VietJet Air: reviews and tips for 2026
VietJet is Vietnam's biggest low-cost carrier. Domestic tickets from about $8, a top 7-of-7 safety score — but delays and a strict weigh-everything baggage policy dent the experience. We break down the reviews, the fares, how it compares with Vietnam Airlines, and 10 things to know before you fly.
VietJet Air is Vietnam's largest low-cost carrier and, for many travellers, the default way to hop between cities. Domestic tickets start around 520,000 VND (~$8), the fleet is one of the youngest in the world, and the safety rating is a full 7 out of 7. But passenger reviews swing from delight to fury: delays, a strict weigh-everything baggage policy and paid water on board can sour the experience even for seasoned flyers. We gathered real feedback from hundreds of passengers, compared VietJet with its rivals, and pulled together the tips that save both nerves and money.
Current as of July 2026. Check fares and routes at vietjetair.com; the safety rating is on AirlineRatings.com. Prices in USD are rough conversions at ~26,000 VND to the dollar.
What is VietJet Air?
VietJet Air is a private Vietnamese low-cost carrier flying around 400 flights a day across 254 routes — 52 domestic, 202 international — with a group fleet of about 135 aircraft. Founded in 2007, it flew its first commercial service in December 2011, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Since then it has grown into the country's biggest private airline, overtaking the state-owned Vietnam Airlines on domestic routes. Its hubs are Tân Sơn Nhất (Ho Chi Minh City) and Nội Bài (Hanoi).
A VietJet plane is easy to spot: the red-and-yellow livery is visible from a mile off. The fleet is built around the Airbus A320/A321/A321neo family for short and medium hops, plus A330-300s on longer routes. The average aircraft age is about 3.7 years — younger than most legacy carriers. In 2025 the airline took delivery of 22 new aircraft in a single month, its biggest fleet expansion ever.
Is VietJet safe? Yes — but budget rules apply. On safety it earns the maximum 7 of 7 stars from AirlineRatings.com (2026), a rating it has held since 2018, on par with easyJet, Ryanair and Southwest. It has passed the IOSA (IATA) and ISAGO audits, technical reliability sits at 99.72%, and there has been no fatal accident in nearly 20 years of flying. SKYTRAX rates it a 3-Star Low-Cost Airline. The stars are for how safely it flies you, not how comfortably — those are two different scores.
For most visitors, VietJet is simply the cheapest way to cover distance inside Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, out to Phu Quoc island, or up to Da Lat. The Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi hop takes two hours and starts around 650,000 VND (~$26). If you would rather stay on the ground, the north–south Reunification Express train covers the same spine at a slower, more scenic pace.
Our verdict — 6.5 out of 10
VietJet Air scores about 6.5 out of 10 across the reviews we read on TripAdvisor (7,600+ reviews), SKYTRAX, Reddit and Trustpilot. The number is a trade-off: strong on price and safety, chronically weak on punctuality and service.
| Aspect | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket price | 9/10 | Cheapest in Vietnam, flash sales from 0 VND |
| Safety | 9/10 | 7/7 AirlineRatings, IOSA, young fleet |
| Cabin cleanliness | 7/10 | New jets are clean, older ones vary |
| Punctuality | 4/10 | ~73% on-time; 1 in 4 flights delayed |
| Seat comfort | 5/10 | Standard low-cost, tight legroom |
| Crew & service | 6/10 | Varies flight to flight |
| Baggage policy | 4/10 | Strict weighing, easy to get caught out |
| Food | 5/10 | Paid, but pre-order is cheaper |
| Support | 3/10 | Call centre almost unreachable |
Who it suits: budget travellers who fly light and can shrug off a delay for the fare. Who it doesn't: anyone flying with a big suitcase, anyone who needs to be on time, or anyone used to meals being included.
What passengers praise
The headline strength of VietJet is price. Domestic Vietnam routes start from 520,000 VND (~$8) on an Eco ticket. In a sale the fare drops to 0 VND — you pay only taxes and fees, which lands around $20–50. For scale: a Ho Chi Minh City–Nha Trang flight can come out cheaper than the overnight bus on the same route.
Price. It is not a marketing trick — VietJet genuinely runs 2–3 times cheaper than Vietnam Airlines on the same routes. Ho Chi Minh City–Phu Quoc from 650,000 VND (~$26), Ho Chi Minh City–Da Nang from 620,000 VND (~$25). Catch a flash sale and a domestic hop can cost less than the taxi from the airport.
Safety. 7 of 7 AirlineRatings stars, IOSA certification, one of the youngest fleets anywhere, and no fatal accident in the airline's history. Cheap does not have to mean unsafe, and VietJet is the proof.
💬 "VietJet is basically the local minibus of the skies. Booked it four times, flights were clean, staff were polite, and for the money I really can't complain." — r/VietnamTravel, 2025
Route network. VietJet covers every major destination inside Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), Phu Quoc, Da Lat, Hue, Quy Nhon, Hai Phong, Buôn Ma Thuột, Cần Thơ and a dozen more. It reaches places Bamboo Airways doesn't.
Flash sales. Daily "Golden Hours" run 12:00–14:00 Vietnam time (UTC+7), with Eco fares from 0 VND. During the 12.12 promotion in December 2025 the airline released millions of promo tickets at up to 100% off; in August 2025 it put out 800,000 Eco promo fares from 0 VND across all routes.
Easy booking. The site vietjetair.com and the app work in English. The mobile app is stable — booking, online check-in, and buying extra baggage or food all live in one place.
Getting set up in Vietnam?
SIM, visas, transfers, tours — our manager sorts it out for you, in English.
Message the managerThe complaints — honest about the downsides
Delays are the number-one pain point. VietJet's on-time performance dropped to about 73% in early 2026 — so roughly one flight in four leaves 15 minutes or more late. For comparison, Vietnam Airlines runs near 86% and Bamboo Airways around 81%. Scroll TripAdvisor or Reddit and "never once left on time" shows up again and again. Delays of one to four hours are a regular story, and January 2026 alone saw 368 cancellations.
The cause: VietJet flies its aircraft at maximum intensity — up to 12 rotations a day per plane. If the first morning flight slips an hour, the domino effect runs all day, and there are few spare aircraft to break the chain. Delays cluster in the rainy season (May–October) and the peak winter season (December–February).
💬 "Flight delayed four and a half hours, no food offered even though they're meant to. No apology, no information — you just sit and wait." — TripAdvisor, October 2025
Baggage is the second sore spot. VietJet weighs ALL your baggage, cabin included. If a bag is over 7 kg by even 200 grams, the airport-desk excess fee costs far more than a package bought in advance online. And without a weight tag on your carry-on, you may not be allowed to board.
Customer support barely exists. The call centre answers with an automated menu, and reaching a human is nearly impossible. The website chat is a bot that stumbles on anything non-standard. In practice, the feedback form on the site or the VietJet Facebook page get answers fastest.
Add-on fees are the trap for the unwary. The base Eco ticket includes nothing — no checked bag, no food, no seat choice. Here is what it really costs:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Eco ticket (HCMC → Da Nang) | from 620,000 VND (~$25) |
| + 20 kg checked bag | 280,000 VND (~$11) |
| + Seat selection | 60,000–150,000 VND (~$2.40–6) |
| + Meal | 50,000 VND (~$2) |
| Total | ~1,010,000 VND (~$40) |
For comparison, Vietnam Airlines on the same route starts around 1,000,000 VND (~$40) with 23 kg of baggage and a meal already included. Add it all up before you judge — don't go by the headline fare.
Skip the airport queue in 5–10 min
In winter, immigration lines run 60–90 min. With Fast Track you’re met at the aircraft and taken through the priority lane. Arrange it before you fly.
Telegram managerVietJet fare classes — what's in the ticket
VietJet sells four fares, from a bare ticket to near-business. The price gap can be two or three times, but Deluxe and SkyBoss often beat Eco plus a stack of extras.
| Included | Promo | Eco | Deluxe | SkyBoss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on | 7 kg | 7 kg | 7 kg | 10 kg |
| Checked baggage | — | — | 20 kg | 30 kg |
| In-flight meal | — | — | — | hot meal + drinks |
| Seat selection | — | — | priority | priority |
| Flight change | — | name change | free | free |
| Priority boarding | — | — | — | yes |
| Price (domestic) | from ~$8 | from ~$10 | from ~$18 | from ~$38 |
Baggage and carry-on — the rules and the traps
Carry-on on every fare except SkyBoss is 7 kg: one cabin bag up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm, plus one small personal item up to 30 x 20 x 10 cm. SkyBoss allows 10 kg or more, depending on the route. The 7 kg is a combined weight — cabin bag + backpack + duty-free bag together must stay under it. It is one shared allowance, not three separate pieces.
Checked baggage is bought separately in packages:
| Package | Price online | Price at airport |
|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | from 200,000 VND (~$8) | from 300,000 VND (~$12) |
| 20 kg | from 280,000 VND (~$11) | from 420,000 VND (~$17) |
| 25 kg | from 360,000 VND (~$14) | from 540,000 VND (~$22) |
| 30 kg | from 440,000 VND (~$18) | from 660,000 VND (~$26) |
| 40 kg | from 600,000 VND (~$24) | from 900,000 VND (~$36) |
The gap between buying online and at the airport is roughly 30–50%. Turn up with no bag booked and you pay the airport excess rate per kilo, which works out several times more than adding weight during booking. The maximum weight for a single piece is 32 kg.
Food on board — worth ordering?
On VietJet flights you get nothing for free — no water, no snacks, not even a biscuit. The exception is the SkyBoss fare: a hot dish, drinks and fresh coffee are in the ticket price.
On every other fare there is the paid SkyCafé menu:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bánh mì (sandwich) | from 50,000 VND (~$2) |
| Sticky rice with chicken | from 60,000 VND (~$2.40) |
| Spaghetti / fried rice | from 70,000 VND (~$2.80) |
| Combo (dish + drink) | from 90,000 VND (~$3.60) |
| Coffee / tea | from 25,000 VND (~$1) |
| Water 500 ml | from 20,000 VND (~$0.80) |
You can pre-order food when you book, which runs about 10–15% cheaper than buying it on board. But the most practical tip from frequent flyers: grab a bottle of water and a snack at the airport. Water at an airport shop is 10,000 VND (~$0.40), a sandwich 30,000–50,000 VND (~$1.20–2). Domestic flights last one to two hours — you'll survive.
VietJet vs Vietnam Airlines vs Bamboo Airways
| Criterion | VietJet Air | Vietnam Airlines | Bamboo Airways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Low-cost | Full service | Mid-tier |
| Price (domestic) | from ~$8 | from ~$16 | from ~$12 |
| Economy baggage | paid | 23 kg included | 20 kg included |
| Meal | paid | included | included |
| Punctuality | ~73% | ~86% | ~81% |
| Route network | all destinations | all destinations | limited |
| SKYTRAX | 3★ Low-Cost | 4★ Full-Service | — |
Choose VietJet if you travel light (a backpack under 7 kg), you're flexible on timing, you hunt flash sales, and price beats comfort. It's ideal for short domestic hops — one or two hours you can grin and bear.
Choose Vietnam Airlines if you fly with a big suitcase, you value an included meal, and you'd rather not gamble on delays. The price difference is $10–15, you get 23 kg of baggage and lunch on board, and its ~86% on-time record is the best of the three.
Choose Bamboo Airways if you want a middle ground: 20 kg baggage included, newer aircraft, and punctuality (~81%) that beats VietJet without paying full-service prices. The catch is a thinner route network, so it won't reach every city you might.
This is the quick version — for the full carrier-by-carrier breakdown (Pacific Airlines, Vietravel, safety scores, cabin classes and the payment quirks foreigners hit), see our guide to the airlines of Vietnam.
Delays and punctuality — what to plan for
If there is one thing to know before you book, it is that VietJet is not an airline to cut it fine with. On-time performance slid to about 73% in early 2026, meaning roughly one flight in four leaves late, and a good share of those slip well past the hour mark. It rarely ruins a trip. It will ruin a tight connection.
The practical rules foreign travellers learn fast:
- Never book an onward international connection less than four hours after a VietJet arrival — treat the domestic leg as unreliable, not the airline's promise.
- Delays cluster in the rainy season (May–October) and the peak winter holidays. If you can, fly early: the day's first departures are the least likely to have inherited a delay.
- Check the flight status in the app 24–48 hours out. VietJet can move a departure time without much warning.
- Don't rely on the airline for meals or hotels during a long delay — carry a snack and a power bank, and plan your own contingency.
💬 "Flew VietJet twice on our two-week trip. One was fifteen minutes early, the other nearly two hours late. The plane was new and fine — just don't schedule anything important right after landing." — r/VietnamTravel, 2025
How to buy a cheap VietJet ticket
VietJet promo tickets from 0 VND are real, but you have to hunt for them. Here are the proven ways to bring the fare down:
Golden Hours — the daily hunt. Every day, 12:00–14:00 Vietnam time (UTC+7), Eco fares from 0 VND appear on the site and in the app. You pay only taxes and fees — from 150,000 VND (~$6) on domestic routes. They vanish in minutes, so keep the app open and log in beforehand.
Flash sales — the big drops. VietJet runs major sales a few times a year, usually tied to holidays (Tết, 12.12, the airline anniversary). During 12.12 in December 2025 it released millions of tickets at up to 100% off. Watch the newsletter — sales are announced a day or two ahead.
Book 3–6 months out. Promo fares are for flights three to six months away. In the week before departure, prices climb three to five times. If your dates are flexible, look at Tuesdays and Wednesdays — usually cheaper.
Use the VietJet Air app. The app (iOS / Android) sometimes carries app-only deals you won't see on the site, and push alerts for flash sales land before the emails do.
Compare the final price. A 0 VND fare + taxes (~$6) + 20 kg baggage (~$11) + a meal (~$2) comes to about $19. An Eco fare on Vietnam Airlines for the same route starts near $40, but with 23 kg of baggage and lunch. If you're flying light, VietJet wins.
10 tips before your first VietJet flight
- Check in online 24 hours ahead. Site or app — check-in closes 60 minutes before departure. Saves 30–60 minutes at the airport.
- Weigh your bags at home. A portable scale is a couple of dollars and one of the best travel buys in Vietnam. Excess at the airport starts around $4.
- Carry cash in dong on board. Cards aren't accepted. If you want food or drink, it's cash only.
- Bring water and a snack. Nothing is free. A bottle of water from an airport shop is 10,000 VND (~$0.40).
- Arrive 2+ hours before departure. VietJet check-in queues can be long, and not every desk is open at once.
- Download the VietJet Air app. Boarding pass, flight status, extra baggage — all in one place.
- Get the carry-on weight tag. Without a weighed-and-tagged cabin bag, you risk being sent back to the desk.
- Don't count on delay compensation. VietJet does the minimum. A time buffer is your insurance.
- Choose Deluxe if your bag is over 7 kg. The gap over Eco is around 500,000 VND (~$20), but it includes 20 kg of baggage and free flight changes.
- Check the schedule 24–48 hours out. VietJet can move departure times without warning. Track the status in the app.
FAQ
Is VietJet Air a good airline?
A solid low-cost carrier for the price. 7 of 7 safety stars, one of the youngest fleets around, every domestic destination in Vietnam, tickets from about $8. The downsides are delays (~73% on-time in early 2026) and strict baggage checks. If you fly light and aren't on a tight schedule, it's a great pick. If you're hauling a suitcase and short on time, Vietnam Airlines is the safer bet.
How much carry-on can I take?
On the Promo, Eco and Deluxe fares, 7 kg total — a cabin bag up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm plus a small personal item. On SkyBoss, 10 kg or more. VietJet weighs carry-on and issues a tag; without it you may not be allowed to board. A duty-free bag counts toward the same 7 kg.
Do VietJet flights serve food?
Free meals come only with SkyBoss. On the rest there's the paid SkyCafé menu, from 50,000 VND (~$2). On board they take cash in dong only. You can pre-order online at a discount, or just grab a snack at the airport.
Is it safe to fly VietJet Air?
Yes. AirlineRatings.com gives it the maximum 7 of 7 stars. IOSA and ISAGO certified, technical reliability 99.72%, average fleet age about 3.7 years. No fatal accident in the airline's history.
How do I buy a cheap VietJet ticket?
Golden Hours (12:00–14:00 Vietnam time) for fares from 0 VND plus taxes. Subscribe for promo codes. Book 3–6 months ahead. Use the VietJet Air app for app-only deals. Compare the final price with baggage, not the headline fare.
What's included in a VietJet Eco ticket?
Only carry-on up to 7 kg. Everything else is paid: baggage, food, seat selection, insurance. For most travellers with a suitcase, Deluxe is better value — it bundles 20 kg and free flight changes.
Why does VietJet delay flights so often?
On-time performance was about 73% in early 2026, roughly one flight in four running late. The main cause is intensive use, up to 12 rotations a day per plane, so a one-hour morning delay dominoes through the day. Delays of 1–2 hours are common; 4+ hours happen on late-night flights and in the rainy season (May–October). Don't book a connection less than four hours after a VietJet arrival.
Current as of July 2026. Prices and terms can change — check vietjetair.com before you travel.
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