Vietnam Airlines Baggage Policy: The Complete 2026 Guide

Planning a trip with Vietnam Airlines? Knowing the baggage rules before you pack can save you stress, money, and time at the airport. Few things ruin a smooth departure faster than a surprise overweight fee at check-in.

Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier of Vietnam and a member of the SkyTeam alliance, flying to more than 90 destinations worldwide. Its baggage rules follow two systems: the weight concept (used on most routes) and the piece concept (used mainly for flights to and from the Americas). Knowing which applies to your route is the first step to packing right.

What is Vietnam Airlines’ carry-on baggage allowance?

Vietnam Airlines allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item in most cabins. Economy passengers get 7kg, Premium Economy gets 7kg, Business gets 18kg (two pieces). The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 56 x 36 x 23 cm.

Here’s how carry-on limits break down by cabin class:

What personal items can I bring on board?

In addition to your carry-on, you may bring one small personal item at no extra cost. Permitted items include:

• A handbag or small purse
• A laptop bag or slim briefcase
• A coat, blanket, or umbrella
• A small camera or pair of binoculars
• Reading material for the flight
• Duty-free purchases made at the airport

What items are prohibited in carry-on baggage?

Some items must go in checked baggage or be left behind entirely. Prohibited carry-on items include:

• Liquids, gels, and aerosols over 100ml per container
• Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and razor blades
• Sporting goods that can be used as weapons (bats, clubs, cues)
• Tools longer than 6cm
• Flammable items and lighters with fuel

How much checked baggage is allowed on Vietnam Airlines?

Checked allowances depend on your route and class. On weight-concept routes, Economy typically gets 23kg and Business gets 32–40kg. On piece-concept routes (the Americas), Economy gets two 23kg bags and Business gets two 32kg bags.

Vietnam Airlines international baggage allowance (economy and other classes)

The table below shows standard free checked allowances for international flights:

What does “2 bags at 23kg” mean? It means you’re allowed two separate checked pieces, and each one can weigh up to 23kg a total of 46kg. This is the piece concept, used mostly on routes to and from North America. Each bag must stay under its individual limit; you can’t pool the weight into one heavier bag.

What are the rules for oversized and special baggage?

A checked bag is considered oversized when its total dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 158cm. Bags over this limit attract extra fees.

Special baggage includes:

• Sports equipment  golf clubs, skis, surfboards, and bicycles (often need advance booking)
• Musical instruments  small instruments can travel in the cabin if you buy an extra seat
• Fragile and valuable items   should be declared and may need special packaging

How much do Vietnam Airlines excess baggage fees cost?

Excess baggage on Vietnam Airlines is charged per kilogram on weight-concept routes and per piece on piece-concept routes. Prepaid online rates are cheaper than airport rates. Costs vary by route, so always check the exact fee for your itinerary before flying.

How is the excess baggage fee calculated?

On weight-concept routes, you pay a set rate for each kilogram over your free allowance. On piece-concept routes, you pay a flat fee for each extra bag beyond your free pieces.

Here’s a sample cost-breakdown scenario:

Example: You fly Economy on a weight-concept route with a 23kg allowance, but your bag weighs 30kg. That’s 7kg over. At an example rate of $10 per kg, you’d pay around $70 at the airport. Booking the same 7kg in advance might cost closer to $50 a saving of roughly 30%.

Edge case: Two travelers on the same booking can sometimes pool their allowances. If one packs light and the other packs heavy, combining a 23kg + 23kg allowance into 46kg total may avoid fees altogether check at the counter.

What are prepaid (pre-purchased) baggage options?

Vietnam Airlines lets you buy extra baggage in advance through its website, app, or call center. Benefits of prepaid baggage include:

• Lower rates than buying at the airport
• Guaranteed space for your extra weight
• Faster check-in with no payment delays at the counter

How much luggage is allowed on prepaid baggage on Vietnam Airlines?

Prepaid baggage is usually sold in fixed blocks commonly in increments such as 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, or 20kg on weight-concept routes, or per extra piece on piece-concept routes. The exact options appear during online booking once you enter your route.

How do I book extra baggage online?

You can add baggage at three points:

1. During booking   add extra weight when you buy your ticket
2. After booking   log in to “Manage Booking” on the Vietnam Airlines website
3. Before departure  usually up to a few hours before your flight

Payment methods include major credit cards, debit cards, and local payment options. The currency charged usually matches your point of departure.

What items are restricted or prohibited on Vietnam Airlines?

Dangerous goods such as explosives, flammable liquids, and compressed gases are banned outright. Liquids over 100ml are restricted in carry-on. Some items face country-specific rules, so check the regulations of both your departure and arrival countries.

Which dangerous goods are banned?

The following are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage:

• Explosives and fireworks
• Flammable liquids and gases
• Corrosive substances (acids, wet batteries)
• Toxic and infectious materials
• Compressed gas cylinders

What are the restrictions on liquids and electronics?

• Liquids, aerosols, gels (LAGs): Max 100ml per container in carry-on, all fitting in one clear resealable bag
• Power banks and spare lithium batteries: Carry-on only, never in checked bags
• E-cigarettes and vapes: Carry-on only, never checked

Are there country-specific baggage regulations?

Yes. Some countries restrict items like certain foods, plant products, or large amounts of currency. Always check both your departure and destination country’s customs rules before you pack.

How can I avoid baggage problems at the airport?

Weigh your bags at home, label them inside and out, arrive early, and keep valuables in your carry-on. These four habits prevent most common baggage issues, from overweight fees to lost luggage.

What are the best packing strategies?

• Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles
• Weigh each bag at home with a luggage scale
• Distribute weight evenly across multiple bags
• Keep medication, documents, and valuables in your carry-on
• Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed

How should I label my luggage?

Attach a tag with your name, phone number, and email on the outside. Place a second copy of your details inside the bag. This doubles your chances of recovery if the external tag falls off.

What should I do if my baggage is lost or damaged?

1. Report it immediately at the Vietnam Airlines baggage desk before leaving the airport
2. Fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
3. Keep your baggage tag receipt and boarding pass
4. Note the reference number for tracking your claim

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to check a bag on Vietnam Airlines?

Your first checked bag is usually free within your allowance 23kg in Economy on most routes. Extra weight is charged per kilogram on weight-concept routes or per piece on piece-concept routes. Prepaid online rates run cheaper than airport rates.

How many bags do you get with Vietnam Airlines?

On weight-concept routes, you get one combined allowance (e.g., 23kg in Economy). On piece-concept routes to the Americas, Economy passengers get two bags at 23kg each, and Business passengers get two bags at 32kg each.

How strict are Vietnam Airlines with luggage?

Vietnam Airlines enforces weight and size limits consistently, especially at international airports. Carry-on bags are often weighed at check-in. Going even 1–2kg over can trigger fees, so weigh your bags at home to be safe.

How much carry-on luggage is allowed on Vietnam Airlines economy?

Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag up to 7kg plus one personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. The carry-on must fit within 56 x 36 x 23 cm to be accepted in the cabin.

How much does it cost to get your bag checked?

The cost depends on your route, class, and whether you exceed your free allowance. Within your allowance, checking a bag is free. Beyond it, you pay per kilo or per piece and prepaying online typically saves 20–30% over airport prices.

What does “2 bags at 23kg” mean?

It means you’re permitted two separate checked pieces, each weighing up to 23kg, for a total of 46kg. The weight can’t be combined into one heavier bag each piece must individually stay at or under 23kg.

Can I buy extra baggage on Vietnam Airlines?

Yes. You can buy extra baggage during booking, later through “Manage Booking,” or before departure. Prepaid baggage costs less than buying at the airport and guarantees space for your extra weight.

How much luggage is allowed on a Vietnam Airlines flight?

It varies by route and class: 23kg in Economy and up to 40kg in Business on weight-concept routes, or two bags per passenger on piece-concept routes to North America. Carry-on adds 7kg in Economy and 18kg in Business.

How much luggage is allowed on prepaid baggage?

Prepaid baggage is sold in set blocks often 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, or 20kg increments on weight routes, or per extra piece on piece routes. The available options appear during online booking once you enter your itinerary.

Does Vietnam Airlines let passengers pool baggage allowances?

On the same booking, passengers traveling together can sometimes combine their allowances at check-in. For example, two Economy travelers with 23kg each may share a 46kg total, helping one heavy bag offset a lighter one. Confirm at the counter.