Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Weight: Complete Guide to Extra Baggage

If you are travelling with Vietnam Airlines and your luggage is more than your free checked baggage allowance, purchasing Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage before your flight can be a convenient option. Prepaid baggage allows passengers to add checked baggage in advance instead of waiting until they arrive at the airport.

The most important question for many travelers is: What is the Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage weight?

For a standard prepaid baggage piece, Vietnam Airlines currently specifies a maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lb) and maximum total dimensions of 158 cm (62 in). The airline also states that passengers can purchase prepaid baggage online, through Manage Booking, or through Vietnam Airlines sales offices and agents.

However, the exact baggage allowance and price can depend on the route, ticket, operating carrier and travel period. This guide explains the Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage weight limit, fees, size restrictions, purchasing process and the difference between prepaid and airport excess baggage.

Read More: Cebu Pacific Baggage Allowance

Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Weight at a Glance

Here are the key points travelers should know:

Baggage Detail	Current Rule
Standard prepaid baggage weight	Up to 23 kg
Standard prepaid baggage dimensions	Up to 158 cm total
Domestic prepaid options	10 kg and 23 kg may be available
International prepaid baggage	Standard piece up to 23 kg
Maximum prepaid pieces	Up to 15 pieces through available channels
Purchase methods	Website, app, Manage Booking, offices and agents
Airport excess baggage	Available when baggage exceeds allowance
Recommended purchase time	At least 3 hours before departure

Vietnam Airlines says prepaid baggage can be purchased in advance and may provide savings of up to 50% compared with purchasing additional baggage at the airport.

What Is Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage?

Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage is additional checked baggage that you purchase before reaching the airport.

Your ticket may already include a free checked baggage allowance. If you need to carry more than that allowance, you can purchase an additional baggage piece in advance. See our Vietnam Airlines baggage allowance guide for the full free-allowance breakdown.

For example, suppose your ticket includes one checked bag and you want to take another suitcase. Instead of waiting until check-in, you can purchase an additional prepaid baggage piece.

The prepaid baggage becomes part of your booking and can be presented when you check in.

Vietnam Airlines provides prepaid baggage purchasing options through its website and mobile app, during the booking process, and through the Manage Booking section after the ticket has been issued.

What Is the Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Weight?

The standard Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage weight is 23 kg per piece.

The airline states that a standard prepaid baggage piece must not exceed:

23 kg / 50 lb

It must also remain within the maximum total dimensions of:

158 cm / 62 in

The three dimensions are added together:

Length + Width + Height ≤ 158 cm

For example, a suitcase measuring:

• 70 cm long
• 50 cm wide
• 30 cm high

has total dimensions of 150 cm and therefore remains within the 158 cm standard size.

The weight, however, must also remain at or below 23 kg for a standard prepaid piece.

Vietnam Airlines 23kg Prepaid Baggage

The 23kg Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage option is particularly important for international travelers.

For international itineraries operated by Vietnam Airlines, the prepaid baggage service uses a standard piece of up to 23 kg and maximum total dimensions of 158 cm.

This means that buying one prepaid piece does not generally mean you can put an unlimited amount of luggage into the suitcase.

For example:

Allowed:

• 20 kg suitcase
• 23 kg suitcase

Not allowed as a standard prepaid piece:

• 27 kg suitcase

If the suitcase exceeds the applicable prepaid baggage weight, you may have to pay additional excess or overweight baggage charges at the airport. Vietnam Airlines specifically states that baggage exceeding the applicable free and prepaid limits can require additional payment at check-in.

Vietnam Airlines Domestic Prepaid Baggage

Domestic flights can have different prepaid baggage options from international flights.

Vietnam Airlines’ published domestic prepaid baggage rates currently list both 10 kg and 23 kg baggage pieces for eligible Vietnam domestic routes operated with a VN flight number by Vietnam Airlines.

The published online/app prices shown by Vietnam Airlines are:

• 10 kg piece: VND 181,000
• 23 kg piece: VND 300,000

These prices are subject to the applicable conditions and may change.

This makes it important to check your exact booking rather than assuming every Vietnam Airlines route has identical prepaid baggage options.

Vietnam Airlines International Prepaid Baggage

For international travel, Vietnam Airlines uses a standard prepaid baggage piece of:

23 kg maximum weight

and:

158 cm maximum combined dimensions

The price depends on the departure and destination zones.

Vietnam Airlines currently divides international destinations into several zones.

For example:

Zone A includes Vietnam and various Southeast Asian destinations.

Zone B includes destinations such as China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and India.

Zone C includes several European destinations, Australia and Russia.

Zone D includes the United States.

The exact fee therefore depends on your route.

Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Fees

The Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage fees vary according to route.

For international itineraries, the current published standard prepaid baggage rates range from USD 80 to USD 200 per 23 kg piece, depending on the applicable zone combination.

For example, the published rate table includes:

Route Zone	Prepaid Baggage Price
Zone A → Zone A	USD 80
Zone A → Zone B	USD 110
Zone A → Zone C	USD 150
Zone A → Zone D	USD 200
Zone B → Zone B	USD 110
Zone B → Zone C	USD 150
Zone C → Zone C	USD 150
Zone C → Zone D	USD 200
Zone D → Zone D	USD 200

These rates are for the standard prepaid baggage piece and are subject to Vietnam Airlines’ published conditions.

Travelers should always check the price shown for their specific flight because baggage pricing can change according to route, travel period and ticket conditions.

Is Prepaid Baggage Cheaper Than Airport Baggage?

Vietnam Airlines states that purchasing prepaid baggage in advance can save up to 50% compared with purchasing additional baggage at the airport.

This can make prepaid baggage useful for travelers who already know that they will need additional luggage.

For example, if you know before your trip that your suitcase will exceed your free baggage allowance, checking the prepaid baggage price online may be preferable to waiting until check-in.

The final price depends on the route and applicable baggage conditions.

How to Buy Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage

Passengers have several ways to purchase additional baggage.

1. During Online Booking

You can add baggage while making your Vietnam Airlines reservation.

This is useful because you can arrange your luggage at the same time as your flight.

2. Through the Vietnam Airlines App

Vietnam Airlines also provides baggage purchasing through its app.

Passengers can use the available additional-services options to add baggage to their booking.

3. Through Manage Booking

If you have already purchased your ticket, you can access the booking and select:

Manage Booking → Buy Ancillaries → Prepaid Baggage

You can then choose the baggage option available for your flight.

4. Through Sales Offices or Agents

Prepaid baggage can also be purchased through Vietnam Airlines sales offices and authorized agents.

How Many Prepaid Baggage Pieces Can You Buy?

Vietnam Airlines states that passengers can purchase up to 15 pieces of prepaid baggage through its available purchasing channels.

This does not mean every passenger needs 15 bags. Most travelers only need one or two additional pieces.

The available quantity can depend on the booking and applicable flight conditions.

Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Size Limit

Weight is not the only restriction.

A standard prepaid baggage piece must also comply with the maximum total dimensions of:

158 cm / 62 inches

The airline calculates the total dimensions by adding:

Length + Width + Height

For example:

75 cm + 50 cm + 30 cm = 155 cm

This is within the 158 cm standard limit.

But:

80 cm + 55 cm + 30 cm = 165 cm

would exceed the standard size limit.

If your luggage is larger than the permitted dimensions, additional oversized baggage rules and charges may apply.

What Happens If Your Bag Is More Than 23kg?

Suppose you purchase one 23 kg prepaid baggage piece but your suitcase weighs 27 kg at the airport.

The suitcase exceeds the standard prepaid baggage weight.

Vietnam Airlines explains that if actual baggage weight or size exceeds the applicable free and prepaid baggage allowance, the passenger must purchase excess baggage for the remaining portion at the airport.

This is why weighing your luggage at home is a good idea.

A simple luggage scale can help you make sure your suitcase is within the purchased allowance.

Vietnam Airlines Free Baggage vs Prepaid Baggage

It is important to understand the difference between free baggage allowance and prepaid baggage.

Free Baggage Allowance

This is the baggage already included with your ticket.

The allowance can vary by:

• Route
• Cabin class
• Fare type
• Ticket conditions
• Operating carrier

Vietnam Airlines’ current baggage information lists different piece allowances for Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class depending on the route.

Prepaid Baggage

This is additional checked baggage purchased separately before your flight.

For example:

Your ticket includes:

1 × 23 kg

You purchase:

1 × 23 kg prepaid baggage

Your total checked baggage allowance could then become two applicable pieces, subject to your booking’s specific conditions.

Vietnam Airlines Economy Baggage Allowance

Vietnam Airlines’ baggage policy is based on the piece concept for many current tickets.

For example, its published table shows:

• Vietnam domestic Economy: 1 × 23 kg
• Certain Southeast Asia routes: 1 × 23 kg
• Vietnam–Japan and some other specified routes: 2 × 23 kg
• To/from the Americas: 2 × 23 kg

The exact allowance can vary according to itinerary and ticket conditions.

This is why passengers should check the baggage allowance printed on their ticket.

Vietnam Airlines Business Class Baggage

Business Class passengers generally receive a higher free checked baggage allowance than Economy passengers on applicable routes.

Vietnam Airlines’ published baggage table lists:

• Vietnam domestic: 1 × 32 kg
• Certain Southeast Asia routes: 1 × 32 kg
• Vietnam–Japan and some other routes: 2 × 32 kg
• To/from the Americas: 2 × 32 kg

Other international itineraries can have different allowances.

Prepaid baggage, however, follows its own standard-piece rules, so passengers should not automatically assume that a prepaid piece has the same weight as their Business Class free baggage piece.

Prepaid Baggage and Connecting Flights

Connecting flights require extra attention.

If your itinerary contains flights operated by another airline, different baggage rules may apply.

Vietnam Airlines specifically advises passengers to check the baggage allowance for each flight when multiple carriers are involved.

For example, a journey could include:

• Vietnam Airlines first sector
• Partner airline second sector

The partner airline may have different baggage rules.

Always check the allowance displayed on your ticket and the operating carrier’s baggage policy.

Can Prepaid Baggage Be Refunded?

Vietnam Airlines states that prepaid baggage is generally tied to the passenger and specific flight for which it was purchased.

The airline says prepaid baggage cannot generally be endorsed, refunded or exchanged for another service or ticket. There is an exception for completely unused prepaid baggage associated with an unused ticket originating in Korea, subject to a refund fee.

Because these rules can affect your money, check the applicable conditions before purchasing additional baggage.

Can You Change Prepaid Baggage?

Vietnam Airlines states that prepaid baggage can be changed when the travel date or itinerary is changed, provided the new itinerary has an equal or higher applicable cost and the change meets the airline’s timing requirements.

Passengers should therefore make changes through the appropriate Vietnam Airlines booking channels rather than assuming prepaid baggage will automatically transfer to every new itinerary.

When Should You Buy Prepaid Baggage?

Vietnam Airlines currently states that additional prepaid baggage can be purchased through Manage Booking up to 3 hours before departure. After that point, passengers can purchase additional baggage at the airport, subject to the applicable rules.

However, waiting until the final few hours is not recommended if you already know you need extra luggage.

Buying earlier gives you more time to:

• Compare baggage options
• Check the weight limit
• Confirm the price
• Repack your suitcase
• Avoid airport surprises

Tips for Using Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage

Weigh Your Bag Before Leaving

Make sure your prepaid suitcase is not heavier than 23 kg if you purchased a standard 23 kg piece.

Measure the Suitcase

Add length, width and height to ensure the total is no more than 158 cm for a standard prepaid piece.

Check Your Ticket

Your free baggage allowance may already include one or more checked bags.

Buy Extra Baggage in Advance

Vietnam Airlines says prepaid baggage can offer savings compared with purchasing additional baggage at the airport.

Check Connecting Flights

Different airlines can have different baggage rules.

Keep Important Items in Cabin Baggage

Passports, travel documents, medication and valuable electronics should not be placed in checked luggage.

Common Vietnam Airlines Prepaid Baggage Mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming 23 kg Means Unlimited Size

It does not. The standard prepaid piece also has a 158 cm total-dimension limit.

Mistake 2: Confusing Free Baggage With Prepaid Baggage

Your free allowance and purchased additional baggage are separate concepts.

Mistake 3: Putting 30 kg Into a 23 kg Prepaid Piece

A standard prepaid piece is limited to 23 kg.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Operating Carrier

A partner airline may apply different baggage rules.

Mistake 5: Waiting Until the Airport

If you know you need additional baggage, check prepaid options before your journey.

Final Thoughts

The Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage weight for a standard prepaid baggage piece is currently up to 23 kg (50 lb), with maximum total dimensions of 158 cm (62 in).

For some Vietnam domestic flights, Vietnam Airlines also publishes prepaid options for 10 kg and 23 kg pieces. International prepaid baggage is based on a standard 23 kg piece.

Prices vary according to route and destination zone. Current published international prepaid baggage prices range from USD 80 to USD 200 for a standard piece, while domestic online/app prices can include VND 181,000 for 10 kg and VND 300,000 for 23 kg on eligible VN-operated domestic flights.

Vietnam Airlines also recommends using its baggage calculator and checking your exact ticket because baggage allowances can differ according to route, fare, cabin class and operating carrier.

If you already know that you need additional luggage, purchasing prepaid baggage before reaching the airport can make the check-in process easier and may cost less than buying additional baggage at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage weight?

A standard Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage piece can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb).

Can I buy 10 kg prepaid baggage?

For eligible Vietnam domestic VN-operated flights, Vietnam Airlines currently publishes both 10 kg and 23 kg prepaid baggage options.

What is the maximum size for prepaid baggage?

A standard prepaid baggage piece must have total dimensions no greater than 158 cm.

How much does Vietnam Airlines prepaid baggage cost?

The price depends on the route. Current international standard-piece prices range from USD 80 to USD 200, while eligible domestic options include published prices of VND 181,000 for 10 kg and VND 300,000 for 23 kg.

Can I purchase prepaid baggage after booking?

Yes. Vietnam Airlines allows passengers to purchase prepaid baggage through Manage Booking after the ticket has been issued.

How many prepaid baggage pieces can I purchase?

Vietnam Airlines states that passengers can purchase up to 15 prepaid baggage pieces through its available channels.

How late can I buy prepaid baggage?

Vietnam Airlines currently says prepaid baggage can be purchased through Manage Booking up to 3 hours before departure.

What happens if my prepaid bag weighs more than 23 kg?

If your baggage exceeds the applicable free and prepaid allowance, you may need to purchase additional excess baggage at the airport.

Is prepaid baggage cheaper than airport baggage?

Vietnam Airlines says prepaid baggage can save up to 50% compared with purchasing additional baggage at the airport.

Does every Vietnam Airlines ticket have the same baggage allowance?

No. Free baggage allowance can vary according to route, cabin class, fare and operating carrier. The allowance shown on your ticket should be checked before travelling.