Flying from Japan back to Vietnam with Xiamen Air is a smart move if you're looking to save 30-40% on airfare compared to traditional carriers. My experience was generally smooth, especially on the first leg where the B787-9 wide-body aircraft offered great comfort and decent meals. However, transiting at Xiamen Airport can be a bit of a hassle due to last-minute gate changes and announcements mostly in Mandarin.
I’m a big fan of transit flights because it’s a perfect excuse to squeeze in a little exploration in a new city. Having transited through Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and most recently Xiamen, I've gathered quite a few interesting perspectives. Just like when I hunt for budget deals, once I saw Xiamen Air was 30–40% cheaper than ANA, JAL, or Vietnam Airlines, I decided to give it a go to see if it was worth the hype.
1. The Japan-to-China Leg: Exceeded Expectations
My first impression of the airline was better than I’d expected. The flight from Japan to China used a modern B787-9 wide-body aircraft. I always prefer larger planes for their stability, smoother ride, and the extra legroom. Everything felt so much more comfortable.
The flight departed right on time and the journey was incredibly smooth. By the time we were preparing to land, my kid and I didn't even notice the touchdown—it was that gentle. For those travelling with little ones, having such a stable and peaceful flight is a massive plus.
In-flight Dining and Entertainment
I was pleasantly surprised by the food. We got a hearty main meal accompanied by a snack box containing cakes and a delicious strawberry-flavoured soy milk. I usually don’t expect much from economy-class airline food, but we ended up polishing off everything. They kept the drinks flowing throughout the flight—teas, coffees, juices, and soft drinks were always available. Plus, the entertainment system kept my child occupied with cartoons, and they even gifted us a cute little puzzle set. The Tokyo–Xiamen leg just flew by.
2. The Hiccup at Xiamen Airport on the Return Leg
Reality didn't stay "perfect" for long. On the connecting flight from China to Vietnam, things got a bit testing for my patience. Our flight was delayed for a total of 5 hours. While delays are common, the real headache was the confusing, repeated changes to the boarding gate.
The ticket initially stated Gate 13, then after a 1-hour delay, it switched to Gate 32. While waiting at Gate 32, I saw a long queue for a flight to Singapore, which got me worried—I needed to get back to Vietnam! In total, I had to move and chase after gate updates three times.
A major downside is that the ground staff didn't make clear announcements in English. They often read out Vietnamese destination names using Mandarin phonetics, which is super confusing for passengers. My advice? Try to learn the Mandarin pronunciation of your destination or keep a close eye on the screens rather than relying solely on the PA system.
3. 16-Hour Transit and Tips for Xiamen Airport
Xiamen Air doesn't provide a complimentary hotel for a 16-hour transit. I was a bit bummed at first, but thankfully, there are plenty of reasonably priced hotels within a 2km radius of the airport.
If you have to book your own accommodation for a long layover, definitely check if the hotel offers a free shuttle bus. It saves you a decent amount on taxi fares and spares you the hassle of dragging heavy luggage around.
Overall, Xiamen Airport is quite modest—it's not exactly fancy, and administrative procedures are pretty standard. That said, the service and food quality on the daytime flights remained consistently good.
4. Is Xiamen Air Worth Choosing for Your Next Trip?
All in all, despite the chaotic and slightly noisy transit experience at Xiamen Airport on the return journey, the entire trip was acceptable. The cabin temperature was comfortable, and the flight attendants were happy to provide blankets when asked. The fellow passengers were polite and kept things quiet, which was helpful since I was travelling with a child.
If the chance arises, I would definitely consider this transit option again for the sake of savings and the chance to experience China. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice if you want to keep your travel costs low.
Reference: https://blog.dulichdau.com/review-bay-tu-nhat-ve-viet-nam-bang-xiamen-air/
