Knowing the regulations regarding checked baggage before flying is essential to avoid any potential hassles. Exceeding the weight and size limits for checked baggage can cause inconvenience and result in additional time and cost for passengers. However, each airline has its own set of rules, so let’s explore the necessary information about checked baggage regulations in this article.
1 What is Checked Baggage?
Checked baggage refers to bulky and heavy items that are stored in the cargo hold, and passengers are not allowed to carry them into the aircraft cabin. Upon landing, passengers will retrieve their checked baggage.
It’s challenging to provide an exact answer to the question, “What can be carried in checked baggage?” Instead, let’s focus on the types of baggage that should not be checked and are prohibited from being transported in the aircraft, including:
- Dangerous goods: These include items that pose a risk to human health, such as radioactive materials, toxins, and acids.
- Knives and scissors are not allowed to be checked. If you choose to check these dangerous items, make sure they are properly wrapped. Security personnel will inspect them and decide if they can be carried.
- Fragile items: Properly pack fragile items according to regulations, and understand that you are responsible for any potential risks.
- Perishable and easily damaged items like frozen foods, fruits, vegetables, and meat are also prohibited from being checked.
- Valuable items such as cash, confidential contracts, jewelry, or rare metals should not be checked.
What is Checked Baggage?
2 Checked Baggage Regulations of Select Airlines
Vietnam Airlines’ Checked Baggage Regulations
- Economy Class: Economy-class passengers are allowed to carry one piece of checked baggage weighing 23 kg on domestic, Australian, European, and Northeast Asian flights. They are permitted to carry two pieces of 23 kg baggage when traveling on Japanese and American flights.
- Premium Economy Class: Premium economy-class passengers are allowed to check two pieces of 23 kg baggage on Northeast Asian, Western European, Australian, and American flights. They are permitted to check one piece of 32 kg baggage when flying from Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Business Class: Business-class passengers are exempt from baggage charges for one piece of 32 kg baggage on all domestic and Southeast Asian flights. Additionally, passengers in this class are exempt from charges for two pieces of 32 kg baggage on Australian, American, Northeast Asian, and European flights.
- The cost of checked baggage on domestic routes typically ranges from VND 90,000/5 kg package to VND 180,000 – 360,000/10 kg package. For international flights, the price ranges from USD 15-45/5 kg package to USD 30-90/10 kg package. Passengers can also purchase additional baggage weight by paying a reservation fee or after purchasing their tickets. The purchase price ranges from VND 40,000-80,000/kg for domestic routes and USD 5-30/kg for international routes.
Vietnam Airlines’ Checked Baggage Regulations
Bamboo Airways’ Checked Baggage Regulations
- Passengers can conveniently check-in their baggage at the check-in counter, and Bamboo Airways will issue a baggage card. The airline will then be responsible for transporting and safeguarding the baggage throughout the flight.
- Checked baggage at Bamboo Airways must not exceed 32 kg/piece, and the dimensions of each piece must not exceed 203 cm.
- Passengers can purchase additional weight for their checked baggage according to their needs in increments of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 kg, with prices ranging from VND 60,000 to 320,000 per sector.
Bamboo Airways’ Checked Baggage Regulations
Jetstar Pacific’s Checked Baggage Regulations
- For Jetstar Pacific, the dimensions of checked baggage must not exceed 260 cm/piece, and the weight must not exceed 32 kg. The cost of checking baggage ranges from VND 330,000 to VND 590,000 per sector for domestic flights and from VND 600,000 to VND 1,654,000 per sector for international flights.
Jetstar Pacific’s Checked Baggage Regulations
Vietjet Air’s Checked Baggage Regulations
- To check baggage with Vietjet Air, your baggage must not exceed 32 kg/piece, and each piece must not exceed 119 cm, excluding the ticket. The cost of checking baggage ranges from VND 155,000 to VND 435,000 per sector for domestic flights and from VND 264,000 to VND 1,400,000 per sector for international flights.
Vietjet Air’s Checked Baggage Regulations
3 Notes on Using Checked Baggage Services
- Do not agree to watch or transport luggage for strangers.
- To get better prices, passengers should purchase additional baggage at the same time as booking their tickets.
- Checked baggage is not allowed for home check-in.
- To prevent damage or strong impacts, passengers should carefully pack their items before checking them.
- Use a tag with complete personal information for contact purposes in case of lost baggage.
- In case of urgent matters, passengers should contact the authorities immediately for timely assistance.
Notes on Using Checked Baggage Services
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the checked baggage regulations of various airlines will help you save time and money on your travels. Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable information.