Domestic Flights in Vietnam: Baggage Rules and Add-ons
A cheap fare and a heavy suitcase: find out what the fare really includes before you buy.
A low domestic fare in Vietnam may not include a checked bag. Read the fare rules, add the bag you need and compare the total with a full-service ticket. That is the only honest way to judge the price.
Which traveller needs to worry about this?
- Shoppers: tailored clothes and gifts add weight you did not plan for.
- Young families: strollers, nappies and spare clothes fill a bag fast.
- First-timers: you may not know the airline’s rules yet.
- Anyone with a connecting international flight: baggage rules can differ between the two tickets.
What do low-cost fares usually include?
Low-cost fares are priced for travellers who carry only a small bag. A checked bag, a meal and a seat choice are sold as extras. The allowance depends on the airline and on the fare type you pick, so read the rules for your exact ticket.
A full-service ticket usually includes more as standard. It can still have a limit, so check it too. Never assume the same allowance from one airline to another.
How do you compare the real price?
Add up everything you will pay, then compare. Use the same date, the same bag and the same route for each option.
| Item | Low-cost fare | Full-service ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare | Lower | Higher |
| Checked bag | Add-on, price varies | Check limit, may be included |
| Seat and meal | Add-on | May be included |
| Change and refund rules | Stricter | Usually more flexible |
| Total for your trip | Add up all extras | Compare with the left column |
The trip budget builder and the ringgit cost worksheet let you plug in today’s quotes. Prices change by season, so compare on your own dates.
What should you check before you pay?
- Your bag weight, measured at home.
- Whether a connection to an international flight needs a separate bag rule. See domestic flight connections and buffer time.
- Add baggage at booking, not at the airport.
- Whether you will shop on the trip. If yes, add spare allowance now.
If you are comparing a flight with the train, read Hanoi to Da Nang by flight or train and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. If transport is bundled, use the package inclusion comparator. More in Getting around Vietnam.
Tell us what you plan to carry and which legs you will fly, and we can help you work out whether a low fare or a full-service ticket costs less.
Common questions
Does a low-cost domestic fare include a checked bag?
Not always. Some low fares cover only a small cabin item, and a checked bag is an add-on that you pay for. Read the fare rules on the airline's own site before you book, because the allowance depends on the fare you choose.
Is it cheaper to add baggage online or at the airport?
Adding it when you book is usually cheaper than paying at the counter. Prices at the airport can be higher, and you may be asked to pay on the spot. Decide your baggage before you buy, especially if you plan to shop.
How do I compare a low-cost fare with a full-service ticket?
Add the baggage and any meal or seat fees to the low fare, then compare the total with the full-service price. The gap narrows once a bag is added. Use the same dates and the same bag for an honest comparison.
What if my bag is overweight?
Overweight bags can be charged by weight, at a rate that is usually higher than pre-paid baggage. Weigh your suitcase at home with a luggage scale, and leave a margin for souvenirs and gifts.
Keep planning
Tell us what you plan to carry and which legs you will fly, and we can help you work out whether a low fare or a full-service ticket costs less.