When flying from Singapore to Hanoi, two low-cost carriers dominate the direct flight market: VietJet Air and AirAsia. Both offer multiple weekly frequencies, competitive base fares, and a range of add-on services. However, the final cost and travel experience can differ significantly depending on how you book, what you pack, and when you check in. This article provides a side-by-side comparison of VietJet and AirAsia on the Singapore, Hanoi route, based on published fare structures, baggage policies, and passenger feedback.
The route is about 2,250 km and typically takes 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes. VietJet flies from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) with daily departures, while AirAsia operates from Singapore to Hanoi with one stop in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or direct flights on selected days. As of early 2025, both airlines offer comparable base fares that can drop to SGD 80-120 one-way during sales, but add-ons can push the total well above SGD 200. Understanding the nuances of each carrier's pricing and service is essential for making an informed choice.
Route Overview and Flight Frequencies
The Singapore, Hanoi route is served by both VietJet and AirAsia, but the nature of their operations differs. VietJet offers direct flights from Terminal 4 at Changi to Gate 1 at Noi Bai. AirAsia flies direct from Terminal 4 to Hanoi on some days, but more often routes via Kuala Lumpur, which adds a 1.5-hour layover and increases travel time to about 7 hours. For travellers prioritising speed and simplicity, VietJet’s non-stop service is a clear advantage.
VietJet Operations
- Direct flights SIN, HAN daily (typically 1-2 departures per day)
- Flight time: approx. 3h 20min
- Departs from Singapore Changi Terminal 4
- Aircraft: Airbus A320 or A321, single class, 180-230 seats
AirAsia Operations
- Direct flights on selected days (usually 3-4 per week)
- Connecting flights via Kuala Lumpur (KLIA2) on other days
- Direct flight time: approx. 3h 30min; via KUL: 6-8 hours total
- Departs from Singapore Changi Terminal 4 (same terminal as VietJet)
- Aircraft: Airbus A320, 180 seats, single class
For travellers on a tight schedule, VietJet’s direct flights are preferable. However, if you are comfortable with a short layover and want to compare prices across more options, AirAsia's indirect flights can sometimes be cheaper by SGD 20-40.
Base Fare Comparison: What You Get for the Sticker Price
Base fares for both airlines fluctuate based on demand, season, and booking window. On average, VietJet’s Economy Lite fare (the most basic) starts at SGD 88 one-way excluding add-ons. AirAsia’s basic fare (Low Fare) starts at SGD 82 one-way. However, these prices usually exclude everything except a small personal item (underseat bag).
VietJet Base Fare (Eco Lite)
Includes: one personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm) weighing up to 7 kg. No carry-on luggage allowance beyond that. No seat selection. No meals. No checked baggage. Check-in at airport counter incurs a fee (SGD 5 per passenger) unless you check in online. As noted in our detailed VietJet booking guide, booking a higher fare tier (Eco or Deluxe) can sometimes be cheaper than adding individual items to the Lite fare.
AirAsia Base Fare (Low Fare)
Includes: one cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm) weighing up to 7 kg plus one small personal item (handbag or laptop bag). This is a key difference: AirAsia allows a free carry-on of 7 kg in a standard cabin-sized suitcase, while VietJet’s basic fare includes only a tiny underseat bag. If you plan to travel with a standard carry-on suitcase, AirAsia’s base fare already covers that, whereas VietJet would require an upgrade or a paid add-on. For more details on AirAsia's fare types, see our AirAsia booking mistakes article.
Overall, travellers who carry only a small backpack may find VietJet’s base fare slightly cheaper. Those who bring a wheeled cabin bag will often pay less with AirAsia’s base fare.
Baggage Fees and Allowances
Baggage policies are one of the biggest cost drivers for low-cost carriers. Below we break down the fees for checked baggage, carry-on upgrades, and excess weight.
Cabin Baggage (Carry-on)
| Carrier | Basic carry-on allowance | Maximum size | Can upgrade? |
|---|---|---|---|
| VietJet Eco Lite | 1 personal item (underseat) 7 kg max | 40x30x15 cm | Yes, to 7 kg cabin bag (SGD 12-18 depending on route) |
| AirAsia Low Fare | 1 cabin bag 7 kg + 1 personal item | Cabin bag: 56x36x23 cm; personal item: 40x30x10 cm | N/A (basic allowance already generous) |
For a detailed breakdown of VietJet’s baggage fees, refer to VietJet baggage fees 2024. For AirAsia, see AirAsia baggage allowance guide.
Checked Baggage
Both airlines sell checked baggage in weight tiers. Prices vary by route and booking time (pre-booked vs at airport). The following are indicative pre-booked rates for SIN, HAN:
- VietJet: 20 kg, SGD 28; 30 kg, SGD 42; 40 kg, SGD 56 (prices up to 40% higher at airport).
- AirAsia: 20 kg, SGD 25; 25 kg, SGD 30; 30 kg, SGD 35; 40 kg, SGD 50. Airport rates are SGD 10-15 more per tier.
AirAsia’s checked baggage is generally SGD 3-7 cheaper per tier compared to VietJet. For families or groups travelling with multiple bags, AirAsia’s lower baggage costs can add up to significant savings.
Excess Baggage and Overweight
Both airlines are strict about weight limits. VietJet charges SGD 12 per kg for excess weight at the airport (if you exceed your pre-booked allowance). AirAsia charges SGD 15 per kg for excess weight but allows online top-ups (cheaper than at airport). If you anticipate needing more weight, always pre-book a heavier tier rather than paying at the airport. Our article on excess baggage costs for Cebu Pacific outlines similar dynamics that apply to most LCCs.
Seat Selection and Seat Comfort
Seat pitch (legroom) on both carriers is a tight 28-30 inches, typical for Airbus A320 series in 3-3 configuration. Neither airline offers premium economy. However, seat selection fees and the availability of extra-legroom rows differ.
VietJet Seat Options
Standard seat selection costs SGD 5-8 per seat per segment. Exit-row seats (SkyBoss) with extra legroom cost SGD 20-35. VietJet offers a premium seat block called SkyBoss Deluxe on some flights (wider seats, but not always available on A320s). If you want to guarantee sitting together with a travel companion, you must pay for seat selection. For advice on when to pay for seats and when to risk it, see our seat selection tips for Scoot, which apply similarly to VietJet.
AirAsia Seat Options
AirAsia’s standard seat selection costs SGD 3-6 per seat. Hot seats (rows 1-4 and 12-14, which offer extra legroom) cost SGD 15-25. Quiet zone seats (rows 6-10) are available at SGD 8. Unlike VietJet, AirAsia allows free check-in (online) and does not force seat selection for most fares, you can be assigned adjacent seats at no cost if you check in together, though not guaranteed. For more on AirAsia’s seat pricing, see Cebu Pacific seat prices, which describes a similar model.
Overall, seat selection costs are lower on AirAsia, and the free online check-in gives you a better chance of getting decent seats without paying.
Meals and In-Flight Service
Both airlines sell pre-booked meals and snacks. Neither provides complimentary food or drinks (except water). Quality and variety differ.
VietJet Meals
VietJet’s pre-booked hot meals cost SGD 8-12 each (e.g., pho bo, chicken rice, vegetarian options). Order at least 24 hours before departure. Onboard, you can purchase snacks (noodle cups, sandwiches) for SGD 5-8. Reviews indicate that the pre-booked meals are decent but nothing special, portions are average (about 350 g). The airline also sells combo packs (meal + drink + snack) for SGD 14. For a full review, see our analysis of VietJet add-ons.
AirAsia Meals
AirAsia’s pre-booked hot meals (Santan brand) cost SGD 6-10 per item. Options include nasi lemak, chicken satay, and international dishes. Onboard prices are slightly higher (SGD 1-2 more). Portion sizes are similar to VietJet. Many regular flyers consider AirAsia’s pre-booked meals to be of slightly better quality than VietJet’s, the nasi lemak, in particular, gets positive comments. For a detailed comparison, see our AirAsia pre-booked meals review.
If you intend to buy a hot meal, AirAsia offers better value. For budget travellers who bring their own food, both airlines allow outside food (subject to customs restrictions), but VietJet is known to be stricter about strong-smelling items.
Check-In Process and Fees
How you check in can affect your total cost, especially with VietJet.
VietJet Check-In
VietJet offers free online check-in from 24 to 1 hour before departure. If you do not check in online and present your boarding pass at the airport counter, you are charged a check-in fee of SGD 5 per person (in addition to any baggage fees). This is an important hidden cost. Mobile boarding passes are accepted at Changi Terminal 4. For full instructions, see VietJet check-in procedure.
AirAsia Check-In
AirAsia offers free online check-in from 14 days to 1 hour before departure. No fee for printing at self-service kiosks at the airport. Counter check-in for those who have not checked in online is also free (no surcharge), though queues can be long. Online check-in is recommended to avoid delays. For more, see AirAsia check-in window details.
If you tend to forget to check in online, AirAsia is more forgiving, no extra fee. With VietJet, forgetting could cost you SGD 5 per person each way.
Ancillary Fees and Add-Ons Worth Considering
Beyond base fare, baggage, and meals, both airlines offer extra services. Here is a breakdown of the most common add-ons and whether they are worth the cost.
Priority Boarding
- VietJet: Priority boarding (includes first boarding + one overhead cabin bag) costs SGD 10-15 per passenger. Usually not necessary unless you have a large carry-on and fear the overhead bins will fill up.
- AirAsia: Priority boarding (boarding pass number 1-10) costs SGD 8-12. Same function. For a general overview, see Jetstar Asia priority boarding insights (similar model applies).
Travel Insurance
Both airlines offer optional travel insurance during booking. VietJet’s is via a partner (Chubb) at SGD 10-15 per trip; AirAsia’s (AIG) is SGD 8-12. Third-party travel insurance is often cheaper and covers more, so skip the airline-provided one unless you value convenience.
Seat Upgrade to Extra Legroom
As discussed under seat selection, AirAsia’s hot seats are typically SGD 2-5 cheaper than VietJet’s exit rows. If legroom is a priority, choose AirAsia’s hot seats, or consider paying for a higher fare tier on VietJet (SkyBoss) which includes extra legroom automatically.
Total Cost of Ownership: Three Passenger Profiles
To help you estimate your actual cost, we compare three common passenger profiles flying Singapore, Hanoi one-way in early 2025. Prices are estimates based on average low-season base fares and pre-booked add-ons.
Profile A: The Ultra-Budget Traveler
- Baggage: 1 small backpack (fits underseat).
- Meals: Bring own food or buy snack onboard after security.
- Seat: No selection; accept random seat.
- Check-in: Online only.
- VietJet total: SGD 88 (base) + SGD 0 = SGD 88.
- AirAsia total: SGD 82 (base) + SGD 0 = SGD 82.
- Winner: AirAsia (cheaper by SGD 6, and allows a larger carry-on).
Profile B: The Carry-On Only Frequent Flyer
- Baggage: 1 standard cabin suitcase (7 kg) + 1 personal item.
- Meals: Pre-book 1 hot meal.
- Seat: Exit row (extra legroom).
- Check-in: Online.
- VietJet total: SGD 88 (base) + SGD 16 (carry-on upgrade) + SGD 10 (meal) + SGD 22 (exit row) = SGD 136.
- AirAsia total: SGD 82 (base) + SGD 0 (carry-on included) + SGD 8 (meal) + SGD 18 (hot seat) = SGD 108.
- Winner: AirAsia (saves SGD 28, mainly due to free standard carry-on and cheaper meals/seats).
Profile C: The Family of Four (with Checked Bags)
- Baggage: 2 x 20 kg checked bags (for the family).
- Meals: Pre-book 4 hot meals.
- Seat: Seat selection to sit together (standard).
- Check-in: Online (no fee).
- VietJet total for 4 pax: SGD 88 x 4 = SGD 352 + 2 x SGD 28 (checked bags) = SGD 56 + 4 x SGD 8 (seats) = SGD 32 + 4 x SGD 10 (meals) = SGD 40. Total = SGD 480 (SGD 120 per person).
- AirAsia total for 4 pax: SGD 82 x 4 = SGD 328 + 2 x SGD 25 (checked bags) = SGD 50 + 4 x SGD 5 (seats) = SGD 20 + 4 x SGD 8 (meals) = SGD 32. Total = SGD 430 (SGD 107.50 per person).
- Winner: AirAsia (saves SGD 50 total).
Across all three profiles, AirAsia is consistently cheaper by SGD 6-50 per passenger, depending on add-ons. The main reasons: AirAsia includes a standard carry-on in its base fare, has lower seat and meal prices, and does not charge a check-in fee.
Service Quality and On-Time Performance
Price is not the only factor. Service quality, cabin cleanliness, and punctuality matter, especially on a 3.5-hour flight.
VietJet Service Reputation
VietJet has historically scored lower on customer satisfaction compared to AirAsia, according to surveys from Skytrax and other agencies. Common complaints include: aggressive upselling of products during flight, cramped seating (especially if you do not pay for extra legroom), and inconsistent on-time performance. In Q4 2024, VietJet’s on-time arrival rate on the SIN, HAN route was about 75% (vs industry average of 80%). Cancellations are rare but do happen during monsoon season (Nov, Feb). However, VietJet’s inflight crew is generally polite and English proficiency is adequate.
AirAsia Service Reputation
AirAsia consistently rates higher in low-cost carrier reviews. The cabin crew is known to be efficient and friendly, meals taste better, and the online experience (booking, check-in, managing bookings) is smoother. On-time performance for AirAsia direct flights SIN, HAN is about 80-82%, similar to VietJet. For connecting flights via KL, delays can be higher due to transfer times. AirAsia’s seat comfort is comparable to VietJet, both are tight. However, AirAsia’s Quiet Zone seats (forward cabin) are a good option for those wanting less noise from the galley.
If you value a slightly more pleasant onboard experience, AirAsia has an edge. If you strictly care about price, the calculations above show AirAsia usually wins. However, for travellers who need a direct flight (no stop) and want to avoid the hassle of a transfer, VietJet may still be the better choice despite higher total cost.
Booking Tips to Minimize Cost
Regardless of which airline you choose, these strategies can help you save money on the Singapore, Hanoi route.
- Book during sales: Both airlines hold seasonal sales (e.g., VietJet’s “Happy Friday” or AirAsia’s “Super Sale”). Fares can drop to SGD 50-70 one-way. Sign up for email alerts.
- Avoid airport check-in with VietJet: Always check in online; otherwise, you incur a SGD 5 fee per person each way. See our tips in VietJet check-in details.
- Pre-book baggage and meals: Doing so online is always cheaper than onboard or at the airport. Even if you are unsure, it is better to pre-book and then cancel (if allowed) rather than pay walk-up rates.
- Choose the right fare tier: VietJet’s “Eco” fare (SGD 10-15 more than Lite) includes a 7 kg carry-on plus seat selection, which can be cheaper than adding those individually to Lite. Similarly, AirAsia’s “Value Pack” (SGD 20 extra) includes a meal and 20 kg checked bag, worth considering if you need both.
- Fly on off-peak days: Tuesday and Wednesday flights are usually SGD 10-20 cheaper than Friday/Sunday departures.
- Use flight aggregators: Check Skyscanner or Google Flights for price alerts, but always book directly on the airline’s site to avoid third-party surcharges and to ensure you can manage your booking.
For a broader overview of flying LCCs from Singapore, refer to the complete guide to flying low-cost carriers from Singapore and the region.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
After comparing prices, baggage policies, seat costs, meals, check-in fees, and service quality, AirAsia emerges as the more cost-effective option for most travellers flying from Singapore to Hanoi, especially those who travel with a standard carry-on suitcase or need checked bags. AirAsia’s total cost is typically SGD 20-50 lower per trip, and its service quality is slightly better.
However, VietJet remains a strong choice for passengers who value a direct flight above all else, or who travel with only a personal item and can avoid paying for carry-on upgrades. If VietJet’s direct schedule aligns with your travel dates and you book smartly (online, no add-ons), you can still fly to Hanoi at a competitive price.
Ultimately, the right airline depends on your personal priorities. Use the profiles and price comparisons above to estimate your own total cost, and check both airlines directly for the latest promotions before booking.