Vietnam forum

Air tickets - buy now or in Vietnam?

albatros11

longtail driver
Posts: 6

Hi everybody!

I am plannig my trip to Vietnam and I have small issue. Someone told me that it is better and far cheaper to buy airline tickets (for Vietnam airlines) already in Vietnam, than months before. I am a quite suspicious if it is true. My initerary is fixed and I don't wat to change it in last time, because tickets will be too expensive.

Thanks for any answers.

#1 Posted: 25/1/2012 - 13:59
daawgon

som tam seller
Posts: 552

It's always cheaper to buy online direct from the airline's website as far in advance as possible. I insist on Vietnam Air for domestic flights after my terrible experience with Jetstar Pacific. The new airline on the block is Vietjet with limited service between SGN and HAN and to DAD. Fares are up this year! I also forgot to mention Air Mekong - getting pretty good reviews, but I've only been on the first 2 that I mentioned. If you use a travel agent you will end up paying more!

#2 Posted: 27/1/2012 - 13:51
juliert87

motodop
Posts: 24
Located in:
Private message

Posted from within Vietnam.

i agree with daawgon, it's better for you to buy ticket through official website of Vietnam airlines, Do not use Jetstar pacific even it is quite cheaper than Vietnam airlines, but it always cancels or delays. It will affect your itinerary.

#3 Posted: 27/1/2012 - 22:30

------------------------------
Life is so short
essentialtr-
avel

longtail driver
Posts: 5

You should book as soon as possible so that you have the cheapest cost. The best airline in Vietnam is Vietnamairlines. If you arrive in Vietnam you book ticket I am sure that the cost is higher than

#4 Posted: 28/1/2012 - 04:01
albatros11

longtail driver
Posts: 6

Thanks for all your replies. I've checked Vietjet web page, but this airline doesn't looks reliable to me. I will buy those tickets from VN tommorow - I am going to Vietnam by the end of March.

thanks again.

#5 Posted: 28/1/2012 - 04:25
daawgon

som tam seller
Posts: 552

Vietjet is backed by Air Asia, but I have yet to hear anyone speak of the service or reliability of this carrier. Any competition is good for the traveler, since ticket prices are going up in Vietnam. I believe Air Asia would have liked to start their own domestic service in this market, but I'm sure that the state owned Vietnam Airlines did their best to block that idea. The latest news is that Vietnam Airlines will invest heavily in Jetstar Pacific - currently owned partially by Qantas.

#6 Posted: 30/1/2012 - 13:34
Hamilmk

newbie
Posts: 1

Hi Albatross,

How did you go with booking in advance as opposed to on the ground?
My wife and I are off in July and I was wondering exactly the same question.
Your advice appreciated.

Cheers

#7 Posted: 21/5/2012 - 02:03
juliert87

motodop
Posts: 24
Located in:
Private message

Posted from within Vietnam.

you can go online to official website then book it. You also even can arrange seat by yourself.
As far as I know in Sep, Vietjet air has big promotion. From Hanoi to Danang: you pay only 299.000 VND, it is too cheap. I wonder whether service we get will be ok. But to be honest, price is too cheap, a lot of people still want to buy tickets from now.

#8 Posted: 21/5/2012 - 03:22

------------------------------
Life is so short
albatros11

longtail driver
Posts: 6

@Hamilmk

We booked tickets in advance. If You have fixed dates of Your trip, I strongly advise You to do that. They won't be cheaper than price on web site, and purchasing it in tourist cafe means that You have to pay a commission fee as well, which can vary form 10 up to 50 USD - I've checked it personally

We chose Vietnam Airlines - reliable, clean and on time.

If You have any other question - do not hesitate

#9 Posted: 21/5/2012 - 03:58
antoniamitc-
hell

longtail driver
Posts: 7

Hi Hamilmk,

If you're not certain of your dates, booking last minute isn't hugely expensive in Vietnam in my experience, even though it undoubtedly would be more expensive than booking in advance.

When I was out there last year, I ended up booking 2 internal flights (each booked only 1-2 days in advance, because I didn't have a set itinerary or dates, and because I was originally thinking of travelling around more by bus - until I experienced the buses and realised I was terrified of the traffic). Each cost me about £25-30 ($38-45) so it's not prohibitively expensive if you end up having to book last minute.

So I guess my point is: book in advance for the best deals, but if you can't book far in advance, it's not necessary a big problem.

FYI, one I booked on the Vietnam Airlines website, and one I booked at a Vietnam Airline's ticket office (because I didn't have wifi in that town).

#10 Posted: 21/5/2012 - 14:57