Vietnam Airlines’ cancellation policy provides flexibility based on ticket type, fare rules, and timing of cancellation. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from the airline’s official website and other reliable sources.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any Vietnam Airlines ticket within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours). This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, and is supported by the Vietnam Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) for bookings from the United States. Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 7–30 days.
- For tickets booked through travel agents, cancellations must be handled directly with the agent, as Vietnam Airlines does not process these cancellations.
Cancellations After 24 Hours:
- Non-Refundable Tickets (e.g., Economy Save, Special Deal): No fare refunds are available if canceled after the 24-hour window, except for unused airport taxes and fees.
- Refundable/Flexible Tickets (e.g., Business Flex, Deluxe Economy Flex, Economy Flex): Cancellations are permitted with fees based on fare type and timing:
- A 4% service charge of the ticket price applies if the 24-hour window is missed.
- Within 24 hours of departure: $30 USD for domestic flights, $50 USD for international flights, with potential surcharges.
- After departure: $60 USD for domestic flights, $75 USD for international flights, with additional conditions per ticket type.
- Group Bookings: Cancellation fees apply per ticket, not the entire group. Provide specific ticket details for processing.
- Children’s Tickets: Fees vary by age: 10% of the adult fare for children under 2, 75% for ages 2–12.
- Special Circumstances: Fees may be waived for medical emergencies, family deaths, or government-mandated travel restrictions, subject to verification.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations:
- If Vietnam Airlines cancels your flight due to technical issues, weather, or other reasons, you’re entitled to a full refund (to the original payment method) or rebooking on the next available flight without charge. If rebooking isn’t possible, the airline may arrange accommodation and transfers near the airport.
- For flights departing from the EU/UK, if cancellation occurs with less than 14 days’ notice and is within the airline’s control (e.g., technical issues, not weather or strikes), you may claim up to €600 ($650 USD) per person under EU/UK Regulation EC 261. Compensation is not owed if a similar-timed replacement flight is provided or if extraordinary circumstances apply.
- Recent data shows Vietnam Airlines canceled 147–151 flights in a 24-hour period, with 6.26% of domestic and 0.12% of international flights affected.
No-Show Policy:
- Failure to cancel at least 3 hours before check-in results in a no-show fee, and non-refundable tickets receive no fare refund, though taxes may be refunded.
Refund Process:
- Refunds for eligible tickets are processed within 7–30 days to the original payment method. Flexible tickets (e.g., Business Flex) are refunded within 7 days.
- Non-refunded fees include service charges for optional services (e.g., seat selection).
- For airline-initiated cancellations, refunds are processed without fees.
- Passengers report delays in refund processing (up to 5 months in some cases), especially via travel agencies. Persistent follow-up or credit card chargebacks may be needed.
