🌏 Planning a Trip to Vietnam?
If you’re looking for a Vietnam Airlines review, you’re in the right place. When I booked my recent Incheon to Ho Chi Minh City round-trip, I had tons of airline options—but Vietnam Airlines stood out with its generous baggage policy and solid reputation.
So, was it worth it? Spoiler alert: Yes — mostly!
Here’s my full, brutally honest review including flight details, baggage allowance comparisons, in-flight experience, and even a little wine drama. 🍷
📅 Flight Details
- Route: Incheon (ICN) ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
- Flight Number: VN405 / VN404
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Class: Economy
🎒 Vietnam Airlines Baggage Allowance (Economy Class)
Let’s talk bags. Here’s what I got flying economy on the ICN–SGN route:
| Type | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage | 1 × 23 kg (50.7 lbs) | Generous for economy class |
| Carry-On Baggage | 1 × 10 kg + 1 personal item (2 kg) | Total: 12 kg |
| Carry-On Size | Max 56 × 36 × 23 cm | Pretty standard |
| Personal Item Size | Max 40 × 30 × 15 cm | Think: laptop bag, purse |
✅ Great news for shoppers and overpackers. I didn’t have to stress about fitting souvenirs into my luggage.
🌍 How About Europe or the US? (International Comparison)
Baggage policies actually change by route! Here’s how ICN–SGN compares to Europe & US flights:
| Route | Checked Bags | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ICN ↔ SGN (Korea–Vietnam) | 1 × 23kg | Standard Asia route |
| LHR/CDG ↔ SGN (Europe–Vietnam) | 2 × 23kg | Included by default |
| JFK ↔ SGN (US–Vietnam) | 2 × 23kg | Generous long-haul allowance |
💡 Tip: If you’re flying from Europe or the U.S., you’ll likely get more free baggage (2 pieces vs. 1 in Asia). Always double-check your e-ticket and fare class.
🛫 Check-In & Boarding: Fast and Smooth
I did web check-in the night before through the official Vietnam Airlines site. Easy and fast!
At the airport:
- Check-in counters weren’t crowded
- Baggage drop was quick
- Boarding started right on time, no delays
🚀 Honestly, the boarding process was smoother than I expected.
💺 Seat Comfort: Roomy and Surprisingly Cozy
Let’s talk seat vibes.
- Legroom: Spacious! I’m 5’7” and had inches to spare
- Seat Width: Comfy, not cramped
- Cleanliness: Spotless with soft pillows and blankets
- In-flight entertainment: Personal screen with Korean dramas, plus a USB port (lifesaver!)
🛌 I actually slept. That’s rare.
🍜 In-Flight Meal: Bibimbap FTW
Didn’t expect much… and was pleasantly surprised.
- Main Dish: Bibimbap with gochujang and sesame oil
- Sides: Fruit, warm roll, dessert
- Drinks: Coffee, tea, soda, juice, wine
😂 Wine drama alert: I asked for white. Got red. Still drank it. No regrets.
🧑✈️ Cabin Crew Vibe: Friendly and Chill
The staff were:
- 🌸 Friendly and smiling
- 🗣️ One Korean-speaking crew member helped a lot
- ⚡ Quick to respond and helpful
Not as hyper-attentive as some Korean airlines, but overall very pleasant!
🛬 Return Flight Vibes: Slight Chaos, Good Recovery
Boarding at SGN was a bit wild.
Lots of locals = some queue cutting. I was like 😳
BUT! The crew stepped in and organized the gate like pros.
👏 Props to them for handling it gracefully.
✅ Final Verdict: Would I Fly Vietnam Airlines Again?
YES! For sure. Especially for budget-conscious travelers who want a balance between comfort and price.
🔥 Pros:
- ✅ 23kg checked bag included
- ✅ Spacious seating (seriously comfy)
- ✅ Delicious in-flight bibimbap
- ✅ Friendly service
- ✅ Modern aircraft (B787 = clean, quiet, smooth)
- ✅ Great value vs. low-cost airlines
⚠️ Cons:
- ❌ Minor drink mix-up (lol, not a biggie)
- ❌ Not the most luxurious service, but good enough!
📌 Pro Travel Tip (Add This to Your Checklist!):
✔️ Compare fare classes — some include 2 checked bags
✔️ Web check-in = skip long lines
✔️ Use a credit card with travel insurance just in case
✔️ Bring a neck pillow — the seats are comfy, but extra support never hurts!
💬 Got Questions?
Planning your own Vietnam trip or flown with Vietnam Airlines before?
Drop your questions or share your experience in the comments below — let’s swap stories ✈️💬