Prepaid Baggage Vietnam Airlines 2026: Fees, Weight Limits and How to Buy Extra Baggage
Planning to fly with Vietnam Airlines and need extra luggage? Understanding the Prepaid Baggage Vietnam Airlines policy can help you save money, avoid airport delays, and prepare for your journey with confidence. If your suitcase exceeds your free baggage allowance or you need to carry additional luggage, purchasing prepaid baggage before departure can be a convenient option.
Vietnam Airlines allows eligible passengers to purchase additional checked baggage through its official website, mobile app, sales offices, or authorized agents. The airline advertises savings of up to 50% compared with purchasing extra baggage at the airport, although the actual price depends on your route and baggage requirements.
In this guide, we explain Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage fees, weight and size restrictions, online booking steps, refund rules, and useful tips for avoiding unexpected baggage charges.
Read More: KLM Baggage Allowance
What Is Prepaid Baggage on Vietnam Airlines?
Prepaid baggage is additional checked luggage purchased before your flight. It is designed for passengers who need more baggage than their ticket already includes.
For example, imagine your ticket includes one checked suitcase, but you need to take two suitcases on your trip. If your itinerary is eligible, you can purchase an additional baggage allowance before travelling instead of waiting until airport check-in.
The main benefits include:
- Potential savings compared with airport excess baggage charges.
- The convenience of arranging extra luggage before departure.
- Better preparation for airport check-in.
- The ability to select additional baggage for eligible flight segments.
- Less uncertainty about the cost of carrying extra luggage.
The exact conditions depend on your ticket, route, operating airline, and the baggage allowance included in your booking.
Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Allowance
Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage follows specific weight and size limits.
For a standard prepaid checked baggage piece, the general limits are:
| Baggage requirement | Standard limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum weight | 23 kg |
| Maximum total dimensions | 158 cm |
| Measurement method | Length + width + height |
| Purchase deadline | At least 3 hours before departure |
| Maximum prepaid pieces | Up to 15 pieces, subject to eligibility |
These are the airline’s published general prepaid baggage requirements. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search2″,”turn914936search3”]}/>
For example, a suitcase measuring 75 cm long, 50 cm wide, and 30 cm high has total dimensions of 155 cm. It falls within the standard 158 cm size limit, provided it also meets the weight restriction.
Important: Purchasing a prepaid baggage piece does not automatically cover every overweight or oversized suitcase. If your bag exceeds the permitted limits, additional airport charges or special arrangements may be required.
Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Fees in 2026
The Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage fee depends on your departure and arrival regions, travel dates, and applicable fare conditions.
Domestic flights within Vietnam have prices in Vietnamese dong, while international routes generally use US dollars in the published fee schedule.
For international journeys, the airline groups destinations into zones:
- Zone A: Vietnam and various Southeast Asian destinations, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
- Zone B: China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, India, and other listed Asian destinations.
- Zone C: Many European, African, and Middle Eastern destinations.
- Zone D: Australia, Russia, the United States, and other destinations in the Americas.
The exact fee is determined by the applicable route and pricing table.
Example of published prepaid baggage prices
Vietnam Airlines’ published fee schedule lists different prices for standard 23 kg pieces depending on the route and travel period. For example, the schedule includes a general international price table with prices ranging from USD 80 to USD 200 for certain zone combinations during non-peak periods. Separate peak-period rates apply to selected routes and dates. Domestic baggage prices may also vary by ticket issue date and travel period. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search0”]}/>
These figures are examples from the airline’s published schedule, not a universal price for every journey. Some routes and travel dates have different fees.
Before purchasing, check the latest rate for your actual itinerary using Vietnam Airlines’ official baggage information:
Always confirm the applicable price before payment, because baggage fees and travel-period conditions can change.
How to Buy Prepaid Baggage on Vietnam Airlines
Purchasing additional baggage online is usually straightforward. Vietnam Airlines offers prepaid baggage through its website and mobile application, as well as through its sales offices and agents. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search1”]}/>
Follow these steps to arrange your additional baggage.
Step 1: Visit the official Vietnam Airlines website
Open the official airline website:
You can also use the official Vietnam Airlines mobile app if you prefer managing your booking from your phone.
Step 2: Find your booking
If you have already purchased your ticket, open the Manage Booking section and enter the requested reservation information.
Make sure the passenger details and booking reference match your ticket.
Step 3: Open the additional services section
Look for the option to purchase additional services. Depending on the website interface, the relevant menu may appear as:
Manage Booking → Buy Ancillaries → Prepaid Baggage
The wording may vary slightly by website version or language.
Step 4: Select your flight segment
If your journey includes several flights, choose the segment for which you need extra baggage.
Review the operating airline and baggage conditions carefully, particularly if your ticket includes a connecting or codeshare flight.
Step 5: Choose your additional baggage
Select the available prepaid baggage option and review the price, permitted weight, and size restrictions.
Make sure you purchase enough additional baggage for your needs without exceeding the applicable limits.
Step 6: Complete payment
Follow the payment instructions displayed by Vietnam Airlines. After the purchase, save the confirmation and check that the additional baggage is associated with the correct flight and passenger.
Step 7: Check your baggage allowance before departure
Before leaving for the airport, review your booking and the baggage information shown in your confirmation.
If you cannot find the prepaid baggage option online, contact Vietnam Airlines or an authorized sales agent for assistance.
When Should You Purchase Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage?
Timing is important when arranging additional baggage.
Vietnam Airlines states that prepaid baggage should generally be purchased at least three hours before the scheduled departure time. After the deadline, eligible passengers may need to purchase additional baggage at the airport instead. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search1″,”turn914936search2”]}/>
For a smoother experience, consider buying your extra baggage as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Early purchase can help you:
- Review the available baggage options.
- Compare the cost with airport charges.
- Avoid last-minute booking problems.
- Confirm that your selected baggage applies to the correct flight.
- Prepare your luggage within the permitted limits.
Do not wait until you arrive at the airport if you already know you need extra luggage.
Prepaid Baggage vs. Airport Excess Baggage
Passengers who need additional luggage may have two options: purchase prepaid baggage before departure or pay for excess baggage at the airport.
| Feature | Prepaid baggage | Airport excess baggage |
|---|---|---|
| When purchased | Before departure | At the airport |
| Potential savings | Up to 50% compared with airport purchase | May cost more |
| Advance planning | Recommended | Less advance planning required |
| Availability | Subject to eligibility and deadlines | Subject to airport rules and availability |
| Weight and size limits | Standard prepaid rules apply | Separate overweight and oversized charges may apply |
Vietnam Airlines advertises potential savings of up to 50% when eligible additional checked baggage is purchased in advance. Actual savings vary by route and fee category. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search2”]}/>
For most travellers who know they need extra baggage, checking the prepaid option before departure is worthwhile.
Vietnam Airlines Overweight and Oversized Baggage Rules
Prepaid baggage is not the same as permission to carry any size or weight of suitcase.
A standard prepaid piece is limited to 23 kg and 158 cm total dimensions. If a suitcase exceeds these limits, additional charges may apply.
Vietnam Airlines’ airport excess baggage rules distinguish between standard excess pieces, overweight baggage, and oversized baggage. Its published guidance describes oversized pieces as those measuring more than 158 cm but no more than 203 cm in total dimensions, and overweight pieces as those weighing more than 23 kg but no more than 32 kg. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search2”]}/>
For example:
- A 20 kg suitcase measuring 150 cm is within the standard prepaid piece limits.
- A 27 kg suitcase exceeds the standard prepaid weight limit.
- A suitcase measuring 175 cm exceeds the standard prepaid size limit.
In the last two cases, you may need to pay additional fees even if you have already purchased prepaid baggage.
Measure your suitcase and check its weight before leaving home to reduce the risk of unexpected charges.
Can You Get a Refund for Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage?
Vietnam Airlines generally states that prepaid baggage cannot be refunded, cancelled, transferred to another passenger, or exchanged for other services or tickets.
There is a limited exception for completely unused prepaid baggage associated with a ticket whose itinerary originates in South Korea. The airline’s published conditions state that the unused baggage may be refundable, subject to a 25% refund fee. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search1″,”turn914936search3”]}/>
Because the general policy is restrictive, review the conditions before paying.
If your plans change, contact the airline as soon as possible to understand whether your booking qualifies for any permitted change.
Can You Change Prepaid Baggage After Changing Your Flight?
Vietnam Airlines’ published policy allows prepaid baggage to be changed to a new travel date or itinerary with an equal or higher cost, subject to the applicable conditions. The change must generally be made at least three hours before departure of the new flight segment. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search3”]}/>
If you change your flight, do not assume that the original prepaid baggage will automatically apply to your new itinerary.
Check your booking and contact the airline if the baggage service does not appear on the updated reservation.
Does Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Apply to Every Flight?
No. Eligibility depends on the ticket and the operating airline.
Vietnam Airlines states that prepaid baggage applies to eligible Vietnam Airlines tickets operated by Vietnam Airlines or Pacific Airlines, with certain exclusions, including flights operated using ATR 72 aircraft. <Cite refs={[“turn914936search2”]}/>
If your journey includes another airline, baggage arrangements may differ. Review the baggage information for each flight segment and confirm the applicable conditions before purchasing.
This is especially important when travelling on codeshare flights or separate tickets.
Tips to Save Money on Vietnam Airlines Extra Baggage
Use these practical tips to make baggage planning easier.
1. Check your free baggage allowance first
Before buying extra baggage, check how many checked bags your ticket already includes. Your fare and route may provide more baggage than you expect.
2. Buy extra baggage in advance
If you need another suitcase, check prepaid baggage prices before the three-hour deadline.
3. Weigh and measure your luggage
Use a luggage scale and measure the suitcase, including wheels and handles, to avoid overweight or oversized charges.
4. Check every connecting flight
Different operating airlines can have different baggage policies. Confirm the rules for your complete itinerary.
5. Keep your confirmation
Save the prepaid baggage receipt and booking confirmation in case you need to verify your purchase at check-in.
6. Avoid unnecessary luggage
Pack only what you need. Reducing the number of bags can save money and make your journey easier.
7. Review the current fee schedule
Do not rely on old baggage prices published on third-party websites. Use the airline’s official fee information for your travel dates and route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage cost?
The price depends on your route, travel period, and baggage option. Domestic fees are generally listed in Vietnamese dong, while international fees may be listed in US dollars. Check the airline’s current fee schedule for your itinerary.
How many kilograms are allowed for Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage?
A standard prepaid baggage piece can weigh up to 23 kg and measure no more than 158 cm in total linear dimensions.
How can I buy extra baggage on Vietnam Airlines?
You can generally purchase eligible prepaid baggage through the airline’s website or mobile app, during booking, through Manage Booking, or at an authorized sales office or agent.
How many hours before departure can I buy prepaid baggage?
Vietnam Airlines generally requires prepaid baggage to be purchased at least three hours before departure. After that deadline, airport excess baggage options may be available.
Is Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage cheaper than paying at the airport?
It can be. The airline advertises savings of up to 50% compared with purchasing additional checked baggage at the airport. The actual savings depend on your itinerary and baggage category.
Can I cancel prepaid baggage?
Prepaid baggage is generally non-refundable and cannot be cancelled or exchanged. A limited exception applies to certain completely unused purchases on tickets originating in South Korea, subject to the airline’s conditions.
Can I purchase prepaid baggage after online check-in?
Vietnam Airlines states that eligible passengers can generally purchase prepaid baggage through Manage Booking up to three hours before departure, including after online check-in has been completed.
Does prepaid baggage include overweight luggage?
Not automatically. Standard prepaid baggage is limited to 23 kg and 158 cm total dimensions. Additional charges may apply if your suitcase exceeds these limits.
Final Thoughts
The Prepaid Baggage Vietnam Airlines service can be a useful option for travellers who need additional checked luggage. Purchasing baggage before departure may save money, provide greater convenience, and help you prepare for airport check-in.
Remember the key rules: a standard prepaid piece generally allows up to 23 kg and 158 cm total dimensions, purchases should be completed at least three hours before departure, and fees vary by route and travel period. Refunds and changes are subject to the airline’s conditions.
Before travelling, verify the current fees and baggage rules directly with Vietnam Airlines.
For more airline baggage guides, airport information, and practical travel tips, visit AirlineFeed.com.
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Naeem Abbas is a travel writer and frequent flyer with over 6 years of experience navigating airports across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He has flown with 40+ airlines and specializes in baggage policies, airport hacks, and honest airline reviews. Every guide on AirlineFeed is researched from official airline sources and real travel experience.
Naeem Abbas is a travel writer and frequent flyer with over 6 years of experience navigating airports across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He has flown with 40+ airlines and specializes in baggage policies, airport hacks, and honest airline reviews. Every guide on AirlineFeed is researched from official airline sources and real travel experience.