Age Classification for Children According to Vietnam Airlines Regulations
Vietnam Airlines classifies young passengers into three main groups. This classification directly affects ticket prices, documents, and services.
Infant: Under 2 years old on the departure date. The infant does not have a separate seat and sits on an adult's lap. Infants under 7 days old or those requiring an incubator are not transported.
Child: From 2 to under 12 years old. The child has a separate seat, and the ticket price is calculated separately.
Young Passenger: From 12 to under 18 years old. This group is treated as adults regarding ticket prices and seats but can register for special services if needed.
Age is calculated based on the actual departure date of each flight segment. If the flight has a connection, the age at the time of departure for the first segment applies to the entire itinerary.
Vietnam Airlines Airfare for Children
Ticket prices vary by route and time. Below are reference rates applicable for 2026.
| Age Group | Domestic Flights | International Flights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years old | 10% of adult fare | 10% of adult fare | No separate seat, no checked baggage |
| 2 to under 12 years old | 90% of adult fare | 75% of adult fare | Has separate seat, receives same baggage allowance as adults |
| 12 years and older | 100% of adult fare | 100% of adult fare | Subject to all regulations as adult passengers |
Infant Fare (Under 2 years old)
Infants pay 10% of the adult fare for the same itinerary. This rate applies to both domestic and international flights. The infant is not allocated a separate seat. If parents want a separate seat for the child, they must purchase a child ticket (90% of the adult fare).
Child Fare (2 to under 12 years old)
On domestic flights, children pay 90% of the adult fare. On international flights, the rate is 75%. Children receive the full standard baggage allowance and meals as adults.
Case of a Child Turning 2 During the Itinerary
If a child is under 2 at departure but turns 2 on the return leg, parents must purchase a child ticket for the entire itinerary. It is not possible to buy an infant ticket for the outbound and a child ticket for the return on the same booking code.
Documents to Prepare for Children Flying
This is the most important and often most confusing part. Below is a detailed table for each situation.
| Situation | Mandatory Documents | Recommended Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Child under 2, domestic flight | Original or notarized copy of birth certificate. Birth registration certificate (if under 1 month old) | Passport (if available) |
| Child 2-14 years old, domestic flight | Original or notarized copy of birth certificate | Citizen ID card (if already issued) |
| Child on international flight | Separate passport or listed on parent's passport | Visa (if required by destination) |
| Child traveling with grandparents/relatives | Child's birth certificate | Notarized power of attorney |
| Child traveling alone (UM) | Birth certificate, passport (for international flights) | UM service registration form |
Documents for Children Under 2 Years Old
An original or notarized copy of the birth certificate is mandatory. Children under 1 month old can use a birth registration certificate instead. For international flights, the child needs a separate passport or to be listed on the parent's passport.
Documents for Children from 2 to 14 Years Old
An original or notarized copy of the birth certificate is sufficient for domestic flights. Children 14 years and older can use a Citizen ID card.
Case of a Child Traveling with Grandparents or Relatives (Not Parents)
This is a situation that worries many parents. According to Vietnam Airlines regulations, children under 14 traveling with someone other than their parents should carry a power of attorney. The airline does not mandate this document for domestic flights but recommends carrying it to avoid issues at the airport.
Power of Attorney: When Needed and How to Make It
The power of attorney must include: the parents' full names, the authorized person's full name, the child's full name, ID numbers of all parties, the authorization period, and signatures of both parents. It should be notarized at a notary office or the Commune/ Ward People's Committee. The document is valid for the period stated in the text.
Tip: If it's just a day trip, you can handwrite a power of attorney and bring a photocopy of the parents' ID. However, a notarized document is always safer.
Regulations on Adults Accompanying Children
Maximum Number of Children One Adult Can Accompany
One adult (18 years or older) can accompany a maximum of 2 children (2-12 years old) and 1 infant (under 2 years old). If this number is exceeded, another adult must accompany them, or the Unaccompanied Minor service must be registered for the extra children.
Health Conditions for the Accompanying Person
The accompanying person must be healthy enough to care for the child throughout the flight. Pregnant women over 32 weeks need a doctor's certificate. The airline has the right to refuse transport if the accompanying person's health is not assured.
Case of a Pregnant Woman Accompanying Children
Pregnant women under 32 weeks can accompany children normally. From 32 weeks onwards, a doctor's certificate is required, and they must ensure they have support when needed.
Unaccompanied Minor Service
Vietnam Airlines' UM (Unaccompanied Minor) service ensures the child is cared for by airline staff from check-in until handover to the receiving person.
Mandatory and Optional Registration Subjects
Children from 2 to under 12 years old flying alone must register for the UM service. Children from 12 to under 18 years old can register or not. Children under 2 are not allowed to travel alone.
Registration Process and Deadline
Register at the ticket counter or via the Vietnam Airlines hotline. Registration must be completed at least 24 hours before departure. The UM service fee for domestic flights is 500,000 VND ($20.00) per leg. International flights have higher fees, depending on the destination.
Sending and Receiving Persons: Responsibilities and Required Documents
The sending person must stay at the airport until the aircraft takes off. The receiving person must be at the arrival airport before the landing time and bring their ID (ID Card/Citizen ID) and the booking code. The airline will only hand over the child to the person named in the UM registration form.
Warning: The receiving person must arrive on time. If they are late, the airline will keep the child in a secure area and charge a waiting fee. In an emergency, contact the airline staff immediately.
Special Services for Children on Flights
Bassinet Service
Vietnam Airlines provides free bassinets for children under 2 years old and weighing under 11kg. Bassinets are placed in bulkhead seats. They must be requested at least 48 hours in advance. The number of bassinets is limited, so book as early as possible.
Special Children's Meals
The airline offers special meals for children (Children Meal) and infants (Baby Meal). These must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours in advance. These meals are free and suitable for children's tastes.
Transporting Strollers and Pushchairs
Strollers and pushchairs are transported free of charge. You can bring the stroller to the aircraft door. Staff will check it in at the bottom of the stairs. Upon landing, the stroller is returned at the aircraft door or the baggage claim area.
Kid Zone Entertainment Program
On long-haul flights, Vietnam Airlines has a Kid Zone entertainment channel with cartoons, games, and children's music. On short-haul flights, prepare toys or books for the child.
Baggage for Children
Carry-on Baggage for Children Under 2
Children under 2 without a separate seat can bring 1 piece of carry-on baggage weighing a maximum of 5kg. Dimensions must not exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
Checked Baggage for Children
Children aged 2 and older receive the same checked baggage allowance as adults. Children under 2 do not have a free checked baggage allowance. Parents can purchase additional allowance if needed.
Items Allowed on Board (Milk, Food, Medicine)
Powdered milk, pre-mixed milk, baby food, and water for children are allowed on board in reasonable quantities. These liquids are not subject to the 100ml restriction. However, you must declare them at the security checkpoint. Medicine for children requires a prescription or doctor's note.
Tip: Prepare milk and food in separate containers and keep them in a separate bag for easy access during security checks.
Airport Check-in Procedures
Recommended Arrival Time at the Airport
For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours before. Families with young children should arrive 30 minutes earlier to allow time for any unexpected procedures.
Online Check-in for Families with Children
Online check-in is available for families with children. However, if the child needs special services (bassinet, meal), you must still go to the counter to confirm.
Priority Procedures at the Airport
Families with young children receive priority at the check-in counter and boarding gate. Look for counters with a "Family" or "Priority" sign. At the boarding gate, families with young children are usually invited to board first.
Notes for Passing Security with Young Children
Take the child's items (milk, bottles, toys) out of the bag for separate inspection. The child can go through the metal detector with the adult. There is no need to remove the child's shoes or jacket unless alerted.
Important Notes for a Child's First Flight
Preparing Your Child Mentally Before the Flight
Talk to your child about the flight. Watch videos about airplanes. Explain the sounds and feelings during takeoff and landing. This helps reduce their fear.
Essential Items in Carry-on Luggage
Bring: milk, bottles, snacks, diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes, a favorite toy, and medicine (if needed). Keep everything in a separate bag for easy access.
Handling Crying, Fear, or Discomfort During Takeoff/Landing
Have the child suckle or drink water during takeoff and landing. The swallowing action helps relieve ear pressure. If the child cries, hug and soothe them. Don't worry; flight attendants are used to children crying.
Common Emergency Situations and How to Handle Them
If the child has a fever, contact the flight attendant for assistance. If the child vomits, there are airsickness bags in the seat pocket. If the child has an allergic reaction, inform the flight attendant immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What documents does a child need to fly on Vietnam Airlines? A: Children under 2 need an original or notarized copy of their birth certificate (or birth registration certificate if under 1 month). Children aged 2-14 need their birth certificate. For international flights, children need their own passport or to be listed on their parents' passport.
Q: What documents does a 2-year-old need to fly? A: A 2-year-old needs an original or notarized copy of their birth certificate. For domestic flights, a passport is not required. The fare is calculated at the child rate (90% of the adult fare for domestic flights).
Q: What documents do grandparents need for their grandchild to fly? A: They need the grandchild's birth certificate and a notarized power of attorney from the parents if the grandchild is under 14. For domestic flights, Vietnam Airlines does not mandate the power of attorney but recommends carrying it to avoid issues.
Q: What is the minimum age for a child to travel alone on Vietnam Airlines? A: Children from 2 to under 12 years old must register for the Unaccompanied Minor service. Children aged 12-18 can register or not. Children under 2 are not allowed to travel alone.
Q: How much is the airfare for children on Vietnam Airlines? A: Infants under 2: 10% of the adult fare (no separate seat). Children 2-12 on domestic flights: 90% of the adult fare. Children 2-12 on international flights: 75% of the adult fare.
Q: Can I bring milk and food for my child on a Vietnam Airlines flight? A: Yes, you are allowed to bring powdered milk, pre-mixed milk, and baby food for your child in reasonable quantities. Liquids (milk, water) for children are not subject to the 100ml limit but must be declared at the security checkpoint.
Q: Can a child under 7 days old fly on Vietnam Airlines? A: No. Vietnam Airlines does not transport children under 7 days old or children who require an incubator due to premature birth or health reasons.