Vietnam Airlines Baggage Allowance 2024 Weight Restrictions

Being a leading 4-star global carrier, the airline focuses on meeting travelers’ needs with the Vietnam Airline Baggage Allowance. Its policies are designed so that every passenger is able to carry travel essentials for their trip. Passengers are allowed to pack checked and carry-on bags according to their fare. Each travel class has its own regulations regarding bags, which should be followed strictly. Vietnam Airlines baggage policy is more customer-centric and offers free allowance to its passengers if certain restrictions are met. As long as you are following the luggage limits, you can dodge any excess baggage fees. Find out in what circumstances the airline will apply additional charges. 

Vietnam Airlines Carry On/Hand Baggage Allowance

Passengers are allowed to bring cabin bags free of charge as per Vietnam Airlines Carry On/Hand Baggage Allowance. This includes a suitcase or a standard bag. You can also carry valuable items like cash, jewelry, cameras, camcorders, tablets, laptops, cell phones, etc. on board. According to the Vietnam Airlines baggage limit, the size of the carry-on bag should be 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm or 115 cm in total. If you are carrying other accessories, ensure it’s within 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm x or 85 cm in total. 

Moreover, the weight should be at most 18kg as per Vietnam Airlines premium economy baggage allowance. If your allowance permits two pieces, each bag should be under 10kg. The weight allowance is less for economy class ticket holders, check the table below. If your bag is over the permitted weight and size limit, the staff will ask to check in the baggage. In some cases, the airline will ask for bigger carry-on items to check in, even if they meet the weight and size restrictions. 

Additional Items You Can Carry Onboard

In addition to cabin bags, passengers can take their personal items for free as per the VN Airline baggage allowance. Ensure that you are not carrying any dangerous items, as they are not permitted. Items that are considered personal articles are listed below:

• An umbrella
• Walking stick (excluding a stick with a metal end cap)
• A book, newspaper, or magazine.
• Clothing items like a coat, blanket, jacket, etc.
• Assistant device for passengers with physical disabilities (crutch, stic, foldable wheelchair).
• Cradle or a collapsible stroller. 

Note – Depending on the aircraft loading capacity, the airline may ask to check in bigger items. Thus, it is advisable to inform the airline in advance. 

Vietnam Airlines Cabin Bag Rules for Infants

Furthermore, passengers traveling with their toddler (under two years of age) can carry two pieces of baggage free of charge. When you are flying with your little one, it becomes crucial to pack all the travel essentials. You can bring baby food, formula, milk, nappy, etc. As stated in Vietnam Airlines baggage policy, passengers can take one item under 3kg and one small stroller or cradle that can fit in the storage compartment. If it doesn’t, you will have to check in the luggage, which is free of cost. 

Purchase Additional Carry-On Item

Passengers can purchase one or more seats to keep their special, valuable, special, or fragile items. This can be a musical instrument, antique paintings, vases, etc, or anything that is breakable. For this purpose, the item should not exceed the weight of 75kg per seat, and its pressure on the seat should not be over 0.046 kg/cm2 (75kg on a 40 cm x 40 cm area). The size of the item should be 40 cm x 50 cm x 160 cm for Boeing B787, Airbus A350, and A321. However, for ATR72, it should be a little smaller, i.e., 40 cm x 50 cm x 95 cm. 

To keep these items onboard, you will have to purchase an additional seat at least 24 hours before the day of travel. You must contact the Vietnam Airlines branch office for the same. Passengers are responsible for packing the item securely for the purpose of travel. In addition, it is advisable to reach the check-in counter two hours before the standard check-in time if you are carrying a special item. 

Carriage Items Restricted 

To ensure the complete safety of passengers, Vietnam Airlines restricted the transportation of certain items. Some are prohibited, while for some, authorized approval is necessary. Passengers are advised to inform the airline in time to get the approval for transportation. The following items are considered harmful, dangerous, or have the potential to harm the passengers and staff members onboard.

• Explosive items or items containing explosives. 
• Flammable items (gases, liquids, or solids).
• Oxidizers, Organic Peroxides, or other similar items.
• Corrosives and toxic items.
• Radioactive materials.

Conditions for Carrying Liquid-based Items

Passengers can carry liquid-based items in cabin bags (international flights) if certain limits are met. You should pack the liquid item in a sealed bottle or container with a capacity of no more than 100 mL. Every individual is allowed to bring a maximum of one liter of liquid, spray, or gel-based item. Mind you, the airline will approve the transportation only when it is in the form of an aerosol or it is non-radioactive for medicinal use. Also, if it is carried in a spray bottle, please ensure that its valve is securely covered and protected from accidental activation. However, if you are flying to or from the United States, you cannot carry liquid items onboard. You can only check them in. 

If you check such items in checked bags, there are no limitations on the quantity. But, it should be packed in a sealed bottle to prevent potential spilling. Besides, the bag should meet the weight and size restrictions under the free checked baggage allowance.

Vietnam Airlines does not limit the transportation of liquid items on domestic flights in checked as well as carry-on bags. This is possible only when the passenger does not exceed the baggage restrictions on the piece, weight, and size of the bag. 

Exceptions

Of course, there are some exceptions, as many liquid-based items can be a necessity, and limits may hinder the basic requirements. Thus, passengers can carry the following listed items without any of the limitations on quantity as mentioned above. 

• Prescribed Medicines (with prescription in passenger’s name)
• Baby Formula (for children or infants)
• Milk (for children or infants)

Vietnam Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

Vietnam Airlines checked baggage allowance permits bag transportation on hold, free of charge. Passengers who wish to check in more luggage can simply purchase additional checked bags and bring more bags than the free allowance. Vietnam Airlines checked baggage size, which is 158 cm (the sum of three sides of a bag). As for the baggage quantity and weight limits, it varies according to the purchased fare. However, passengers with Economy Super Lite Class are not provided free checked baggage. In case the bag is heavier or oversized, the passenger will have to bear additional baggage fees Vietnam Airlines. 

Free Extra Baggage For Lotusmiles or SkyTeam Members

Interestingly, passengers with Lotusmiles or SkyTeam members get an extra free bag in addition to their allowance on VN flights. You can refer to the table below for more information. 

Vietnam Airlines Baggage Policy for Infants

As stated above, passengers with a toddler aged below two years can check in bags free of charge. This is applicable only if the children are not seated separately. The Vietnam Airlines checked baggage size stays the same, i.e., the sum of three sides should be equal to or less than 115 cm.  On flights to/from America, passengers can take one piece of luggage under 23kg with one foldable stroller. On other itineraries, passengers can take a bag under 10kg and one collapsible stroller. However, this is applicable on tickets with a free baggage allowance. 

Conditional Checked Items

Some items are not permitted onboard or in checked baggage however, the airline allows transportation in certain conditions. We have listed such items in this section. If you are carrying any of the following articles, be sure to read the regulations for its transportation. 

• Cash
• Food and drinks
• Liquid
• Medicine/makeup/sprays for sports and families
• Lithium batteries
• Portable electronic devices (with battery and backup battery)
• Cigarettes and electronic cigarettes
• Wheelchairs and mobility aids
• Smart suitcases/bags
• Dry ice and adhesive
• Ashes and remains

Vietnam Airline Excess Baggage Fee

Passengers will have to pay Vietnam Airlines checked baggage fees for extra bags at the airport. You may also pre-purchase the excess luggage if you wish to travel with more bags. Both ways require you to pay a certain fee. Passengers can buy additional checked baggage up to six hours before the scheduled departure. Simply head over to the official website, mobile application, or sales office to make the purchase. There, you will get a lower price than at the airport. 

1. Pre-Paid Additional Baggage

Passengers are allowed to purchase up to 10 pieces of additional baggage through the above-mentioned channels. The following are the rates for pre-purchased additional checked baggage.

2. Purchasing Additional Baggage At The Airport

The excess baggage is categorized into three categories, i.e., standard excess bag, oversized bag, and overweight bag. If you purchase the additional bag at the airport, the Vietnam Airline Excess Baggage Fee will be as follows:

a) Standard Excess Baggage Pieces

b) Oversized Baggage Fee

The sum of three sides of the bag should be between 158 cm and 203 cm. Passengers flying on a domestic route have to pay a similar oversized baggage fee, which is VND 600,000. However, on international routes, prices vary according to selected destinations. The airline has decided the Vietnam Airline Excess Baggage Fee amount according to different zones. 

c) Overweight Baggage Fee

Ensure the weight of your luggage is between 23kg and 32kg (international routes) & between 10kg and 32kg (domestic routes). On domestic routes, passengers will have to pay VND 350,000  if a bag is over 10kg but weighs less than or equal to 23kg. If it is over 23kg but less than or equal to 32kg, the fee would be VND 500,000. The fee for overweight bags on international routes is as shown in the table below:

Note –  If a bag exceeds the standard weight and size, the airline will apply standard excess baggage piece + overweight price + oversized price. Kindly ensure your bag meets the baggage restrictions to avoid excess fees. 

Rules for Special Baggage On Vietnam Flights

Some items are transported complying with different baggage rules and fees due to their unique size, shape, or nature. The airline refers to such items as Special Baggage. These can be sports items, cradles, wheelchairs, bulky items, bicycles, valuable items, etc. This is to inform all the readers that special baggage is not included in your free Vietnam Airlines baggage allowance. Thus, a passenger should be familiar with the regulations and charges for special baggage. 

Guidelines for Carrying Special Items 

Initially, the passenger should connect with the airport authorities regarding the rules and regulations for carrying the special item. Make sure to carry all the required documents relating to the special baggage on the day of travel. The airline will apply baggage charges only to the flights operated by Vietnam Airlines. Moreover, if the selected route is between Vietnam and America, special baggage charges are applicable to the Vietnam Airlines-operated segment only. 

1. Sports Equipment

Vietnam Airlines accepts sports equipment like golf sets, gliders, fishing kits, bowling sets, surfboards, surfing, archery sets, skiing sets, diving equipment, surfing sails, etc, as checked baggage. Ensure that the items are packed securely with no pointy edges for transportation. Passengers have to contact the airline at least a day before the scheduled departure to book this service. In addition, passengers have to be present at the check-in counter at least two hours before the standard check-in time. 

a) Golf Set Prices

Passengers who have purchased Economy Lite or with a Titanium card are allowed to carry one golf set free of charge. Other passengers will have to pay charges as follows:

• If you are carrying a golf set under 23kg and within 203 cm (sum of three sides), the airline will apply an excess baggage fee for the exceeding bag, but no oversized fee is charged. 
• The airline will apply an overweight baggage fee if the bag exceeds 23kg but weighs less than 32kg and the three-dimension length is equal to or less than 203 cm. 
• If the golf set weighs more than 23kg and the sum of three sides is more than 203  cm, the passenger will have to pay the oversized and overweight charges.

b) Charges for Other Sports Equipment

If it weighs less than or equal to 23kg and the sum of three sides is within 203 cm, the following conditions will be considered:

• Vietnam Airlines will count it towards your free baggage allowance.
• The excess baggage fee is applied to only extra pieces.
• The airline will not apply oversized fees.

If the sports equipment exceeds both the weight and sum of dimensions or anyone, the airline will apply the following conditions:

• It is still considered under free baggage allowance. 
• The airline will apply an excess baggage fee for extra, oversized, or overweight bags.

2. Wheelchairs/ Baby Strollers

Vietnam Airlines permits free transportation of foldable strollers or wheelchairs. However, this should be used by the concerned passenger. One has to inform the airline at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure to avail of this service. In addition, the airline asks passengers to be present at the check-in counter at least two hours before the standard check-in time. You will have to fill out a request form by providing the ticket number, passenger’s last name, confirmation code, and email address.  

3. Bulky Bags and Bicycles

Vietnam Airlines considers bulky items and bicycles as checked baggage, and concerned regulations will apply. Bulky items are those that weigh over 32kg, and the sum of its three sides is more than 203 cm. However, if you are flying to/from Europe or Australia, you are not permitted to bring bags over 32kg except for special cases like wheelchairs for physically challenged passengers. For detailed information, you can contact the Vietnam Airlines branch office or call center at least three days before the scheduled takeoff.

Passengers can check in different types of bicycles, such as sports bicycles, motorized bicycles (thermal or electric), and standard bicycles. To book this service, passengers will have to reach out to the airline 24 hours before the day of travel. In addition, pack the item with suitable material for air transportation. Make sure to check the following things:

• Handlebars should be positioned in line with the bike length. 
• Detach the bulky parts such as pedals, lights, mirrors, kickstands, etc, and pack them individually.
• Flattened the tires before packing.

a) Charges for Bicycles

If the weight of the bicycle is under 23kg and the sum of three sides is within 203 cm, the following rules will apply:

• Included in the free baggage allowance
• Extra pieces will incur excess or prepaid baggage charges
• Oversized baggage fees are not applicable

If the bicycle weighs over 23kg and/or the sum of three sides is more than 203 cm, the following rules will apply:

• Included in the free baggage allowance
• Oversized, overweight, or excess baggage fees are applicable for extra pieces.

b) Charges for Bulky Items

The airline considers bulky items towards the baggage allowance, and an excess baggage fee is applied if the limits are exceeded. The charges for bulky items are decided according to the selected routes. Check the table below for zone-wise charges:

• Zone A: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
• Zone B: China, South Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries (except for Zone A and Australia).
• Zone C: France, Germany, the UK, Russia, Australia, and countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)