Vietnamese carrier, VietJet is entering the Australian market in a very dramatic fashion. To celebrate their upcoming inaugural flights between the country’s southern hub, Ho Chi Minh City, and Sydney and Melbourne, they’re giving away thousands of flights for free (excluding the unavoidable taxes and charges, of course). Log on to their website any time from February 14th – 20th to take advantage of the offer, valid for travel between April 8th and October 29th. 

“Our direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne and Sydney make it easier and more convenient for business, education, and tourism between Vietnam and Australia,” VietJet Vice President, Nguyen Thanh Son, said. “In the coming year, we plan to expand to cities including Brisbane, Darwin, and Adelaide.” 

April 8th marks the airline’s first entry into Australian airspace, with a direct flight ex-Ho Chi Minh City arriving into Melbourne Tullamarine at 10:35 pm. The same flight is scheduled to run every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. If you’re flying the other way, you’ll have to wait until Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday, leaving Melbourne at 12:30 am and landing at 6:30 am local time. 

Sydney-siders have just a fraction longer to wait for their holiday to Ho Chi Minh City, with the route starting up on April 12th. Again, flights will run three times weekly — Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday ex-Sydney and Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, ex-Vietnam. 

What is it like to fly with VietJet?

Technically classed as a low-cost carrier, the airline doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of a full-cost carrier. But, certain planes in the fleet have Skyboss and Skyboss Business, VietJet’s version of first and business class. It’s not business class as you may know it, but plenty of value can be found in the additional space, checked baggage, free travel insurance, reclining seats, and inflight meals.

Want to know when your favourite flights go on sale? So Where Next has you covered.

Lead image: VietJet Facebook