Vietnam Airlines passengers will be allowed to bring heavier baggage on the aircraft. — Photo Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines is going to change the baggage allowances on all domestic and international flights, instituting a ‘per-piece’ rule instead of the current weight limit, from August 1.

Accordingly, the free baggage allowance is now determined by the number of pieces of luggage rather than the total weight a passenger can travel with. Passengers who have already purchased tickets before the effective date of the new rule are still eligible for the standard allowance indicated on their existing tickets.

With the new policy, Business class passengers will have an allowance of one piece (weighing up to 32 kilos) on domestic routes and Viet Nam-Southeast Asia routes; two pieces (weighing up to 32 kilos each) on routes between Viet Nam and Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia, and the US.

Economy Class passengers are entitled to carry one piece (weighing up to 23 kilos) on domestic routes and Viet Nam–Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia routes, and two pieces (up to 23 kilos each) on Viet Nam-Japan and US routes.

Premium Economy passengers can carry two pieces (up to 23 kilos each) on Viet Nam-Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia, the US routes and 1 piece (up to 32 kilos) on Ha Noi–HCM City route.

This rule is widely used by airlines worldwide including Air France, Aeroflot, British Airways, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways and Korean Air. This change will unify Vietnam Airlines' policies with major airlines therefore providing extra convenience for passengers having connecting flights with other airlines.

Regarding hand luggage, the number of pieces allowed remains the same, but the weight of each piece will be increased. Economy class passengers can bring one piece (12 kilos) while Premium Economy and Business class passengers can bring two pieces (total 18 kilos), instead of seven kilos currently.

Economy Class passengers with flights to and from Europe and Australia from August 1 to December 31 will receive one extra piece of luggage allowance (23 kilos). Vietnam Airlines will also offer discounted rates up to 50 per cent on pre-purchase as well as additional baggage charges. — VNS