Quick Summary

  • Primary Update: VietJet enforces a strict non-refundable base fare policy on standard Eco tickets for voluntary cancellations, while Deluxe and SkyBoss fare tiers permit reservation adjustments and conversion of ticket balances into VietJet Credit Shell accounts.
  • Transit Impact: Under Indian DGCA mandates and CAAV passenger protection circulars, carrier-initiated flight cancellations or operational delays exceeding four hours entitle travelers to a 100% full cash refund to their original payment card or free rebooking.
  • Traveler Advice: Voluntary flight date and route adjustments must be completed at least three hours before scheduled departure, incurring a sector change fee of VND 800,000 (approximately ₹2,700 / $32 USD) on Eco tickets, alongside any applicable fare difference.

Understanding VietJet cancellation charges, rescheduling penalties, and refund mechanisms is essential for passengers flying between India, Vietnam, and regional points across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia. As Vietnam's premier low-cost carrier, VietJet (IATA: VJ) operates high-frequency non-stop corridors linking major Indian departure points—including New Delhi (DEL Terminal 3), Mumbai (BOM Terminal 2), Ahmedabad (AMD), and Kochi (COK)—directly to Hanoi (HAN Terminal 2), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN Terminal 2), Da Nang (DAD), and Phu Quoc (PQC).

Because VietJet operates an ultra-low-cost business model across its modern fleet of Airbus A320, A321, and widebody A330-300 aircraft, baseline fares do not offer voluntary cash refunds. However, specific consumer rights frameworks—such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) 24-hour statutory look-in window for Indian departures and international airline carriage rules—protect passengers through fee waivers, credit shell vouchers, and unutilized airport tax reimbursements.

VietJet Fare Families and Cancellation Charges

VietJet categorizes its retail passenger inventory into four defined fare tiers: Eco, Deluxe, SkyBoss, and SkyBoss Business (available on widebody Airbus A330 routes). Each product tier determines specific baggage allotments, flexibility limits, modification penalties, and cancellation entitlements.

The operational schedule below details the cancellation fees, flight change charges, modification deadlines, and refund parameters across all VietJet ticket categories.

Cabin Tier & Fare Family Cabin Baggage Allowance Voluntary Cancellation Rule Flight Date / Route Change Fee Amendment Cutoff Window Refund Settlement Pathway
Eco 7 kg (1 cabin bag + 1 small item) Non-refundable (100% base fare and add-ons forfeited) VND 800,000 / ₹2,700 / $32 per sector + fare difference Up to 3 hours before scheduled departure Unutilized statutory airport taxes and security charges only
Deluxe 7 kg cabin + 20 kg checked Non-refundable for cash; credit retention permitted Free change fee; passenger pays only prevailing fare difference Up to 3 hours before scheduled departure Credit Shell (Credit Account) voucher minus administrative handling fee
SkyBoss 10 kg cabin + 30 kg checked + 1 golf set (15 kg) Refundable to Credit Shell voucher Free modification fee; passenger pays only prevailing fare difference Up to 3 hours before scheduled departure VietJet Credit Shell valid for up to 24 months
SkyBoss Business 18 kg cabin + 40–60 kg checked + 1 golf set (15 kg) Refundable to Credit Shell or original payment under select contracts Free modification fee; passenger pays only prevailing fare difference Up to 3 hours before scheduled departure Credit Shell voucher or direct card refund minus contractual processing fee

Note: Change fees and cancellation surcharges apply per passenger, per flight sector. Currency conversions fluctuate according to daily bank settlement rates. If a passenger modifies an itinerary to a flight with a lower base fare, the difference is retained by the airline and will not be refunded or credited.

Detailed Analysis of VietJet Fare Tiers

1. Eco (Standard Budget Tier)

Eco represents VietJet's bare-bones unbundled fare product aimed at price-sensitive leisure and business travelers.

  • Included Baggage: One piece of cabin luggage measuring up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm plus one small personal item (such as a laptop sleeve or handbag), with a strictly enforced combined weight limit of 7 kg. No complimentary checked luggage or meals are bundled into the fare.
  • Voluntary Cancellations: Base fares, fuel surcharges, and pre-purchased ancillaries (such as seat assignments, priority check-in, or hot meals) are 100% non-refundable if the passenger decides to cancel the flight voluntarily.
  • Date and Route Changes: Travelers can adjust their flight date, flight number, or route up to three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. This modification requires payment of the standard change fee (VND 800,000 / ~₹2,700 on international sectors) plus the difference between the original ticket price and the current available fare.
  • Name Corrections: Full passenger name changes are strictly prohibited on Eco fares. Minor spelling corrections (up to three characters) require customer support verification and an administrative correction fee.

2. Deluxe (Flexible Value Bundle)

Deluxe is designed for medium-haul travelers who require checked baggage and itinerary flexibility without paying business-class premiums.

  • Included Baggage: 7 kg combined cabin baggage allowance plus 20 kg of checked baggage (extended to 40 kg on select widebody long-haul flights). Standard seat selection is included at no extra charge.
  • Voluntary Cancellations: Cash refunds to credit cards or bank accounts are not permitted for voluntary cancellations. However, passengers may cancel their reservation up to three hours before departure to retain the remaining ticket balance in a VietJet Credit Account (Credit Shell) after deducting a cancellation service fee.
  • Date and Route Changes: Deluxe ticket holders benefit from an administrative change fee waiver. Passengers can modify their travel date or route without paying the standard VND 800,000 penalty, paying only the fare difference if the newly selected sector costs more than the original booking.
  • Name Changes: Name modifications are permitted up to three hours before departure upon payment of a name change fee (VND 1,000,000 / ~₹3,400) plus any prevailing fare difference.

3. SkyBoss (Premium Priority Experience)

SkyBoss is VietJet's premium boutique tier, providing expedited airport transit and dedicated services.

  • Included Baggage: 10 kg of cabin luggage (up to 14 kg on widebody routes), 30 kg of checked baggage, and one set of golf clubs up to 15 kg. Benefits include dedicated check-in desks, priority security lane access, private shuttle vehicle transfers across the airport ramp, business lounge access, and onboard food and beverage service.
  • Voluntary Cancellations: Passengers can cancel their booking up to three hours prior to departure. The unutilized balance is deposited into a VietJet Credit Shell valid for up to 24 months, subject to an administrative cancellation charge of approximately VND 1,000,000 to VND 1,200,000 (~₹3,400–₹4,100).
  • Date and Route Changes: Flight dates, times, and routes can be rescheduled an unlimited number of times free of administrative penalties up to three hours prior to departure, subject only to fare differences.

4. SkyBoss Business (Widebody Flat-Bed Luxury)

SkyBoss Business operates exclusively on VietJet's widebody Airbus A330 fleet, offering private lie-flat seating on long-distance corridors such as New Delhi and Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Included Baggage: 18 kg of cabin luggage across two pieces, 40 kg to 60 kg of checked baggage, and one complete golf club set (15 kg).
  • Voluntary Cancellations: Cancellations initiated up to three hours before departure are processed into an extended 24-month Credit Shell. Under select premium corporate ticketing agreements, direct refunds to the original payment method may be authorized minus contractual cancellation fees.
  • Date and Route Changes: Complimentary date and itinerary modifications up to three hours before departure. Only the fare differential applies if the new flight segment carries a higher published rate.

Statutory 24-Hour Look-In Rule and Passenger Rights

Air passenger consumer protection mandates established by civil aviation authorities provide binding legal protections that override airline contract restrictions.

DGCA 24-Hour Free Cancellation Rule (India Departures)

Under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR Section 3, Series M, Part IV), passengers who book VietJet flights originating from an Indian airport (such as Delhi DEL, Mumbai BOM, Ahmedabad AMD, or Kochi COK) are entitled to key statutory protections:

  • Zero Cancellation Penalty: Passengers booking tickets directly through VietJet's official website (vietjetair.com) or mobile app can cancel their reservation or correct clerical typographical errors in passenger names within 24 hours of purchase without any cancellation fee or deduction.
  • Seven-Day Booking Horizon: To qualify for this statutory 24-hour look-in privilege, the flight booking must be completed at least seven full days (168 hours) before the scheduled flight departure date.
  • Original Payment Refund: The refund must be remitted directly to the passenger's original payment channel (credit card, debit card, or net banking) rather than being credited into an airline voucher or credit shell.

Involuntary Schedule Disruptions and Flight Cancellations by VietJet

When operational disruptions, technical faults, or adverse weather conditions lead VietJet to cancel a flight or alter scheduled timings significantly, standard non-refundable restrictions do not apply:

  • Schedule Delays Exceeding Four Hours: If VietJet delays or reschedules a flight by four hours or more, passengers are legally entitled to:
    1. Free rebooking on the next available VietJet flight on the same route.
    2. A 100% full cash refund of the ticket fare and fees credited to the original payment method.
    3. Conversion of the full ticket value into a VietJet Credit Shell with bonus validity.
  • Overnight Delays: When an unexpected flight delay extends overnight away from the passenger's home station, VietJet must provide complimentary hotel accommodation, ground transportation between the airport and hotel, and hot meals.
  • Outright Flight Cancellations: If a flight is cancelled by the airline, passengers can claim an immediate complimentary alternate flight assignment or a full refund without administrative processing deductions within 14 to 30 business days.

VietJet Credit Shell vs Original Payment Refund

When travelers qualify for voluntary credits on premium fares or involuntary disruption relief, VietJet handles financial settlement through either a digital Credit Shell or an electronic card refund.

[VietJet Refund Settlement Pathways]
  │
  ├── VietJet Credit Shell (Tài khoản định danh)
  │     ├── Crediting Speed: 7 to 14 business days
  │     ├── Enhanced Flexibility: Retains full balance minus cancellation fee
  │     ├── Standard Validity: 12 to 24 months from issuance date
  │     └── Scope: Redeemable for flights, baggage, and seats on vietjetair.com
  │
  └── Original Payment Method (Credit / Debit Card / Net Banking)
        ├── Statutory Mandate: Enforced under DGCA CAR and CAAV directives
        ├── Crediting Speed: 14 to 30 business days
        └── Scope: Complete return of funds directly to original bank account

Credit Shell Usage Parameters

  • Validity Window: Standard Credit Shell balances remain active for 12 months for Deluxe tickets and up to 24 months for SkyBoss and SkyBoss Business tickets from the date of creation.
  • Multiple Bookings: If a newly booked itinerary costs less than the total balance stored in the Credit Shell, the unused residual credit remains valid for subsequent flight reservations until the official expiration date.
  • Passenger Name Binding: VietJet Credit Shell balances are non-transferable and are registered under the primary passenger's legal name as listed on the original itinerary. However, they can be used to purchase tickets for accompanying family members on the same booking record.

How to Claim Unused Airport Taxes on Non-Refundable Tickets

Passengers who forfeit or miss a non-refundable VietJet Eco flight are entitled to recover statutory government and airport levies under international aviation statutes.

Eligible Tax Components

Because airport and regulatory authority fees are collected exclusively for passenger processing through terminal facilities, airlines cannot legally retain them if travel was not completed:

  • Passenger Service Charge (PSC): Terminal departure fees assessed by airports like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN), and Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN).
  • Aviation Security Fee (ASF): Mandatory security screening levies charged per ticket.
  • User Development Fee (UDF): Infrastructure development charges collected on Indian airport departures.
  • Customs and Tourism Levies: Statutory destination environmental and immigration taxes.

Submission Guidelines

  • Filing Deadline: Passengers must submit an official tax refund request within 90 days following the scheduled flight departure date.
  • Processing Channels: Claims must be submitted via email to VietJet official support desks or logged through the airline's customer service inquiry portal, attaching the original electronic ticket receipt and passport copy.

Traveler Logistics Guide

Modifying an existing booking, cancelling an itinerary, or submitting a tax refund claim on VietJet is managed through self-service digital platforms and regional customer support desks.

[VietJet Booking Modification & Refund Process]
  │
  ├── Step 1: Open vietjetair.com or VietJet Mobile App
  │     └── Select 'My Booking' from the top menu
  │
  ├── Step 2: Authenticate Booking
  │     └── Enter 6-character Reservation Code (PNR), Surname, and Given Name
  │
  ├── Step 3: Choose Required Modification
  │     ├── 'Change Flight Date / Time' (Permitted up to 3 hours before flight)
  │     ├── 'DGCA 24-Hour Free Cancellation' (Direct India bookings within 24h)
  │     ├── 'Involuntary Schedule Disruption Claim' (Delays exceeding 4 hours)
  │     └── 'Unused Airport Taxes Refund' (Unutilized non-refundable tickets)
  │
  ├── Step 4: Pay Applicable Fare Difference & Service Fees
  │     └── Complete card payment for change fee and fare delta
  │
  └── Step 5: Receive Updated Confirmation
        └── Retain new booking receipt and track Credit Shell or bank refund reference

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Retrieve Booking Information: Keep your six-character alphanumeric VietJet reservation code (PNR), passenger surname, and given name ready.
  2. Access My Booking Portal: Visit the official VietJet website (vietjetair.com) and navigate to My Booking, or open the VietJet mobile application.
  3. Execute Flight Date or Route Modifications:
    • Select Change Flight. Choose the specific flight sector you wish to adjust and pick your new travel date or route.
    • The reservation system will automatically calculate the sector change fee (waived on Deluxe and SkyBoss; VND 800,000 on Eco) plus any fare difference between the old and new seats.
    • Pay the balance using a credit card, debit card, or international payment gateway. Your revised itinerary and updated e-ticket receipt will be delivered via email immediately.
  4. Claim DGCA 24-Hour Zero-Fee Cancellation:
    • If your flight originates at an Indian airport, was purchased on vietjetair.com at least seven days before departure, and you are within 24 hours of booking, contact VietJet Indian regional support or email [email protected] with the subject line DGCA 24-Hour Free Cancellation Request - [Your PNR].
    • Provide your e-ticket receipt, booking confirmation timestamp, and bank details to request an immediate 100% card refund.
  5. Manage Involuntary Flight Disruptions:
    • In cases where VietJet cancels a flight or alters timings by more than four hours, use the self-service rebooking link provided via SMS and registered email, or contact airport ground staff to choose between an alternate flight date, a 100% card refund, or an extended Credit Shell.
  6. Submit Airport Tax Refund Requests:
    • Once your scheduled departure date has passed without travel, draft an email to VietJet customer support ([email protected] or local ticketing offices).
    • Attach your e-ticket, specify your unused PNR, and explicitly request Refund of Unutilized Statutory Airport Taxes and Security Charges.
  7. Monitor Financial Processing: Credit card and bank account refunds generally reflect on financial statements within 14 to 30 business days. Credit Shell balances are credited to your member profile or e-wallet within 7 to 14 business days.

Bookings via Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

If your VietJet itinerary was purchased through an online travel agent (such as MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, Goibibo, Agoda, or Trip.com):

  • All voluntary reservation changes, name rectifications, and ticket cancellations must be initiated through the respective travel agency's customer platform.
  • When VietJet cancels a flight involuntarily, cash refunds are returned directly to the travel agent's corporate account. You must follow up with your travel agent to have the funds credited back to your personal payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cash refund if I voluntarily cancel my VietJet Eco flight?

No. VietJet enforces a strictly non-refundable base fare policy for voluntary passenger cancellations on all Eco tickets. The base airfare, fuel surcharges, and optional add-ons are completely forfeited. However, you retain the legal right to claim a refund of unutilized statutory airport passenger service charges, security levies, and government departure taxes by submitting an official refund application within 90 days of the missed flight date.

What are the fees to change a flight date or route on VietJet?

For Eco tickets, changing the flight date, time, or sector costs VND 800,000 (approximately ₹2,700 / $32 USD) per passenger, per sector, plus any prevailing fare difference between the original fare and the new flight. On Deluxe, SkyBoss, and SkyBoss Business tickets, the administrative change fee is completely waived, and passengers are required to pay only the fare differential if the newly chosen flight costs more. All changes must be finalized at least three hours before scheduled departure.

How does the DGCA 24-hour look-in rule apply to VietJet flights from India?

Under Indian DGCA civil aviation requirements, passengers who book VietJet flights departing Indian airports (such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Kochi) directly through vietjetair.com or the official mobile app can cancel the reservation with zero penalties within 24 hours of booking. This statutory privilege applies provided the ticket was purchased at least seven days (168 hours) before scheduled departure. The full booking amount is refunded directly to the original payment channel.

What is a VietJet Credit Shell and how long is it valid?

A VietJet Credit Shell (Tài khoản định danh) is an electronic credit account created in VietJet's reservation system when a flexible ticket (Deluxe or SkyBoss) is cancelled or when passengers accept credit compensation for airline disruptions. The credit balance is valid for 12 months on Deluxe fares and up to 24 months on SkyBoss tiers. It can be redeemed to pay for new flight bookings, checked baggage, seat assignments, and inflight meals across VietJet's scheduled network.