About Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam, operating under IATA code VN and ICAO code HVN. Headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam, the airline was founded in 1956 and has grown into one of Southeast Asia's leading full-service carriers. Vietnam Airlines is a proud member of the SkyTeam alliance, having joined in June 2010 as the first Southeast Asian airline in the alliance. The carrier operates an extensive domestic and international network from its dual hubs at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, connecting passengers across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and beyond.
As a full-service airline, Vietnam Airlines provides complimentary checked baggage, in-flight meals, and entertainment across all cabin classes. The airline is renowned for its warm Vietnamese hospitality, offering travellers a culturally rich flying experience whether on short regional hops or long-haul international journeys. With a modern fleet of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, Vietnam Airlines maintains high safety and service standards that have earned it a certified 4-star airline rating from Skytrax.
Airline Overview and History
Vietnam Airlines traces its origins back to 1956, when the Vietnam Civil Aviation Department was established. Over the decades, the airline has evolved from a small state-owned carrier into one of the most prominent airlines in Southeast Asia. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- 1956 — Vietnam Civil Aviation Department established, marking the beginning of civil aviation in Vietnam
- 1989 — Unified national airline formed under the name Vietnam Airlines
- 1993 — Vietnam Airlines Corporation officially established as a state enterprise
- 1995 — Launched first international routes to major Asian destinations
- 2002 — Introduced the Boeing 777 to the fleet, enabling long-haul operations to Europe and Australia
- 2003 — Rebranded with the golden lotus logo, symbolising Vietnamese culture and elegance
- 2006 — Celebrated 50th anniversary and continued expanding international route network
- 2010 — Became the first Southeast Asian airline to join the SkyTeam alliance in June
- 2015 — Took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft
- 2016 — Completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange
- 2017 — ANA Holdings acquired an 8.8% stake, forming a strategic partnership
- 2019 — Achieved a record-breaking year with over 24 million passengers carried
- 2023 — Continued post-pandemic recovery and fleet modernisation programme
- 2026 — Finalised order for 50 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft valued at approximately USD 8.1 billion to support fleet expansion through 2032
Vietnam Airlines operates from its primary hub at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, which serves as the gateway to northern Vietnam and connecting flights across the network. Its secondary hub at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City anchors southern Vietnam operations and serves as a major international gateway. The airline's mission is to connect Vietnam with the world while delivering safe, reliable, and culturally authentic travel experiences.
Fleet and Aircraft
Vietnam Airlines operates a modern mixed fleet of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, carefully selected to match route demands ranging from short domestic sectors to ultra-long-haul international services. The fleet includes the following aircraft types:
- Airbus A350-900 — A state-of-the-art wide-body aircraft deployed on long-haul routes to Europe, Australia, and select intra-Asian destinations, featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — Used on medium- to long-haul international routes across Asia, Oceania, and Europe, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and passenger comfort with larger windows and improved cabin pressure
- Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner — A stretched variant of the 787 family, deployed on high-demand routes with greater seating capacity
- Airbus A321/A321neo — The workhorse of the domestic and regional network, connecting Vietnamese cities and short-haul international destinations across Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia
- ATR 72 — A turboprop aircraft operated on shorter domestic routes and connections to smaller regional airports with limited runway length
The airline maintains its fleet to the highest international safety and maintenance standards in accordance with ICAO regulations. Vietnam Airlines has also embarked on a significant fleet renewal and expansion programme, with orders for 50 Boeing 737-8 MAX narrow-body jets for delivery between 2030 and 2032, along with plans to add up to 30 additional wide-body aircraft to support its long-term growth strategy of operating over 200 aircraft by 2035.
Top Flight Routes
Vietnam Airlines operates an extensive network connecting Vietnam with major cities across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. From Malaysia, travellers can take advantage of direct Vietnam Airlines services or convenient connections through its Vietnamese hubs. Here are some of the most popular routes:
Direct Routes from Kuala Lumpur
- Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi — Direct flights connecting Malaysia's capital with Vietnam's historic capital city, popular for cultural tourism, business travel, and as a gateway to Ha Long Bay and Sapa
- Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City — One of the busiest routes connecting Malaysia and Vietnam, ideal for business travellers and leisure tourists exploring southern Vietnam's vibrant culture, cuisine, and the Mekong Delta region
Popular Connecting Routes via Vietnam
By connecting through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Malaysian travellers can access Vietnam Airlines' extensive network to destinations across Asia and beyond:
- Hanoi to Da Nang — Gateway to Central Vietnam's UNESCO heritage sites including Hoi An Ancient Town and Hue Imperial City
- Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc — Vietnam's largest island and a top beach holiday destination
- Hanoi to Tokyo (Narita) — Connecting service to Japan via Vietnam Airlines' hub
- Ho Chi Minh City to Seoul (Incheon) — Popular route connecting to South Korea
- Hanoi to Paris (CDG) — Long-haul service to Europe operated on A350-900
- Hanoi to Sydney — Connecting Vietnam with Australia on Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Other Popular Routes from Malaysia
Travellers from Malaysia may also explore these popular international routes available on Traveloka:
Check the latest available Vietnam Airlines routes, schedules, and fares on Traveloka for real-time flight availability and pricing.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding the baggage allowance before your flight helps you pack efficiently and avoid unexpected fees at the airport. Vietnam Airlines uses a piece-based baggage system for both domestic and international flights.
Cabin (Hand) Baggage
- Economy and Premium Economy Class: Total weight of 12 kg, including 1 carry-on piece and 1 personal item
- Business Class: Total weight of 18 kg, including 2 carry-on pieces and 1 personal item
- Carry-on dimensions: Maximum 56 x 36 x 23 cm per piece
- Personal item dimensions: Maximum 40 x 30 x 15 cm (handbag, laptop bag, or similar)
Items exceeding the cabin baggage allowance must be checked in at the counter. Vietnam Airlines enforces carry-on weight limits and may collect excess fees at the boarding gate for oversized or overweight hand luggage.
Checked Baggage
Free checked baggage varies by cabin class, route, and fare type:
- Economy Class (domestic and Southeast Asia): 1 piece, up to 23 kg
- Premium Economy Class: 1 piece, up to 23 kg (domestic and Southeast Asia); 2 pieces up to 23 kg each on long-haul routes to Europe, Oceania, and the Americas
- Business Class (domestic and Southeast Asia): 1 piece, up to 32 kg
- Business Class (Europe, Oceania, Americas): 2 pieces, up to 32 kg each
- Maximum dimension per piece: Total three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm
Passengers who need additional checked baggage can purchase prepaid baggage online or through Traveloka during the booking process, which is often more cost-effective than paying at the airport counter.
Excess Baggage
Excess baggage fees vary by route zone. Vietnam Airlines categorises international destinations into four zones for pricing purposes:
- Zone A: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Macau
- Zone B: China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, India, and other Asian countries outside Zone A
- Zone C: European countries, Africa, and the Middle East
- Zone D: Australia, Russia, the United States, and other countries in the Americas
Pre-purchasing additional baggage online is recommended as it typically offers lower rates compared to airport counter charges. Visit the Vietnam Airlines official website or use Traveloka to check the latest excess baggage rates for your specific route.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Vietnam Airlines follows international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
- Dangerous goods, flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels in cabin baggage are limited to containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a single transparent resealable bag
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport counter check-in is available at all departure airports served by Vietnam Airlines. Recommended arrival times are as follows:
- Domestic flights: Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 40 minutes before departure
- International flights: Check-in opens 3 hours before departure and closes 50 minutes before departure
At select international airports including Kuala Lumpur (KUL), check-in counters close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Arriving early is strongly recommended during peak travel periods such as Vietnamese public holidays (Tet Lunar New Year), school holidays, and Malaysian festive seasons like Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Online Check-in
Vietnam Airlines offers convenient online check-in through its official website and mobile app. Key details:
- Opening time: From 24 hours before scheduled departure
- Closing time: 1 hour before scheduled departure
- How to access: Visit the Vietnam Airlines website or use the Vietnam Airlines mobile app
After completing online check-in, passengers can download their mobile boarding pass or print it at home. Those with checked baggage should proceed to the designated baggage drop counter at the airport. Passengers with cabin baggage only can proceed directly to security screening and the departure gate, saving valuable time.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Vietnam Airlines offers a multi-class cabin experience designed to cater to different travel preferences and budgets. The airline is known for its warm Vietnamese hospitality, culturally inspired service, and commitment to passenger comfort across all classes.
Economy Class
- Comfortable seating with personal in-flight entertainment screens on wide-body aircraft (A350-900, Boeing 787)
- Complimentary meals and beverages on all flights, including Vietnamese and international cuisine options
- USB charging ports on newer aircraft
- Free checked baggage of 1 piece up to 23 kg
Premium Economy Class
- Enhanced seat pitch and wider seats compared to Economy, providing greater personal space
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Upgraded meal service with a wider selection of dishes
- Increased checked baggage allowance on long-haul routes
- Available on Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787 aircraft serving international routes, as well as select domestic routes
Business Class
- Lie-flat seats on wide-body aircraft (A350-900 and Boeing 787), perfect for long-haul overnight flights
- Access to Vietnam Airlines Business Class Lounges at Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), and partner lounges worldwide through SkyTeam
- Premium multi-course meals featuring Vietnamese and Western cuisine prepared by professional chefs
- Amenity kits, premium bedding, and noise-cancelling headphones
- Priority check-in, fast-track security, and priority baggage handling
- Generous checked baggage allowance of up to 2 pieces at 32 kg each on long-haul routes
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
Vietnam Airlines provides complimentary meals and beverages on all flights. The airline takes pride in offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine alongside international options:
- Economy Class meals include a main course, bread or rice, and a beverage
- Business Class passengers enjoy multi-course dining with appetiser, main course, dessert, and an extensive wine and beverage selection
- Special meal options including vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and child meals are available when pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure
- On shorter domestic flights, a lighter meal or snack service is provided
In-Flight Entertainment
Wide-body aircraft (Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787) are equipped with personal seatback entertainment screens offering a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, games, and a moving flight map. On narrow-body aircraft (A321/A321neo) operating domestic and regional routes, passengers can stream entertainment to their personal devices via the airline's wireless streaming system on select aircraft. Passengers are advised to download content to personal devices before departure as a backup.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2 to 11 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult aged 18 or above, require their own seat and ticket at a child fare
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare; one adult may accompany a maximum of one infant
- Required documents: Valid passport for international flights (with at least 6 months validity) and birth certificate or identification for domestic flights within Vietnam
- Bassinets are available on long-haul wide-body flights for infants, subject to availability — request at the time of booking
- Strollers and car seats can be checked at the boarding gate free of charge
Pregnant Passengers
- Up to 32 weeks: Pregnant passengers may fly without restriction and no medical certificate is required, provided there are no complications
- 32 to under 36 weeks: A medical fitness-to-fly certificate is required, issued no more than 7 days before the scheduled flight date. MEDIF forms (I and II) must be completed
- 36 weeks and beyond: Vietnam Airlines does not accept passengers who are 36 weeks or more pregnant for travel
- Passengers whose estimated date of birth is within 7 days, or who have given birth within the last 7 days, are also not accepted for travel
Pregnant passengers should carry their pregnancy records, ultrasound results, and medical certificates when checking in at the airport.
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Vietnam Airlines provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs. Available services include:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding, during transit, and at arrival
- Priority seating arrangements, including seats with extra legroom where available
- Assistance from trained cabin crew throughout the flight
- Acceptance of portable oxygen concentrators and other approved medical equipment on board
Passengers who require special assistance or medical equipment should notify the airline or Traveloka at least 48 hours before departure to ensure arrangements are in place.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 2 to 6 years: Must be registered for the Unaccompanied Minor and Accompanying Cabin Crew services
- Children aged 6 to under 12 years: The Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory; the airline provides supervision from departure airport to arrival airport
- Children aged 12 to under 18 years: May travel independently but can optionally register for the Unaccompanied Minor service
Parents or guardians must complete the required unaccompanied minor documentation and ensure a designated responsible adult is present at both the departure and arrival airports. Contact Vietnam Airlines directly to arrange the service and confirm eligibility for your route.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Vietnam Airlines flight booked through Traveloka, follow these steps:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and navigate to My Booking
- Select the Vietnam Airlines booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new available flight
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
- Receive your updated e-ticket confirmation
Rescheduling eligibility and fees depend on your fare type. Flexible and full-fare tickets typically allow changes with lower or waived fees, while promotional and discounted fares may carry higher change fees or restrictions.
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on your ticket type and fare rules:
- Fully refundable fares (Flex): Cancel and receive a full refund to the original payment method
- Partially refundable fares: A cancellation fee is deducted from the refund amount
- Non-refundable promotional fares: May be eligible for travel credit or voucher for future Vietnam Airlines bookings, subject to the airline's terms
To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on Traveloka and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method. For airline-initiated cancellations due to schedule changes or flight disruptions, passengers are generally entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost.
Why Book Vietnam Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Booking Vietnam Airlines flights through Traveloka offers Malaysian travellers a seamless, secure, and rewarding experience. Here are the key benefits:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals, promotional fares, and Traveloka-only discounts on Vietnam Airlines flights from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and beyond
- Easy comparison — Compare Vietnam Airlines flights with other carriers side by side, sorting by price, departure time, flight duration, and number of stops to find the perfect itinerary
- Flexible payment options — Pay with credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX), bank transfers, or popular Malaysian digital wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay. Instalment payment plans are also available
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket immediately via email and the Traveloka app, ready to use at check-in
- 24/7 customer support — Access multilingual customer support for any booking issues, changes, or travel queries, available around the clock
- Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka Points on every booking, enjoy cashback promotions, and access member-exclusive deals. You can also earn Lotusmiles frequent flyer miles on your Vietnam Airlines flights
- Bundled savings — Book flights together with hotels, airport transfers, and travel insurance for additional savings on your Vietnam trip
- Add-on extras — Easily add travel insurance, seat selection, extra baggage, and meal preferences during the booking process
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these proven strategies to secure the best fares on Vietnam Airlines flights from Malaysia:
- Book early — Ticket prices generally increase as the departure date approaches; booking 4 to 8 weeks in advance often yields the best fares for international flights
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates and discover the cheapest days to fly
- Fly midweek — Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays tend to offer lower fares compared to weekend departures
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka Price Alerts for your preferred Vietnam Airlines route and get notified instantly when fares drop
- Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promotions page for flash sales, seasonal deals, and exclusive promo codes on Vietnam Airlines tickets
- Travel during off-peak seasons — Avoid peak periods such as Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year, usually January or February), Malaysian school holidays, and Hari Raya to enjoy lower fares
- Bundle your trip — Book Vietnam Airlines flights together with hotels in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Phu Quoc for additional bundle discounts
- Choose basic fare types — If travelling light, select an Economy Lite or Saver fare without add-ons to reduce the ticket price
- Compare connecting flights — Sometimes flights with a short layover offer significantly lower fares than direct options
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your Vietnam Airlines flight on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g., Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City), select your travel dates, choose one-way or return, and specify the number of passengers and cabin class
- Tap the search button to view all available Vietnam Airlines flights for your selected route
- Sort results by price, departure time, duration, or airline preference and select your preferred flight
- Enter passenger details for each traveller — full name (as shown on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage, seat selection, travel insurance, or special meal requests
- Review your complete booking summary including base fare, taxes, fees, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit/debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan — and complete the transaction
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app, ready for your journey
Save or screenshot your e-ticket for easy reference at the airport. You can also manage your booking, add extras, or make changes directly through the Traveloka app at any time before departure.