Vetjet Air is a new low priced air carrier and the first privately owned airline in Communist Vietnam, based in Ha Noi.  The airline spread it wings and took flight December 25, 2011.  Now with six A 320 narrow body aircraft and staffed with all foreign flight crews, it's flying seven domestic routes - Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi,  Hi Phong, Nha Trang, Hue, Danang, and Phu Quoc. 

The auspicious date of 10 February, Tet is also when Viet jet’s makes its first move into the international market, flying once daily to Bangkok, leaving HCM at 1120 and returning from Suvarnabhumi at 1355.  Projected regular fares to be in the $129.00 range compared to Air Asia, around $159.00.  However, Air Asia discounts all of its flights regularly and Vetjet according to the pricing on its web site will follow the same business strategy as discounts are available on its upcoming flights.

Just for reference here are some of the major carriers who also offer flights in the HCM City – Bangkok corridor:

·        Vietnam Airlines - 3 flights daily

·        Thai Airways – 2 flights daily

·        Qatar Airlines – 1 daily

·        Turkish Air – 1 daily

·        Lufthansa – 3 times weekly

·        Thai Air Asia – 3 times weekly

While these airlines are a bit pricey but all offer special pricing from time to time and their baggage policies are normally more flexible than the discounters.  I'm away for a long time when I'm in Asia so I'm packing lots and I've had the cost of my ticket surpassed by luggage fees on Air Asia. Also, if you want a pillow or a blanket it's an extra charge on the discounters and its all part of your ticket price on the majors.