[YOU MAY NOT KNOW] the different classes of airplane tickets and seat types available today

Specific information about airline ticket classes is something many passengers need to know when flying. Currently, both domestic and international airlines each have their own regulations and services. Each airline ticket class corresponds to a different level of service quality, proportional to the price of each type of seat. This division allows airlines to best serve a wide range of customers with diverse needs. Let’s explore the airlines of various airlines in the article below with Cuồng for a smoother ticket booking process.

1. Vietnam Airlines Ticket Classes

Vietnam Airlines is known as the most prestigious airline with various ticket classes, divided into three main groups: business class, economy class, and saver class. The airline aims to provide quality services and diversity for customers to ensure maximum convenience. Depending on your budget and preferences, you have many different choices. Additionally, depending on the flight routes, geographical locations, and other conditions, the airline offers a total of 08 different ticket classes. Specifically:

Business Class

Among the classes of Vietnam Airlines tickets, the business class is considered the most privileged class and enjoys the best services as well as having a separate seat on the plane. Typically, the seats in this class are one and a half times larger than other types of seats, and passengers will be served delicious light meals on request. The business class includes flexible business class (J), Business Saver (D), and Standard Business (C) tickets. Depending on the different ticket classes, the level of priority decreases. In general, this group of ticket classes receives the most priority in terms of changing dates, times, routes, names; enjoying the best quality services, having a separate waiting area, more comfortable seating, and a private lounge area.

Usually, business class seats are 1.5 times wider than other seat classes and can be adjusted to recline like a bed. Currently, business class seats on Boeing 777 aircraft are designed to standard with a width of 51cm and the seat back can recline parallel to the aircraft at a 150º angle.

The business class also serves premium meals with a varied menu for customers to comfortably choose from. In addition to main meals, you will also be served light meals, various beverages on request such as wine, mineral water, coffee…

Specific information about ticket classes:

• Flexible Business Class (code J): Considered the most luxurious ticket class with the highest price and most benefits. You can change the ticket for free in all cases, refund the ticket with a fee of 300,000 VND (during Tet holidays the price doubles to 600,000 VND). Additionally, you will earn a mileage factor of 200/mile when purchasing a flexible business class ticket.
• Business Saver Class (code D): You have the right to change the ticket for free without any charge. If you need to refund the ticket, the fee is 300,000 VND (during Tet holidays it is 400,000 VND) and you will earn a mileage factor of 150/mile.
• Standard Business Class (code C): You are allowed to change the ticket information or refund the ticket with a similar price to the above two classes with similar benefits. This class usually has a price lower than a certain amount compared to the above two classes.

Economy Class

Economy class is divided into 03 different categories: Flexible Economy (M, K), Saving Economy (N, R, T), and Standard Economy (L, Q). Each category has decreasing ticket prices with corresponding decreasing benefits. This is the most popular class chosen by many people and has the most seats.

For flights lasting over 1h30 minutes, passengers in this class will be served a delicious light meal along with beverages such as wine, beer, coffee, tea, or soft drinks. If your flight is 2 hours or longer, you will be served a hot and delicious main meal prepared in both Asian and European styles. You can also enjoy movies or music with a small TV screen right in front of you, which is very appealing.

Specific information about each ticket category:

• Flexible Economy (designated as M and K): This seat category is the most popular among the 8 different ticket categories. This category allows changes and refunds but charges fees according to regulations. Specifically, changing or refunding tickets before the flight date incurs a fee of 300,000 VND, and on or after the flight date, the fee is 600,000 VND. The mileage accrual rate is 1.25 miles.
• Saving Economy (N, R, T): Similar to the fees for changes and refunds, which are 300,000 VND before the flight date and 600,000 VND after the flight date. However, the mileage accrual rate is 0.50/mile.
• Standard Economy (L, Q): You are allowed to change or refund tickets before the flight date (300,000 VND) and after the flight date (600,000 VND). The mileage accrual rate for this category is 1.25/mile for category K, and 1.00/mile for categories L and Q.

Savings Class

Vietnam Airlines operates the Economy Class (Promo) with 02 ticket classes: Super Economy Class (P) and Special Economy Class (U, A, E). This ticket class offers the lowest prices compared to other classes, suitable for passengers looking for a quick and economical flight. However, the quality and accompanying services are significantly reduced. Specifically, ticket exchanges are not accepted, and changing ticket information incurs a high fee. Despite this, due to the affordable price, it remains a popular choice for many travelers.

Specific information about ticket classes:

• Super Economy Class (symbol P): This class does not allow ticket changes or refunds. If you cancel or provide incorrect information, you will lose the entire amount paid. This class does not offer any mileage benefits but provides the best price among the 8 different ticket classes.
• Special Economy Class (symbols U, E, P): This class does not allow changes to passenger information such as name, date, etc., before and after the flight date. Changes can only be made before the flight date with a fee of 600,000 VND. Refunds are not allowed, and no mileage is accrued for this class.

General regulations regarding Vietnam Airlines ticket conditions

Here is some general information about the ticket conditions:

• Regarding ticket changes: You can change the flight date, time, and route but not the passenger’s name (except for adding or removing “Thị”). Changes must be of equal or higher value, not lower.
• Regarding ticket refunds: Refunds apply to business class and economy class tickets but not to economy class tickets. For round-trip tickets, you can refund the return leg after completing the outbound leg, with additional fees as usual.
• Regarding price combinations: If your journey includes multiple flights, you can combine different classes as desired. However, if you have a Super Economy Class ticket, you can only combine it with another Super Economy Class ticket.

Read more: Should You Eat on the Plane?

2. Vietjet Air Ticket Classes

Even though it is a budget airline, VietJet Air also offers different seat classes. Each class has different ticket conditions, seat locations, and prices. Currently, the budget airline VietJet Air operates three main ticket classes:

Skyboss Class

This is the highest fare class and also known as the business class of Viejtet Air. When flying in this fare class, you will experience extremely attractive and convenient services like no other airline. Below are the conditions of the Skyboss fare class:

• Passengers can change their flight date and time at the latest one day before the scheduled departure time.
• Private seating, comfortable seats, and various entertainment services
• Complimentary use of VIP lounges at the airport
• Priority check-in
• Complimentary meals and beverages on the flight
• Free checked baggage allowance of 30 kg
• Airport transfer service
• Tickets can be reserved for a maximum of 90 days with applicable fees.

Skyboss fare class change and refund fees

The Skyboss fare class allows you to change your flight, route, and date for free. For name changes, an additional fee of 140,000 VND for domestic flights and 800,000 VND for international flights is required.

Please note that changes are only allowed up to 3 hours before departure, reservations and refunds are not permitted, carry-on baggage is 10kg, and checked baggage is 30 kg.

ECO fare class

Vietjet Air’s Eco ticket class is an economy class ticket that offers savings. This ticket class has an average price that the airline offers to meet the needs of passengers with moderate to higher incomes. With this ticket class, you need to know the following conditions set by the airline:

• Can change flight date, time, and name up to 2 days before the scheduled departure date.
• Tickets are non-refundable.
• Cannot change the itinerary, including the destination and departure point.
• Entitled to a maximum of 7 kg of carry-on baggage free of charge.

Fees for changing and refunding Eco tickets

• For name changes, the Eco class charges a fee of 450,000 VND for domestic flights and 800,000 VND for international flights.
• For changes in flights, dates, and segments, the fee for changes is the same at 340,000 VND for domestic flights and 800,000 VND for international flights.
• The conditions for changes require a minimum of 3 hours before departure, do not apply to reserved or refunded tickets, carry-on baggage is limited to 7kg, and checked baggage must be purchased separately.

Promo Ticket Class

Promo fare is a discounted fare class, so it is very advantageous, this is the lowest fare of Vietjet to help passengers save a lot on their trip. However, for this fare class, you should note the following ticket conditions:

• You can change the flight date and time up to two days before departure.
• Name changes are not allowed, and the itinerary including departure and destination points cannot be changed.
• Tickets are non-refundable.
• 7 kg of carry-on baggage is allowed free of charge.

Fee for changing tickets, refunding Pro class tickets

• This fare class does not allow passenger name changes. Changing flights, flight dates, flight segments, or upgrading passengers will incur a fee of 340,000 VND domestically and 800,000 VND internationally, with possible fare differences.
• Changes must be made at least 3 hours before departure, ticket sales and refunds are not allowed, carry-on baggage allowance is 7 kg, checked baggage must be purchased separately.

3. Jetstar Pacific fare classes

Jetstar Pacific, the first low-cost airline in Vietnam, headquartered at Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City. The airline is renowned for its reliability not only in the domestic market but also on flights across Asia and Australia. In addition, the airline is also known for its diverse seat classes, making it very convenient for passengers. Let’s explore which Jetstar Pacific Airlines fare class is most suitable for your trip with Cuong.

Jetstar Pacific fare classes

The airline currently offers two seat classes: Economy and Business on its flights. Due to different seat conditions, there are price differences. Information and conditions for specific seat classes are as follows:

Economy Class (Economy Starter)

Jetstar Economy Class is applicable to all customers. This seat class offers very cheap airfares. Within Economy Class, you can choose to purchase one of two service packages: Starter Plus and Starter Max.

Starter Plus: Also known as the flexible package, this is a popular service package offered by Jetstar on Economy seats. If you purchase a ticket with this package, you will receive benefits such as:

• Allowed to change the passenger’s name on Jetstar flights
• Allowed to change the flight date
• Change the selected flight time (may require additional fees + fare difference)

When you buy a Jetstar flight ticket with the Starter Plus package, you can also choose a standard seat on the plane. Especially for passengers who are members of the loyalty program, you will accumulate reward points for each flight, with the chance to win valuable prizes.

Baggage allowance: When purchasing this fare class, you can bring 20kg of checked baggage. Additionally, you can also purchase other services such as entertainment services, choose extra legroom seats/seats in the front rows for a more enjoyable and comfortable flight experience.

Starter Max: Also known as the optimal package. With this fare class, in addition to the usual services of the flexible package, you will also be provided with attractive amenities such as: increased checked baggage allowance, extra legroom/choice of front row seats, accumulation of reward points for loyal customers, easy booking changes (may incur fare difference fees).

Baggage allowance: Passengers are allowed to check 20 – 30kg of baggage. This fare class is also attractive because if you are traveling on a flight longer than 45 minutes, you will be served complimentary food and drinks, and have access to lounges (if available).

Business Class Seat

This type of seat is common on international flights. Currently, Jetstar has not implemented it on domestic flights in Vietnam. With Jetstar’s business class seats, you will be seated in a luxurious, spacious, and very convenient area. Especially, you will be completely exempt from carry-on baggage fees as well as enjoy a more comfortable baggage allowance.

Jetstar’s business class tickets include services such as:

• Priority boarding: Passengers are provided with priority boarding when checking in for the flight as well as when boarding the plane.
• In-flight dining service: Nutritious menu meals will be prepared in an appealing manner, especially serving premium snacks and beverages upon request.
• Enjoying convenient amenities around the seat: In addition to being seated in comfortable leather seats, there are power outlets around, making it convenient for using laptops and phones.
• Baggage allowance: With a Business class ticket, passengers are allowed to carry 30kg of checked baggage.
• In addition to the above benefits, you will also be provided with in-flight entertainment services, free ticket changes (may incurr fare difference fees), allowed to purchase additional Jetstar’s Business Max service package, etc.

Changing and refunding tickets for each type of Jetstar Pacific airline ticket

Business Class

• Changing flight date and time: Allowed but must pay fare difference fee (if any) within the allowed time.
• Changing departure/destination: Allowed but must pay fare difference fee (if any) within the allowed time.
• Changing passenger name: Free within the allowed time for changes.
• Change fee and fare difference: Applies to each passenger and each different flight, new fare must be at least equal to or higher than the original ticket price (if the new fare is lower, no refund will be given).

Starter Max

• Changing flight date and time: Allowed but must pay fare difference fee (if any) within the allowed time.
• Changing departure/destination: Allowed but must pay fare difference fee (if any) within the allowed time.
• Changing passenger name: Free within the allowed time.
• Change fee and fare difference: Not applicable for permitted changes on Starter Max tickets, difference must be equal to or higher than the original value, if lower, no refund will be given.

Starter Plus

• Changing flight date and time: Allowed but must pay fare difference fee (if any) within the allowed time.
• Changing departure/destination: Not allowed.
• Changing passenger name: Allowed but must pay fare difference fee (if any) within the allowed time.
• Change fee and fare difference: No fee for permitted changes on Starter Plus tickets. Fare difference fee is charged for each passenger, each flight, equal to or higher than the original value.

Read more: Latest Guide on Jetstar Airline Procedures 2019

4. Bamboo Airways Ticket Classes

Bamboo Airways tickets are currently one of the most sought-after airline tickets, not only because of the stable ticket prices but also because the flight times are just as reliable as Vietnam Airlines. In the beginning, there were some inconsistencies, with the airline canceling and replacing some flights, but the airline has made every effort to support and provide appropriate compensation. Just over 3 months of operation, the airline has strengthened its position in the market, increased revenue, and offered many discounted ticket prices to customers.

Currently, Bamboo Airways offers 4 different ticket classes including:

• Bamboo Eco
• Bamboo Plus
• Bamboo Business
• Bamboo First

Each ticket class comes with different benefits and privileges such as complimentary meals, baggage allowance for carry-on and checked luggage, name changes, VIP lounge access… Cuồng will describe the details below.

1. Bamboo Eco Class 

This is the economy class ticket of Bamboo Airways and is the lowest fare class similar to the Eco class tickets of Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines. As it is an economy class ticket, you are only entitled to the following benefits:

• Carry-on baggage:              7Kg
• Complimentary meal:              Yes
• Checked baggage :                       Fee applies
• Seat selection:      Fee applies
• VIP lounge access, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling:    Not applicable
• Name change: Not applicable
• Refund: Not applicable
• Change flight date/itinerary:  Not applicable
• Payment: Immediate payment

Minimum time for changes 3 hours before the departure time of the first flight segment. Please note that the complimentary meal for Bamboo Airways Eco class tickets is still available and currently all 4 fare classes are eligible for this meal, but you should consider the time frames below to book your ticket accordingly.

Bamboo Eco Ticket Conditions

• Name change: Not allowed
• Change itinerary: Not allowed
• Change date, time of flight: Not allowed
• Refund/cancellation: Not allowed
• Upgrade: Not allowed
• Pay later (hold booking): Immediate payment upon booking
• Child fare (2-12 years old): 75% of adult fare
• Infant fare (under 2 years old): Fixed fee applies

The economy class seat is the lowest fare class operated by Bamboo Airways. The aircraft serving this class is the A321NEO with a total length of 44.51m and a total of 220 seats. The cabin of the aircraft is modernly designed, equipped with air and catalytic converter filters to eliminate any unpleasant odors in the cabin. Additionally, the cabin is spacious, providing the highest level of comfort for passengers. The seats are improved in terms of size and material, offering the most comfortable seating. Moreover, the emergency exits are enlarged, and the aisle is quite wide, allowing all passengers to move easily within the cabin or to board/disembark the aircraft.

2. Bamboo Plus Class

The next seat class is Bamboo Plus (Flexible Economy Class) similar to economy class but with more diverse entertainment options along with ticket conditions that will be changed and up to 7kg of carry-on baggage will be free, complimentary meals, and an additional 20kg of checked baggage.

Bamboo Plus Flight Ticket Conditions

• Name change: Allowed + Name change fee
• Change of itinerary: Allowed + Change fee and fare difference
• Change of date, flight time: Allowed + Change fee and fare difference
• Refund/cancellation: Not allowed
• Upgrade: Allowed + Change fee and fare difference
• Pay later (hold booking): 24/24
• Child fare (2-12 years old): 75% of adult fare
• Infant fare (under 2 years old): Fixed fee applies
• All changes must be made at least 3 hours before the scheduled flight time
• Upgrades are subject to the conditions of the first purchased ticket

Although it is affordable, the quality of service provided in this seat class can satisfy all passengers, even the most demanding ones. In particular, the meals in the economy class seats are prepared and provided by the most professional chefs, offering passengers delicious and nutritious meals.

3. Bamboo Business Class Ticket

With Bamboo Airways’ business class seats, you will be equipped on the Boeing Dreamliner B787 – 9 aircraft, which can recline to a flat 180-degree bed and offer a relaxing massage mode, specially designed for long flights with many convenient functions for each passenger. The seats in this class are designed according to Bamboo Airways’ own standards, ensuring a comfortable and cozy seating area for all travelers. In addition, services related to luggage, ticket booking, dining, entertainment… are carefully calculated to best meet the needs of all passengers using Bamboo Airways’ business class.

When you purchase a Bamboo Airways business class ticket, you will enjoy entertainment services and convenient amenities as follows: 

Free 2 pieces of carry-on luggage (7kg x 2), checked baggage up to 30kg, complimentary meal service. Passengers can also wait in a VIP lounge at the airport, have airport transfers, and board the plane with priority boarding. Additionally, customers also get free check-in and seat selection.

Bamboo Business Class Ticket Conditions

• Name change: Allowed – No name change fee
• Change of itinerary: Allowed + Fare difference applies
• Change of date, time of flight: Allowed + Fare difference applies
• Refund/cancellation: Refund allowed – Refund fee applies
• Payment after (hold booking): 24/24
• Child fare (2-12 years old): 75% of adult fare
• Infant fare (under 2 years old): Fixed fee applies
• All changes must be made at least 3 hours before the scheduled flight time

4. Bamboo First Class Ticket 

This is the highest class ticket, when you own a first-class airplane ticket, you will experience extremely attractive and convenient services, ensuring you will be completely satisfied when flying with this airline. You are entitled to 10kg of carry-on baggage for free, checked baggage of up to 40kg, and complimentary meals and drinks on the flight. Additionally, if you have a first-class ticket, the airline will also provide you with a private cabin, access to the VIP lounge at the airport, priority check-in and boarding, as well as airport transfers and home pick-up services.

First Class ticket conditions:

• Name change: Allowed – Name change fee applies
• Change of itinerary: Allowed + Fare difference applies
• Change of date, time of flight: Allowed + Fare difference applies
• Refund/cancellation:                 Refund fee, refund ticket into the system
• Payment after (hold booking): 24/24
• Child fare (2-12 years old): 75% of adult fare
• Infant fare (under 2 years old): Fixed fee applies
• All changes must be made at least 3 hours before the scheduled flight

Child fare

Furthermore, when you travel with children or infants, the fare will be calculated based on their age and your specific ticket class:

• For children: Children from 2 to under 12 years old as of the departure date of the first flight in the itinerary are charged at 75% of the adult fare.
• For infants: Infants under two years old (not yet reached their 2nd birthday as of the flight date) only need to pay the in-flight service fee of 100,000VND per infant (excluding VAT). Infants must sit on the lap of the accompanying adult and we do not provide seats for newborns on the aircraft.

These are the information and conditions regarding the seat classes of 4 airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific, Bamboo Airways that Cuong wants to share with you. Hopefully, with the information provided by Cuong, you will be able to choose a suitable flight. Cuong wishes you a pleasant flight.