Age Classification for Children According to Vietnam Airlines Regulations
Vietnam Airlines divides children into 3 main age groups. Each group has its own regulations regarding documents, ticket prices, and services.
- Infant: Under 2 years old at the time of departure.
- Child: From 2 to under 12 years old.
- Adult: From 12 years old and above.
How to Calculate Age Accurately for Each Flight Leg
Age is calculated based on the actual departure date, not the booking date. If you book a ticket 3 months in advance and your child turns 2 on the departure date, you must buy a child ticket (not an infant ticket).
Special Case: Child Turns Exactly 2 During a Round Trip
For round-trip tickets, if the child is under 2 on the outbound leg but turns 2 on the return leg, you must buy a child ticket for both legs. Some airlines allow buying an infant ticket for the outbound leg and a child ticket for the return leg, but Vietnam Airlines applies a uniform policy.
Identification Documents Needed for Children
This is the most important part. Document errors are the most common reason families are denied boarding.
Documents for Children Under 2 Years Old (Domestic and International)
| Age | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 month | Original birth certificate + birth certificate (if available) | Separate passport or name on parent's passport |
| 1-24 months | Original birth certificate or certified copy | Separate passport or name on parent's passport |
Documents for Children from 2 to Under 12 Years Old
- Domestic: Original birth certificate or notarized copy.
- International: Separate passport. Children can travel on their parent's passport if their name is included, but getting a separate passport is recommended to avoid complications.
Documents for Children from 12 to 14 Years Old
Children from 12 years old are treated as adults. They need an ID card or citizen identification card (domestic) or a passport (international).
Passport Regulations for Children on International Flights
Vietnamese children need their own passport for international flights. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the destination country. Some countries require a separate visa for children, even if they are traveling with their parents.
Cases Where a Child Does Not Have a Birth Certificate (Under 1 Month Old)
For children under 1 month old who have not yet obtained a birth certificate, Vietnam Airlines accepts the original birth notification certificate. The birth notification certificate must have the hospital's stamp and the doctor's signature.
Note: The birth notification certificate is only valid for 30 days from the date of birth. After that, a birth certificate is mandatory.
Airfare for Children on Vietnam Airlines
Ticket prices vary by age and itinerary. Below is a detailed comparison table.
| Age | Domestic | International | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years old | 10% of adult fare | 10% of adult fare | No separate seat, sits on adult's lap |
| 2-12 years old | 90% of adult fare | 75% of adult fare | Has a separate seat |
| From 12 years old | 100% of adult fare | 100% of adult fare | Same as adult |
Infant Fare (Under 2 Years Old): 10% of Adult Fare
Children under 2 years old do not have a separate seat. If you want your child to have their own seat, you must buy a child ticket (2-12 years old) and register for the service for children under 2 years old with a separate seat.
Child Fare (2-12 Years Old): 90% Domestic, 75% International
This fare already includes a separate seat. Children are entitled to the same benefits as adults regarding baggage and services.
Fare for Children 12 Years and Older: Treated as Adults
There are no fare discounts for this age group. Children 12 years old must buy an adult ticket.
Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges for Children
Children are still required to pay taxes, airport fees, and fuel surcharges. These fees are usually the same as for adults or slightly lower depending on the route.
Example: A domestic ticket from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City for a 2-year-old child: fare 90% (approx. 1,800,000 VND ($72)) + taxes and fees (approx. 200,000 VND ($8)) = total approx. 2,000,000 VND ($80).
Free Baggage Allowance for Children
Baggage allowances differ by age and route.
| Age | Carry-on Baggage | Checked Baggage (Americas) | Checked Baggage (Other Routes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years old | 1 piece, max 5kg | 1 piece, max 23kg | 10kg |
| 2-12 years old | 1 piece, max 7kg | 2 pieces, each 23kg | 20kg |
| From 12 years old | Same as adult | Same as adult | Same as adult |
Carry-on Baggage for Children Under 2 Years Old
Children under 2 years old are allowed 1 carry-on piece weighing a maximum of 5kg. This piece can be a bag for the child's supplies.
Checked Baggage for Children Under 2 Years Old
- Americas: 1 piece, max 23kg.
- Other Routes: 10kg.
Baggage for Children from 2-12 Years Old
Children from 2-12 years old receive the same baggage allowance as adults: 20kg (other routes) or 2 pieces at 23kg each (Americas).
Regulations for Transporting Strollers and Pushchairs
Strollers and pushchairs are transported free of charge. You can bring the stroller to the aircraft door and hand it to the cabin crew before boarding. The stroller will be returned at the aircraft door upon landing.
Tip: Choose a foldable, easy-to-carry stroller. Bulky strollers may be required to be checked in from the start.
Special Services for Children on Flights
Vietnam Airlines offers several free and paid services for young passengers.
Bassinet Service on the Plane
This service is free for children under 2 years old and under 11kg. The bassinet is attached to the bulkhead and measures approximately 76cm x 30cm x 16cm.
How to Register:
- Call the customer care center at 19001100 at least 24 hours before departure.
- Book via the online form at least 36 hours before departure.
Note: The number of bassinets is limited, only 2-4 per flight. Book as early as possible.
Special Meals for Children (Baby Meal, Child Meal)
- Baby meal: For children under 2 years old, includes pureed food, formula.
- Child meal: For children 2-12 years old, includes easy-to-digest dishes like pasta, chicken, rice.
Both services are free and need to be ordered 24 hours in advance.
Stroller Transport Service
Strollers are transported free of charge as mentioned in the baggage section.
Kid Zone Entertainment Program on the Plane
Vietnam Airlines has a dedicated entertainment channel for children with cartoons, games, and children's music. On newer generation aircraft (Boeing 787, Airbus A350), personal entertainment screens have this content available.
Regulations for Adults Accompanying Children
General Conditions for Accompanying Adults
The adult accompanying a child must be at least 18 years old, have full legal capacity, and be in good health.
Maximum Number of Children per Adult
| Child's Age | Maximum Number | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years old | 2 children | No |
| 2-12 years old | 4 children | No |
| Under 2 + 2-12 years old | 1 child under 2 + 3 children 2-12 | No |
Regulations for Pregnant Women Traveling with Children
Pregnant women under 32 weeks can travel with children normally. From 32-36 weeks, a doctor's certificate is required. Over 36 weeks, they are not allowed to fly.
Cases Where Grandparents or Relatives Take a Child on a Flight (Power of Attorney)
Domestic: Grandparents or relatives do not need a power of attorney. Only the child's birth certificate and the accompanying person's ID are needed.
International (from Vietnam): A notarized power of attorney from the parents is required. This document must clearly state the authorized person's information, duration, and destination.
International (returning to Vietnam): A power of attorney is not mandatory, but it is advisable to have one to avoid complications at foreign border checkpoints.
Warning: The power of attorney must be notarized and translated into English for international flights.
Unaccompanied Minor Service
This is a service for children flying alone without an adult.
Eligible Age Groups
- 2-6 years old: Mandatory registration for the unaccompanied minor service and the escort attendant service.
- 6-12 years old: Mandatory registration for the unaccompanied minor service. Escort attendant is optional.
- 12-15 years old: Unaccompanied minor service is optional.
Escort Attendant Service (Mandatory and Optional)
An attendant will accompany the child from check-in until handover to the relative at the destination. This service has a fee.
Registration Procedures and Required Timeframe
Register via the customer care center at 19001100 at least 24 hours before departure. You need to provide information about the person dropping off and picking up the child at the airport.
Process for Dropping Off and Picking Up the Child at the Airport
- The person dropping off goes to the check-in counter, presents documents, and fills out a form.
- A Vietnam Airlines staff member puts a name tag on the child and escorts them through security.
- On the plane, the cabin crew takes care of the child.
- At the destination, a staff member brings the child to the arrival area and hands them over to the relative (who must present ID).
Service Fee
Unaccompanied minor service fee: approximately 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND ($20 - $40) per leg, depending on the route.
Check-in Procedures at the Airport
Online Check-in for Families with Children
Families with children can check in online but still need to go to the counter to present the child's documents. Full online check-in is not possible.
Check-in at the Counter: Documents to Present
- Flight ticket (electronic or paper).
- Child's identification documents (birth certificate, passport).
- Identification documents of the accompanying adult.
Going Through Security with Children (Note on Liquids, Milk, Food)
Formula, prepared milk, and baby food for children are exempt from the 100ml liquid regulation. However, you must declare them to the security personnel at the screening checkpoint.
Tip: Bring milk in glass or clear plastic bottles for easy inspection.
Priority Boarding for Families with Young Children
Families with young children are given priority boarding. Arrive at the boarding gate early to receive priority.
Important Notes When Taking a Child on a Plane for the First Time
Preparing Essential Items in Carry-on Luggage
- Formula, bottles, warm water.
- Diapers, wet wipes, spare clothes.
- Small toys, books, tablets for entertainment.
- Necessary medications (if any).
Handling Ear Pain for Children During Takeoff/Landing
- Breastfeed or bottle-feed the child during takeoff and landing.
- For older children, give them water or chewing gum.
- If the child cries, don't worry. Crying helps relieve ear pressure.
Choosing Suitable Seats for Families with Young Children
- Choose seats near the restroom.
- Choose seats in the front row (with bassinet) if you have a child under 2 years old.
- Avoid seats near emergency exits (children are not allowed to sit there).
Food and Milk for Children on the Plane (Liquid Regulations)
Formula, prepared milk, and baby food are exempt from liquid regulations. Bring an amount sufficient for the flight.
Clothes and Blankets for Children on the Plane
The plane is usually cold. Bring a jacket, thin blanket, or shawl for the child.
Cases Where Transport is Not Allowed
Children Under 7 Days Old
Vietnam Airlines does not accept transporting children under 7 days old for health reasons.
Premature Infants or Infants in Incubators
Premature infants or infants who must be kept in incubators are not transported.
Children Requiring Special Medical Care Without Confirmation
Children requiring special medical care (such as oxygen therapy, injections) must have a doctor's certificate and prior approval from Vietnam Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What documents does a child need to fly with Vietnam Airlines? A: It depends on age and itinerary. For domestic flights, a child needs an original birth certificate or a certified copy. For international flights, a child needs a separate passport or their name on the parent's passport. Children under 1 month old can use a birth notification certificate.
Q: What documents does a 2-year-old need to fly? A: A 2-year-old needs an original birth certificate or a notarized copy for domestic flights, and a passport for international flights. If the child just turns 2 during the trip, you need to buy a child ticket (90% domestic, 75% international) instead of an infant ticket (10%).
Q: What documents do grandparents need to take their grandchild on a flight? A: For domestic flights, grandparents do not need a power of attorney, only the grandchild's birth certificate and the grandparents' ID. For international flights from Vietnam, a notarized power of attorney from the parents is needed. For international flights returning to Vietnam, it is not mandatory.
Q: Does a child need to buy a separate ticket to fly? A: Children 2 years and older must buy a ticket and have their own seat. Children under 2 can sit on an adult's lap (10% of adult fare) or buy a separate seat (service for children under 2 with a separate seat).
Q: Can I bring milk and food for my child on the plane? A: Yes. Formula, prepared milk, and baby food for children are exempt from the 100ml liquid regulation. However, you must declare them to security personnel at the screening checkpoint. Bring an amount sufficient for the flight.
Q: How do I book a bassinet service for my child on Vietnam Airlines? A: Contact the customer care center at 19001100 at least 24 hours before departure (by phone) or 36 hours (via online form). The service is free for children under 2 years old and under 11kg, with limited availability.
Q: What procedures are needed for an unaccompanied minor on Vietnam Airlines? A: Children aged 2-6 must register for the unaccompanied minor service and the escort attendant service. Children aged 6-12 must register for the unaccompanied minor service (escort attendant optional). Booking is required at least 24 hours in advance, and the child must be at the airport 2 hours before departure.
Q: Can a child under 7 days old fly? A: No. Vietnam Airlines does not accept transporting children under 7 days old, premature infants, or infants who must be kept in incubators for health reasons.