Top 8 Essential Tips for First-Time Flyers

Passengers should ensure they have the following identification documents:

• Passport
• National ID card
• Military service card or certificate
• Member of Parliament card; Party membership card; Press pass
• Driver's license for cars or motorcycles
• Aviation security badge; Airline ID for Vietnamese airlines
• Personal identification certificate verified by local authorities.
• For children under 14 years old, the following are required:
• Birth certificate
• Certification from a social organization for children in care.

Your luggage is divided into two categories: carry-on baggage and checked luggage. Different airlines have varying regulations, so be sure to check them carefully to ensure a smooth journey.

• Vietnam Airlines: 20kg checked baggage + 7kg carry-on (for all ticket types); business class allows 30kg checked baggage + 7kg carry-on.
• Vietjet: 7kg carry-on (for all ticket types). Checked luggage must be purchased separately.
• Jetstar Pacific: 7kg carry-on (for all ticket types). Checked luggage must be purchased separately.

Vietjet's checked baggage policy: https://vietair.tv/tin-tuc/quy-dinh-ve-hanh-ly-ki-gui-cua-vietjet-air

It’s not common for people to bring food onto a plane, but in general, you can bring dry snacks like bread, sticky rice cakes, or steamed rice to enjoy.

For flights longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes, Vietnam Airlines provides meals, as seen below. On long-haul flights to destinations like Europe or the U.S., you might even get two meals. This service is included in the price of your ticket. However, some low-cost carriers like Jetstar and Vietjet Air don’t provide meals on board, so you’ll need to purchase food if you wish to eat.

Some services on the plane come with extra charges, as they are not included in the ticket price. These charges can include seat change fees, ticket change fees, Wi-Fi usage, entertainment services, bringing pets, and allowing minors to travel alone.

Passengers should make reservations and purchase tickets through authorized ticket offices, official airline agents, or by using the airline's official website to book tickets online. A list of ticket offices and authorized agents is available on the airline's website. Passengers can verify information about airline agents through the airline's customer support center (call center).

Each ticket is assigned a booking reference number, which passengers can use to check the status of their reservation and issue their tickets by visiting the website or calling the airline's customer support center. Be sure to double-check your ticket and its details to avoid errors that could impact your flight.

A general rule is to arrive 1 hour before for domestic flights within Vietnam, and 2 hours before for international flights. Inside the airport, the check-in counters usually close 45 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. These times may vary depending on the airline. Be sure to check the information on your ticket, ask the airline directly, or contact the agency that booked your flight to confirm how early you should arrive.

Keep in mind that during peak travel seasons (May - July) and holidays, the check-in counters can be very crowded, and sometimes even overloaded. It’s important to arrive early to allow enough time to check in as waiting in line can take a while.

While on the plane, pay close attention to the flight attendants' instructions regarding luggage storage, safety procedures, and how to handle emergency situations.

Do not press any buttons on the aircraft or enter the emergency exits unless instructed by the flight attendants.

There are two ways to check in for your Vietnam Airlines flight: either at the airport or online.

• Check-in at the Airport: If you choose this method, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport about 3 hours before departure to complete your check-in. When it's your turn, you'll present your ticket number or traditional paper ticket along with identification documents, such as your ID card, passport, or birth certificate, for verification by the check-in staff. Afterward, you'll receive your boarding pass, which includes your flight details, seat number, boarding time, gate information, and more. Your next step will be to proceed to customs before heading to the departure lounge.
• Online Check-in: Typically, Vietnam Airlines allows passengers to check in online 24 to 2 hours before the flight departs. You can follow the online check-in steps on the airline's website. This method saves time, as passengers don't have to arrive early at the airport or wait in long lines, and it also allows you to choose your preferred seat.