VietJet, the largest low-cost airline in Vietnam, is best known for its affordable fares and for giving passengers PTSD after having to listen to Hello Vietnam for the 17th time while taxiing. Don’t let the low prices fool you, this airline still delivers a comfortable and safe journey… most of the time. And as much as I love hating on VietJet, I’ll try to give a balanced answer to the question “Is Vietjet a bad airline?”
Before we continue though, here’s some PTSD for you:
What is VietJet?
As you might have already guessed, VietJet Air is a Vietnamese low-cost airline that’s oft maligned for its delays, cancellations, and sometimes questionable marketing (but perhaps flight attendants in bikinis are actually the best support for U23’s). However, the airline remains a popular choice for budget travelers, and it has been ranked as the best low-cost airline in Asia by Skytrax several times.
Founded in 2007 (but only starting operations in 2011), VietJet now operates a fleet of modern aircraft flying to dozens of destinations in Vietnam and Asia. The airline’s CEO is Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, a seriously impressive Vietnamese businesswoman who you should seriously read up on.
So, is VietJet Air the best low-cost airline in Asia?
Did we mention that this songs gets more airtime than Mariah Carey during Christmas?
Good Things About VietJet Air
Before we start bashing on VietJet, let’s start with the Pros (because there is a reason why they’re financially successful):
- Price: VietJet Air is a great option for budget travelers who are looking for an affordable and exciting flying experience. The airline’s competitive prices mean that you can explore new destinations without breaking the bank.
- Planes: They boast a very modern and young fleet of aircraft, with an average age of about 4 years.
- Safety: Surprisingly, unlike other low cost airlines that have been operating for over a decade, VietJet haven’t had a major accident. Yet.
- Network: Good connections domestically in Vietnam, and an excellent network internationally into places as varied as Bali, Shanghai, New Delhi, and even middle of nowhere Astana (Kazakhstan, in case you were wondering).
Simply put, VietJet Air is sure to make your next flight a memorable one, if you don’t mind the occasional delays and cancellations.
We’ll continue with the bad things, but we want to make this feel like an actual flight:
Bad Things About VietJet Air
When considering VietJet Air, it’s important to be realistic and aware of a few potential drawbacks:
- Delays and Cancellations: Like any airline, there’s always a chance you’ll be sitting on the tarmac for hours, however, with VietJet, you should plan your travels with the expectation that you’ll be delayed. If it’s raining, you’ll be delayed. If it’s a holiday, you’ll be delayed. If you have a connecting flight, the universe will conspire to make you delayed by 10 hours without food or water. Pro-tip: book the first flight out; the later the flight the higher the probability of it getting delayed. Once had a 4PM flight, get bumped down to 11PM.
- Food and Drink: Options on VietJet Air flights are quite limited (though, not as horrible as how you’d imagine in-flight meals from a budget airline). While the airline does provide snacks and beverages for purchase, passengers with specific dietary needs would best pack their own snacks or meals. Definitely not a good purchase for 10USD.
- Baggage Policies and Customer Service: Can be spotty. You might be able to get through the check-in counter with no issue, only to have your carry on be weighed at the gate. There have also been some situations where people who require wheelchair access just weren’t catered to properly. Make sure to buy baggage allowances early.
- Communication: Can be an issue, especially when you’re at the gate for a domestic route. While flight crew might be trained to deal with a variety of nationalities, ground crews can be a bit terse. But then we have to remember that they’re working long shifts, and are always on the receiving end of angry client interactions. Language issues will also present themselves, so just stay patient. VietJet employees didn’t just wake up and decide to delay your flight.
If you’re not the type of person who likes to be surprised, you might want to consider another airline. Or, you could just roll with the punches and have a little fun.
Do you remember all the words yet?
So, Is VietJet a Bad Airline
Sorta, but not really.
VietJet Air is a great option for budget travelers who are looking for an affordable and enjoyable flying experience. The airline’s low fares, and excellent connections make it a standout choice for those who want to explore Vietnam and beyond without breaking the bank.
As mentioned, the seats are cramped, the food is bland, and the in-flight entertainment is limited. But if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of comfort for a lower price, VietJet Air is a great option even for smaller airports. Get the route to Dong Hoi, and you’ll be going into caves in no time.
Traveling to Vietnam? Read our FAQ list (because we actually live here):
Vietnam Travel FAQ List: Answered by People Who Live Here
Most importantly, please always remember to plan around a delayed flight. If you’re still just making an itinerary, and you’re going to be flying extensively within Vietnam, don’t ever think that you’ll make each and every single flight. Honestly, this would apply even to other airlines.
With VietJet though, just be aware that you might not get the same level of service as you would with a more traditional airline. The flight attendants are often harried and stressed, and the check-in process can be chaotic. But if you’re willing to roll with the punches, you’ll probably have a good time flying with VietJet Air.
Thank you for flying with us, and before we finish, here’s some final PTSD for you:
