VietJet Air, Vietnam’s first privately owned low-cost carrier, has grown rapidly since its founding in 2011. Based at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, the airline now operates over 100 routes across Asia, including from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to destinations such as Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), and Phu Quoc (PQC). Like most budget carriers, VietJet separates its fares into base tickets and add-on services, with baggage being one of the most significant extra costs. In 2024, VietJet’s baggage fees remain a key consideration for travellers who want to avoid surprise charges at the airport. This article explains exactly what is included in your fare, what you can expect to pay for checked luggage, and how to plan your baggage allowance to keep costs low.

Whether you are booking a short hop from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City or a longer flight from Hanoi to Seoul, understanding VietJet’s baggage rules can save you both money and stress. The airline’s policies differ slightly depending on whether you are flying domestically within Vietnam or internationally, and the type of fare you purchase. Below, we break down the 2024 baggage fees, cabin baggage rules, and special items such as sports equipment and musical instruments. For a broader overview of flying low-cost carriers from Singapore and the region, see our complete guide to flying low-cost carriers from Singapore and the region.

Understanding VietJet’s Fare Types in 2024

VietJet offers three main fare types: Eco, Deluxe, and SkyBoss. Each fare includes a different level of baggage allowance, and the fees for additional luggage vary accordingly. As of 2024, the standard inclusions are:

  • Eco, The most basic fare. It includes one piece of cabin baggage (up to 7 kg) with no checked luggage. All checked baggage must be purchased separately.
  • Deluxe, Includes one piece of cabin baggage (7 kg) plus one checked bag of up to 20 kg. Seat selection and priority boarding are also included.
  • SkyBoss, The premium fare. Includes one piece of cabin baggage (7 kg) plus two checked bags totalling up to 30 kg (or 40 kg on some international routes). Additional perks include priority check-in, lounge access, and a meal.

It is important to note that the cabin baggage weight limit is strictly enforced at the gate. If your carry-on exceeds 7 kg, you may be asked to check it in at the gate, which can incur a fee of around VND 200,000 (approximately SGD 11) or more, depending on the route. For tips on avoiding such surprises, read our guide to booking VietJet like a pro.

Cabin Baggage Rules for VietJet in 2024

VietJet’s cabin baggage policy is standard for a low-cost carrier, but there are specific dimensions and weight limits that passengers must follow. The allowed dimensions for one piece of cabin baggage are 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (including wheels and handles). This is the same as the IATA standard for most airlines. In addition, passengers may bring a small personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag, or duty-free shopping bag, provided it fits under the seat in front of you.

Key points to remember:

  • Total weight of cabin baggage must not exceed 7 kg.
  • If you are travelling with an infant (under 2 years old), you are allowed an additional 3 kg of cabin baggage for the baby’s essentials, such as nappies and baby food.
  • Musical instruments may be carried in the cabin if they fit within the size limits (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) and weigh less than 7 kg. Otherwise, you must purchase a seat for the instrument or check it in as cargo.
  • Liquids, aerosols, and gels must comply with the standard 100 ml rule for carry-on luggage.

If you are flying from Singapore, note that Changi Airport’s security checks are thorough, and VietJet staff at the gate often weigh cabin bags before boarding. To avoid delays, ensure your bag is within the limit. For a comparison with other carriers, see our Scoot cabin baggage rules for 2024.

Checked Baggage Fees for VietJet in 2024

For passengers on the Eco fare, checked baggage must be purchased in advance, either during the initial booking or later via the “Manage Booking” section on the VietJet website or mobile app. Buying baggage at the airport is significantly more expensive. The table below shows typical fees for pre-purchased checked baggage on VietJet flights in 2024. Prices are in Vietnamese Dong (VND) and Singapore Dollars (SGD) for reference, based on an exchange rate of approximately 1 SGD = 17,000 VND.

Domestic flights (within Vietnam):

  • 15 kg: VND 120,000 (approx. SGD 7)
  • 20 kg: VND 150,000 (approx. SGD 9)
  • 25 kg: VND 200,000 (approx. SGD 12)
  • 30 kg: VND 250,000 (approx. SGD 15)
  • 40 kg: VND 350,000 (approx. SGD 21)

International flights (e.g., Singapore to Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, South Korea):

  • 20 kg: VND 250,000-350,000 (approx. SGD 15-21)
  • 25 kg: VND 350,000-450,000 (approx. SGD 21-27)
  • 30 kg: VND 450,000-550,000 (approx. SGD 27-32)
  • 40 kg: VND 550,000-700,000 (approx. SGD 32-41)

These fees are for pre-purchased baggage. If you wait until the airport, the cost can double or triple. For example, a 20 kg bag purchased at the airport on an international route may cost VND 700,000 (approx. SGD 41) or more. It is always cheaper to add baggage online at least 24 hours before departure. For a detailed breakdown of how other airlines compare, see our Jetstar Asia baggage fees updated article.

Excess Baggage and Overweight Fees

If your checked bag exceeds the weight you paid for, VietJet charges excess baggage fees. As of 2024, the standard excess baggage rate is:

  • Domestic flights: VND 30,000 per kg (approx. SGD 1.80) for the first 5 kg over, then VND 50,000 per kg (approx. SGD 3) thereafter.
  • International flights: VND 50,000 per kg (approx. SGD 3) for the first 5 kg over, then VND 100,000 per kg (approx. SGD 6) thereafter.

These fees apply to each piece of luggage. For example, if you have a 23 kg bag but only paid for 20 kg, you will be charged for the extra 3 kg at the applicable rate. It is worth noting that VietJet does not allow “pooling” of baggage weight between passengers on the same booking. Each passenger’s bag is weighed individually. If you are travelling with a group, consider distributing items evenly to avoid overweight charges. For more advice on managing baggage costs, see our AirAsia baggage allowance guide for a comparison.

Special Items: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and More

VietJet has specific policies for special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices. These items are generally treated as checked baggage but may incur additional fees depending on size and weight. Below are the main categories:

Sports Equipment

Common sports items such as golf clubs, ski equipment, and bicycles are accepted as checked baggage. The fees vary by route and weight. For example, a set of golf clubs (up to 15 kg) on an international flight costs approximately VND 400,000 (approx. SGD 24) if pre-booked. Surfboards, kayaks, and other oversized items may be charged at a higher rate. It is essential to declare sports equipment at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure to ensure availability.

Musical Instruments

Small instruments that fit within the cabin baggage dimensions (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm) and weigh under 7 kg can be carried in the cabin free of charge. Larger instruments, such as cellos or double basses, must be checked in or purchased a separate seat. If you purchase a seat for an instrument, you must book it through the VietJet call centre. The cost is typically the same as an adult fare for that route.

Medical Equipment

Passengers requiring medical devices such as portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) or CPAP machines are allowed to carry them in the cabin free of charge, provided they meet the airline’s safety requirements. A medical certificate may be required at check-in. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are also carried free of charge, but you must notify VietJet at least 48 hours before departure.

For any special item, it is best to contact VietJet’s customer service directly or check the “Baggage” section on their website. For a broader perspective on how other low-cost carriers handle special items, refer to our Cebu Pacific fare types explained article.

How to Save Money on VietJet Baggage Fees

Baggage fees can add up quickly, especially if you are travelling with a family or on a long trip. Here are practical tips to minimise your VietJet baggage costs in 2024:

  • Book baggage online during checkout: The cheapest time to add checked baggage is when you first book your ticket. Adding it later via “Manage Booking” is still cheaper than at the airport, but the initial booking is usually the lowest price.
  • Choose the Deluxe fare if you need one checked bag: For a single 20 kg bag, the Deluxe fare often costs only slightly more than Eco plus a pre-purchased 20 kg bag, and it includes seat selection and priority boarding.
  • Travel light with only cabin baggage: If you can pack everything into a 7 kg carry-on, you can avoid checked baggage fees entirely. This is feasible for short trips of 3-5 days.
  • Use a luggage scale at home: Avoid overweight fees by weighing your bag before you leave for the airport. Digital luggage scales cost around SGD 10-15 at retailers like Decathlon or Lazada.
  • Share baggage allowance with travel companions: While VietJet does not allow pooling, you can distribute items among multiple bags to ensure each bag stays within its weight limit.
  • Consider alternative airports: If you are flying from Singapore, VietJet flights from Changi may have different baggage promotions than those from other hubs. Check the airline’s website for seasonal deals.

For more strategies on finding the cheapest fares and avoiding extra costs, read our guide to finding the cheapest fares on Scoot (the principles apply to VietJet as well).

Baggage Fees for Infants and Children

Infants (under 2 years old) on VietJet flights are not entitled to a free checked baggage allowance on Eco fares, but they do receive a 3 kg cabin baggage allowance for baby items. If you need to check a bag for the infant, you must purchase a checked baggage add-on at the standard rate. Children (2-11 years old) are treated the same as adults for baggage purposes: they have the same cabin baggage allowance and can purchase checked baggage at the same rates. Strollers and car seats can be checked in free of charge at the gate, but they are subject to weight and size limits. It is advisable to confirm this with VietJet when booking.

Comparing VietJet Baggage Fees with Other Low-Cost Carriers

To give you a sense of how VietJet’s fees stack up, here is a quick comparison with other popular low-cost carriers operating from Singapore:

  • Scoot: Scoot’s checked baggage fees for a 20 kg bag on flights to Southeast Asia typically range from SGD 25 to SGD 35 when pre-booked, which is slightly higher than VietJet’s international fees (SGD 15-21). However, Scoot often includes a 10 kg cabin baggage allowance on some fares. See our Scoot cabin baggage rules 2024 for details.
  • Jetstar Asia: Jetstar Asia charges around SGD 20-30 for a 20 kg checked bag on regional routes. Their cabin baggage allowance is also 7 kg. For more, see Jetstar Asia baggage fees updated.
  • AirAsia: AirAsia’s checked baggage fees for 20 kg are approximately SGD 15-25 on routes from Singapore to Malaysia or Thailand. They also offer a 7 kg cabin allowance. Our AirAsia baggage allowance guide has full details.
  • Cebu Pacific: Cebu Pacific’s 20 kg checked bag on flights from Singapore to the Philippines costs around SGD 18-28. They have a 7 kg cabin limit. See Cebu Pacific excess baggage costs for more.

Overall, VietJet’s baggage fees are among the most affordable for international flights from Singapore, especially if you book in advance. However, the strict enforcement of the 7 kg cabin limit can be a drawback for travellers who prefer to carry more in the cabin. For a comprehensive comparison of all low-cost carriers, refer to our complete guide to flying low-cost carriers from Singapore and the region.

Frequently Asked Questions About VietJet Baggage

Here are answers to common questions travellers ask about VietJet baggage in 2024:

Can I combine baggage allowance with my travel companion?

No, VietJet does not allow pooling of baggage weight between passengers. Each bag is weighed individually. If you and a companion each have a 15 kg allowance, you cannot combine them into one 30 kg bag.

What happens if my cabin bag is overweight at the gate?

If your cabin bag exceeds 7 kg, VietJet staff may require you to check it in at the gate. The fee for gate-checking a bag is typically VND 200,000 (approx. SGD 11) for domestic flights and VND 300,000 (approx. SGD 18) for international flights. This is in addition to any checked baggage fee you may have already paid.

Can I add baggage after booking?

Yes, you can add checked baggage through the “Manage Booking” section on the VietJet website or mobile app up to 24 hours before departure. The cost is higher than during initial booking but lower than at the airport.

Are there any free baggage allowances for students or military personnel?

VietJet occasionally offers promotional fares that include free checked baggage for students or military personnel, but these are not standard. Check the airline’s website or social media for current promotions.

What if my bag is lost or damaged?

VietJet is liable for lost or damaged baggage under the Montreal Convention. You must report any damage or loss at the baggage claim area before leaving the airport. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with the airline’s ground staff. Compensation limits vary by route.

For more tips on avoiding common booking mistakes, see our AirAsia booking mistakes to avoid (many apply to VietJet as well).

Final Thoughts on VietJet Baggage Fees in 2024

VietJet’s baggage fees are competitive within the low-cost carrier market, especially for travellers who plan ahead. By understanding the fare types, cabin baggage limits, and checked baggage costs, you can avoid unexpected charges and travel more comfortably. The key takeaways are: always pre-book checked baggage online, keep your cabin bag under 7 kg, and consider the Deluxe fare if you need one checked bag. For longer trips or special items, contact VietJet in advance to confirm fees and availability. With careful planning, VietJet can be an excellent choice for budget travel from Singapore to Vietnam and beyond.

For further reading, explore our other articles on baggage and fees for low-cost carriers.

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