Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier of Vietnam, offers a flexible flight change policy to accommodate passengers’ needs, with rules and fees varying by fare type, route, and timing. Below is an overview of the flight change policy based on available information.
Passengers who booked through the Vietnam Airlines website or mobile app can modify bookings via the "Manage Booking" section by entering their ticket number and last name. Changes include flight date, time, or class of service, and can be made up to a few hours before departure, subject to availability and fare rules. The auto-exchange ticket function allows passengers to change tickets online, with payment options including a new card different from the original payment method. Online changes are not available for group bookings or tickets issued by partner airlines.
For tickets purchased through travel agents or third-party platforms, such as Traveloka, passengers must contact the issuing agent to request changes, as direct modifications through Vietnam Airlines are not permitted. Additional handling fees may apply when processed through agents.
Vietnam Airlines offers fare types such as Economy Super Lite, Economy Lite, Economy Standard, Economy Flex, Premium Economy, and Business, each with distinct change policies:
Changes made within a day of booking are free for most fares, except Economy Super Lite, if the flight is at least a week away, per U.S. Department of Transportation rules for flights involving the USA. Beyond this period, fees apply for Economy Lite, Standard, and Flex fares, varying by route and fare type, with higher fees for international flights compared to domestic routes. Changes made via the Contact Centre, ticket offices, or airport counters incur additional service charges compared to online changes. No-show fees apply if changes are not made before departure. Payments for changes can be made in the currency of the selected country/region, but E-VAT invoices are issued only for payments in Vietnamese Dong.
If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference in addition to any change fee. No refund is provided if the new fare is lower, unless specified by fare rules. For Lotusmiles award tickets, additional miles may be required for changes.
Changes are permitted up to a few hours before departure, with online changes closing earlier. Tickets are valid for one year from issuance, and changes must occur within this period. No changes are allowed for partially used tickets or after departure. For same-day changes, modifications must be completed before check-in closes.
Route changes are allowed for non-Super Lite fares, subject to availability, a change fee, and fare differences. Changes must be processed through the Contact Centre or ticket office, as online changes are limited to date or flight number modifications. Economy Super Lite and partially used tickets do not permit route changes.
Full name changes or ticket transfers to another person are not permitted. Minor corrections, such as fixing spelling errors, are allowed for free or a nominal fee if requested shortly after booking. Major name changes, such as those due to marriage, require legal documentation like a marriage certificate or court order and may incur a fee. Requests must be made before check-in via the Contact Centre or ticket office, with supporting documents if required.
If Vietnam Airlines cancels or significantly delays a flight due to force majeure reasons, passengers can use the "Involuntary Rebook" feature to choose a suitable flight without fees, subject to availability, or request a refund of government taxes, as fares are generally non-refundable. For flights affected by public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, passengers in the U.S. market could rebook or exchange tickets without fees, with refunds processed to the original payment method. EU regulations may entitle passengers to compensation for cancellations with less than a couple of weeks’ notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances. Notifications are sent via email or SMS if contact details are provided.
Passengers can modify bookings through the following methods: