Maximizing SkyTeam Award Bookings with Vietnam Airlines

For us frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts, making the most of our points is key to unlocking incredible value from travel experiences. When it comes to the SkyTeam partners, Southeast Asia—particularly Vietnam— offers some of the best value for redeeming your points.

This article explores why Vietnam should be on your radar for SkyTeam points redemptions, with a focus on using Delta Skymiles and Air France KLM Flying Blue miles

Why Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia has long been a favorite destination for travelers, offering a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities – all for generally low prices.

The region’s affordability on the ground makes it an ideal place to splurge on some premium cabin redemptions, maximizing the value of your SkyTeam points.

Vietnam: The SkyTeam Sweet Spot for Points and Miles Awards

Vietnam stands out as a particularly attractive destination for several reasons:

1. Extensive SkyTeam Network: Vietnam Airlines, which is a SkyTeam member with both, offers extensive coverage throughout the country of Vietnam and SEA region.
2. Competitive Redemption Rates: Point requirements for flights to and within Vietnam are often lower compared to other long-haul destinations.
3. High-Value Experiences: The relatively low cost of accommodations and activities in Vietnam means you can allocate more points to flying in comfort.

Using Delta SkyMiles with Vietnam Airlines

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles offers several advantages for travelers eyeing to fly to and from Vietnam:

• Partner Flights: While Delta doesn’t fly directly to Vietnam, you can use SkyMiles on partners like Korean Air or Vietnam Airlines.
• Flexible Routing: Delta allows stopovers on award tickets, enabling you to explore other Asian cities en route to Vietnam.
• No Fuel Surcharges: Delta doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges on award tickets, keeping your out-of-pocket costs low.

I’ve typically booked for 40,000 SkyMiles in Business on flights between Vietnam and Japan; and 80,000 SkyMiles in Business for flights between Japan and Europe via Vietnam. You can also find Vietnam Airlines domestic bookings for 15,000 SkyMiles in Business Class, or 10,000 SkyMiles in Economy.

With Delta SkyMiles, it seems tickets must be booked at least 8 days before day of departure.

Example Redemptions

A one-way domestic flight from Da Nang Vietnam to Hanoi Vietnam on Vietnam Airlines can be booked for 12,500 SkyMiles in Economy, or 30,000 to 40,000 SkyMiles in Business Class. The Business Class fares are not priced competitively, and thus I think it is better to use Air France Flying Blue Miles for domestic flights.

A one-way international flight from Tokyo Japan to Ho Chi Minh City on Vietnam Airlines can be booked for 22,500 SkyMiles in Economy, or 40,000 SkyMiles in Business. SkyMiles offers excellent value for a long-haul premium cabin experience.

I’ve reviewed this flight in a Vietnam Airlines B789 from Tokyo to Hanoi and then onwards to Frankfurt.

Using Air France Flying Blue Points with Vietnam Airlines

Air France’s Flying Blue program provides another excellent option for reaching Vietnam, and the redemption rates look even better than with Delta:

• Promo Rewards: Air France regularly offers discounted award tickets to select destinations, sometimes including Vietnam.
• Mixed Cabin Bookings: Flying Blue allows you to book different classes on connecting flights, optimizing your point usage.
• Extensive Partner Network: Utilize Vietnam Airlines for internal flights or explore other SkyTeam partners in the region.

Example Redemptions

A one-way domestic flight from Hanoi Vietnam to Da Nang Vietnam on Vietnam Airlines can be booked for 5,000 Flying Blue Points in Economy, or as low as 15,000 Flying Blue Points in Business Class. I think it is better to use Air France Flying Blue Miles for domestic flights.

A one-way international business class ticket from Hanoi to Munich can be found for as low as 67,500 Flying Blue miles during Promo Rewards periods, representing significant savings over standard rates.

A one-way international ticket from Hanoi or Da Nang to Tokyo Japan can be found for as low as 14,500 Flying Blue miles in Economy during Promo Rewards periods, or 29,500 Flying Blue miles in Business.

Generally, Flying Blue can offer even lower redemption rates than using Delta SkyMiles.

Maximizing Your Points Within Vietnam

Once in Vietnam, your SkyTeam points continue to offer great value:

1. Domestic Flights: Use Flying Blue or SkyMiles for flights bookings between major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
2. Regional Exploration: Hop to nearby countries like Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand using Vietnam Airlines or other SkyTeam partners.
3. Cash Fares: If cash fares are low, consider just booking in cash instead. Honestly, I find it more useful to book domestic Vietnam Airlines flights with cash, and international Vietnam Airlines flights with points.

Final Thoughts

Southeast Asia, with Vietnam at its heart, represents one of the best regions to maximize your use of SkyTeam points. The combination of extensive network coverage, competitive redemption rates, and high-value experiences on the ground makes it an unbeatable destination for point enthusiasts.

Whether you’re using Delta SkyMiles or Air France KLM Flying Blue miles, Vietnam promises an unforgettable travel experience that stretches the value of your SkyTeam points to the fullest.