airline fee of them all, a small surcharge may apply if you’re paying for the VietJet flight with a credit card.

What it’s like onboard

Here’s what it’s like to fly onboard VietJet around Southeast Asia and beyond.

Seating

The airline operates on an all-economy-class model, optimizing seating to accommodate as many passengers as possible within each cabin. That means seat pitch (the distance between rows) is typically around 29 to 30 inches, which is standard for low-cost airlines but might feel a bit tight for longer journeys. And while seats do recline ever-so-slightly, don’t expect a whole lot of relaxing.

If you really need extra space, it’s possible to purchase preferred seating options, including sitting in the front rows, which allows for quicker deplaning. There are dedicated extra-legroom seats also located near exit rows. Some A321neo aircraft are equipped with a premium service called “SkyBoss” that offers more legroom, priority boarding, and additional baggage allowances, though these are not true business class seats.

Food and drink

Passengers can purchase meals and snacks from an extensive menu that includes local Vietnamese dishes as well as international options. I was impressed with the quality of these buy-on-board meals, which rival other full-service carrier options. Personally, I’d recommend opting for regional dishes like Asian noodles, rice, and other specialties.

Another tip is to pre-order meals online. Not only is the selection of items wider but there is often a small discount compared to onboard purchases. This also ensures the availability of specific items, as popular choices may run out quickly during the flight. Finally, there’s a good variety of soft drinks, juices, and coffee available for purchase. Alcoholic beverages are limited but may be available on certain routes.

Entertainment and Wi-Fi

VietJet does not offer seatback screens, as the low-cost model focuses on keeping flights as economical as possible. And unfortunately, no, there’s no Wi-Fi available either. I’d recommend bringing your own entertainment, a book, or other way to keep yourself occupied. Finally, there are no power outlets available.

Passengers are encouraged to download the VietJet app, which provides information on destinations, and on some flights, there is streaming entertainment. The airline’s cabin crew even is known to sometimes perform in-flight entertainment, such as singing or themed events.

Service

This isn’t a major, award-winning international airline, so don’t expect white glove service. However, VietJet’s cabin crew is known for their friendly and efficient service with a focus on maintaining a welcoming environment despite operating budget-oriented flights. In my personal experience, crews have been pleasant and do just the right amount for what you pay (which is typically a very low fare).

Loyalty program and other tips

The airline has a program called the “VietJet SkyClub” in which members can enjoy benefits such as exclusive promotions, discounts, and priority access to sales. Travelers can also earn SkyPoints on flights and services, which can then be redeemed for discounts on future bookings and other perks.

VietJet is recognized for its creative marketing campaigns for travelers, including holiday-themed flights and festive events. In addition, the airline is continually expanding and evolving, focusing on popular Asian destinations and entering markets with growing demand.

At the end of the day, VietJet offers extremely competitive fares and a barebones but efficient (and friendly) experience. On paper with a small seat pitch and no extras, Vietjet looks like just another ultra-low-cost carrier but it’s better than average. That’s thanks to attentive staff, a clean and modern aircraft, and a tasty onboard menu.