Thai VietJet Air is the Thailand-based subsidiary of Vietnamese VietJet Air, offering essentially the same low-cost carrier experience with Thai operations. With about a dozen destinations in Thailand, as well as flights to neighboring countries and connections into the wider VietJet network, it’s a handy and inexpensive option for this part of Southeast Asia.
The basic onboard experience is no-frills, but the fares are great value and you can add plenty of upgrades for more space and a nicer journey. Here’s what you need to know about flying Thai VietJet Air, along with my tips for making the most of it.
The Thai Vietjet Air model
Thai VietJet Air operates as a budget airline with inexpensive fares across its network. You’ll find low prices whether flying within Thailand, to nearby countries, or on slightly longer routes to Japan. If you’re familiar with its larger Vietnamese sister company, the experience is pretty similar to that and other low-cost carriers in the region.
If you only need a basic seat and a personal item, you’ll fly for cheap. You’ll pay extra for things like baggage, food or seat reservations. And if you’re tall, that extra legroom fee is crucial but usually well-priced.
Unusually for a low-cost carrier, Thai VietJet Air is based at Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – the newer one, as opposed to the older Don Mueang airport (DMK) closer to town.
Many low-cost carriers use DMK, so if you’re building your own connection between airlines, be aware you’ll need to get between the two airports yourself.
Thai VietJet Air classes of travel and fares
Thai VietJet Air flies all-economy Airbus A320 and A321 planes. As a low-cost carrier, you can bet you can upgrade your experience for a bit of extra cash. When booking, pay close attention to whether you’re on a Thai VietJet or a Vietnamese VietJet flight, as some perks only apply to one or the other.
When you book, you’ll choose from three fare bundles: Eco, Deluxe and SkyBOSS (possibly my favorite name ever for an airplane ticket). Business fares only appear on Vietnamese VietJet Air A330 flights, which have lie-flat business class seats – Thai VietJet Air doesn’t have any planes with a business cabin.
The cheapest fare, Eco, includes just one 7-kilogram (15.4-pound) carry-on bag plus one small personal item. That’s it. Enjoy the savings and breeze through the airport, or buy any extras you need one by one.
Most international visitors will probably want the Deluxe fare. It gets you typically a 20-kilogram (44-pound) checked bag (though some routes offer more), a regular seat selection, and the ability to change your flight with no change fee – just pay any fare difference. Be aware that the checked bag allowance is a little less than the standard international limit, so I recommend weighing your bag at home to avoid fees. You also get a priority check-in lane with this fare.
SkyBOSS privileges
Want to fly like a boss? SkyBOSS bumps your carry-on to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and your checked bag to 30 kilograms (66 pounds), plus a golf bag up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds). It also includes priority seat selection, airport fast-track security and priority check-in where available, lounge access (except on domestic Thailand flights and where no lounge exists), free food and drinks, and even a private shuttle to the plane if it’s parked at a remote stand.
You can buy most of these perks separately, but I like the convenience of having them all bundled together in the SkyBOSS package.
Thai VietJet Air seats
All seats on Thai VietJet Air are economy, and they sure do pack them in to keep those tickets cheap. Unless you’re on the smaller side, I’d recommend looking at seats with a bit more space.
Your choices include extra legroom seats, emergency exit rows and “Hot Seats” in the quiet zone from rows three to five. If you want an exit row seat, you’ll need to be between 15 and 65, be physically able to help in an emergency, not be traveling with kids and be able to understand crew instructions in English or Thai.
The options are laid out clearly when you book. On the A320, all seats are in a 3-3 layout. I usually go for a Hot Seat, partly because fewer people choose them, so you have a better chance of getting an empty seat next to you.
On the A321, it’s mostly a 3-3 configuration but there are two rows of 2-2 near the exits. These aisle-window exit row combos can be great if you’re traveling with one other person.
The best option? The aisle seats in the exit row immediately behind, which have tons of legroom with no seat directly in front.
Another hack I love, especially if I’m with a travel buddy, is to buy an extra seat for more elbow room and an extra tray table for snacks and drinks.
Check-in and airport experience with Thai VietJet Air
Most flights offer online check-in starting 24 hours before departure (closing 60-90 minutes before depending on the airport). If I haven’t picked a seat at booking, I set an alarm to get first dibs on what’s left when check-in opens.
The lines at airport check-in can get long. If you plan to check in at the airport, consider a ticket or upgrade that gives you priority line access.
SkyBOSS passengers get lounge access at some airports, which can be a nice escape for some peace and air conditioning. Do a little web sleuthing first, though. You might find a better lounge you can pay to enter or already have access through a program like Priority Pass.
You probably won’t be connecting with Thai VietJet Air – as a low-cost carrier it isn’t really set up for that, though self-connect itineraries are possible through their official Dohop platform when connecting with Vietnamese VietJet Air and partner flights. If you do connect, be clear about baggage through-checking policies and whether they’re obligated to rebook you if you miss your connection. Know where to collect your bag and allow extra time, since you’ll likely need to recheck it yourself.
Thai VietJet Air food and in-flight entertainment
No-frills means no-frills. There’s no in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, or power outlets, so bring your own. The good news is the food and drink selection is inexpensive and can be delicious if you choose wisely. You can preorder to make sure you get what you want.
If you’re hungry, go for the Thai options over the sandwiches. The spicy basil chicken is my favorite, and the shrimp pad Thai is another go-to. And don’t sleep on the crispy fruit slice chips. They’re amazing, and you can usually find them in mango, pineapple and my personal favorite, longan.
The drink selection is great too. The brown sugar Thai tea is delicious, and you’ll find good local beers like 333 and Chang. For dessert, they partner with the After You dessert café, which has branches all over Thailand, so you know it’s going to be good.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
