Bamboo Airways Baggage Policy: Fees, Limits & Rules 

Bamboo Airways offers carry-on baggage of up to 7kg for Economy and 14kg for Business Class. Checked baggage varies by fare class Economy Saver Max and Economy Smart carry a fee, while Economy Flex and Hot Deal fares include 20kg free. Business Class passengers receive 40kg. Pre-purchasing extra baggage online saves up to 40% versus airport rates.

Packing for a Bamboo Airways flight and not sure what’s included in your ticket? You’re not alone. With multiple fare tiers, different allowances for domestic and international routes, and penalties that spike sharply at the departure gate, getting the details wrong can cost more than you’d expect.

What Is Bamboo Airways?

Bamboo Airways is Vietnam’s first private full-service carrier (FSC), established in 2017 and officially launched on January 16, 2019. Unlike budget carriers, Bamboo Airways operates on a hybrid model offering premium cabin options alongside economy fares. Skytrax has certified Bamboo Airways as a 3-Star Airline, recognizing its seat quality, onboard service, catering, and ground staff standards. The airline has consistently recorded an on-time performance (OTP) rate of over 95% since its launch year, ranking it among the most punctual carriers in Vietnam’s domestic aviation market.

What Is Bamboo Airways’ Carry-On Baggage Policy?

Bamboo Airways allows Economy Class passengers one main carry-on piece plus one personal item, with a combined maximum weight of 7kg. Business Class passengers may bring two main pieces plus one personal item, up to 14kg total. The main piece must not exceed 56cm × 36cm × 23cm (115cm combined).

Here’s a breakdown of exactly what each class is permitted:

What counts as a personal item? Bamboo Airways defines a personal item as one of the following:

• A handbag (men’s or women’s) not exceeding 30cm × 20cm × 10cm
• A thin blanket, scarf, or jacket
• An umbrella or walking stick (without sharp metal tips)
• A book or newspaper/magazine
• A laptop bag not exceeding 40cm × 30cm × 10cm
• Disability aids (crutches, canes, or a foldable wheelchair)

Important: All carry-on baggage must be weighed and tagged before boarding unless you checked in online. Passengers who show up at the departure gate with untagged, overweight, or oversized carry-on will face a penalty of 50,000 VND per kg, which is significantly higher than counter fees. Don’t skip the check-in counter step.

What Is the Bamboo Airways Checked Baggage Allowance?

Bamboo Airways’ checked baggage allowance depends on your fare class. Economy Flex and Hot Deal fares include 20kg free. Economy Saver Max and Economy Smart fares include no free baggage you pay for any checked bag. Business Class fares (Smart and Flex) include 40kg.

Bamboo Airways Baggage Allowance  Domestic Routes

Per-piece rules apply regardless of class:

• Maximum weight per piece: 32kg (70 lb)
• Maximum combined dimensions (L + W + H): 203cm
• Pieces exceeding these limits will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be rebooked as cargo

Economy passengers may check a maximum of 2 pieces under their free allowance; Business passengers up to 3 pieces.

Real-world example: A passenger booked on Economy Smart wants to check a 20kg suitcase. Since Economy Smart includes no free baggage, that passenger must purchase a baggage package before flying. Buying online at least 24 hours before departure costs 300,000 VND for 20kg versus 600,000 VND at the airport counter. That’s a 50% saving for planning ahead.

How Much Is Bamboo Airways’ Baggage Fee for Extra Checked Luggage?

Bamboo Airways charges excess checked baggage in packages rather than per kg. Buying online at least 24 hours before departure is the cheapest option, with savings of up to 70% compared to airport-counter rates. Prices are in VND and include VAT.

Domestic Pre-Purchase Baggage Fee Table (Tickets Issued/Re-Issued After June 20, 2026)

Note: Pre-purchase is only available at least 3 hours before departure. Maximum first-time additional baggage purchase is 60kg.

Buying at the airport counter (within 3 hours of departure)? Packages are rounded up to the nearest bracket:

• 15kg: 450,000 VND
• 20kg: 600,000 VND

So if you arrive at the airport with 11kg to check, you’ll be charged the 15kg rate 450,000 VND. The math strongly favors buying online before you leave home.

How Do You Add Baggage to a Bamboo Airways Booking?

To add baggage to a Bamboo Airways flight, purchase additional checked baggage at least 3 hours before departure through the Bamboo Airways website, mobile app, or official ticket offices. If you’ve already purchased a baggage package and need more, you must contact the Customer Service Hotline at +84 1900 1166.

Step-by-step process:

1. Log into My Booking on the Bamboo Airways website or app
2. Select your booking and navigate to the baggage add-on section
3. Choose a baggage package (20kg to 60kg for domestic routes)
4. Pay online (VND, inclusive of VAT)
5. Save or screenshot your updated booking confirmation

Booking through a third-party platform like Traveloka? Some online travel agencies may not allow baggage add-ons for certain fare types. In that case, contact Bamboo Airways directly to add your allowance.

What Is Bamboo Airways’ Special and Sports Baggage Policy?

Bamboo Airways accepts oversized items, bicycles, golf equipment, and sports gear as checked baggage on both domestic and international routes, subject to size, weight, and fee conditions. Sports equipment must be pre-booked at least 3 hours before departure.

Domestic Sports Baggage Fees

Accepted sports equipment includes:

• Skiing and water slideboarding equipment
• Surfboards and skateboards
• Diving gear (excluding regulators and pressurized tanks)
• Archery sets, fishing equipment, and bowling gear
• Bicycles (non-electric, non-battery-attached)

Size limits apply to all: Maximum 32kg and 203cm combined dimensions. Items exceeding these limits are denied as checked baggage and must travel as cargo.

Golf set specifics: One set consists of up to 14 clubs, 12 balls, one pair of shoes, and putting tees. Economy Flex passengers and Bamboo Club First cardholders receive one free 20kg golf set on domestic routes.

International routes (Vietnam–Thailand):

Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience With Bamboo Airways

1. Buy baggage online, never at the gate
The departure gate carry-on fee 50,000 VND/kg is the most expensive rate Bamboo Airways charges. Even buying at the airport counter is cheaper. Buy your baggage add-on at least 24 hours before departure for the lowest rate.

2. Know your fare class before you pack
Economy Saver Max and Economy Smart include zero free checked baggage. If your ticket falls into one of these categories and you pack a suitcase without pre-purchasing, you’ll pay airport counter prices.

3. Weigh and tag carry-on before leaving home
All carry-on (except for passengers who check in online) must be tagged at the counter. The 7kg limit for Economy is per passenger not per bag. Two small bags that together weigh 8kg still exceed the limit.

4. Use the 60kg cap strategically
Bamboo Airways allows a maximum first-time additional purchase of 60kg on domestic routes. If you and a travel companion are flying the same route, you can pool weight across one booking by contacting customer service, rather than both paying separately for smaller packages.

5. Pack sports equipment properly
Bicycle tires must be deflated. Pedals, saddles, and handlebars must be disassembled. Golf clubs must be packed without sharp edges. Improper packing can result in your item being refused at check-in.

6. Wheelchairs and strollers fly free
Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance and those traveling with an infant can each check one wheelchair or baby stroller at no additional charge, provided they meet the condition criteria.

Is Bamboo Airways a Good Airline?

Bamboo Airways is a strong choice for domestic Vietnam travel. As a full-service carrier, it provides complimentary meals, baggage allowances on eligible fares, and a business class product. Skytrax rates it 3 stars, and it has maintained an on-time performance (OTP) rate above 95% since 2019.

For budget travelers, Economy Saver Max and Economy Smart fares are priced competitively but the trade-off is zero free checked baggage, which makes them less cost-effective for anyone checking a bag. Economy Flex and Hot Deal fares offer better value with 20kg included.

Business Class travelers get 40kg of checked baggage, access to Bamboo Airways’ First Lounge at Hanoi Noi Bai, and priority services at the airport positioning it as a viable alternative to Vietnam Airlines on domestic routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bamboo Airways include baggage in every ticket?
No. Only Hot Deal and Economy Flex fares include 20kg of free checked baggage. Economy Saver Max and Economy Smart fares require you to purchase checked baggage separately. Business Class fares include 40kg.

How much does Bamboo Airways charge per kg for excess baggage?
Bamboo Airways does not charge per individual kg at the counter it sells baggage in packages. At the airport counter, the minimum package is 15kg for 450,000 VND. Pre-purchase packages online start at 20kg for 300,000 VND (24+ hours before departure).

Can I share my baggage allowance with another passenger?
Baggage allowances are assigned per passenger per ticket. To pool allowance across passengers, contact Bamboo Airways’ Customer Service Hotline at +84 1900 1166.

What happens if my carry-on is overweight at the departure gate?
Overweight carry-on baggage identified at the departure gate is charged at 50,000 VND per kg, including VAT. This is the highest rate Bamboo Airways charges. You may also be sent back to the check-in counter.

Do Bamboo Club loyalty members get extra baggage?
Yes, but only for checked baggage not carry-on. Bamboo Club First, Diamond, and Gold cardholders receive additional free checked baggage allowances on eligible fares. This benefit does not extend to carry-on weight.

Can I add baggage after online check-in?
If you’ve already checked in online, contact the Customer Service Hotline directly at +84 1900 1166. Pre-purchase of additional baggage online closes 3 hours before departure.

What is the penalty for exceeding the 32kg per-piece limit on checked baggage?
Baggage exceeding 32kg or 203cm combined dimensions will not be accepted as checked baggage. Bamboo Airways will require you to repack or consign the item as cargo through a separate freight process.

Is a laptop bag counted as a carry-on or a personal item on Bamboo Airways?
A laptop bag is treated as a personal item not a main carry-on piece provided it doesn’t exceed 40cm × 30cm × 10cm. It doesn’t need a carry-on tag, but it does count toward your overall weight limit.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed in checked baggage on Bamboo Airways?
Yes, with restrictions. Beverages under 24% alcohol by volume are unrestricted. Between 24% and 70% ABV, up to 5 liters per person in original, sealed retail packaging are permitted. Beverages over 70% ABV are prohibited in both cabin and hold.

Do the new domestic excess baggage fees apply to all tickets?
No. The updated domestic pre-purchase fee schedule (20kg for 300,000 VND, etc.) applies specifically to tickets issued or re-issued after June 20, 2026. Tickets issued before this date may fall under earlier fee structures check your booking confirmation or contact Bamboo Airways directly.