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Tan Son Nhat Airport is one of the busiest airports in Vietnam. Understanding the procedures thoroughly will help ensure a smooth and time-saving journey. Let's explore the detailed steps for domestic flight check-in at this airport!

Step 1: Pre-Flight Preparation

To avoid rushing, you should arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

However, during peak seasons such as holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), or weekends, arriving even earlier (around 120 minutes) will give you complete peace of mind and help avoid potential issues due to overcrowding. Alternatively, you might consider using a Fast Track service to save time, avoid long queues, and prevent missing your flight due to congestion.

Additionally, please ensure you have all necessary personal identification documents (Citizen ID Card, Passport, Driver's License, etc.) and your flight ticket (e-ticket or printed copy) ready before proceeding with subsequent procedures.

Step 2: Check-in & Baggage Drop-off

The domestic departure terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport has multiple entrances, and each check-in counter area (referred to as "islands") is allocated to different airlines.

Passengers can refer to the map below or ask airport staff to find the correct entrance and check-in island for their airline to save time:

You might also want to refer to the Domestic Flight Arrival Procedures at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

• Vietnam Airlines: Proceed to Entrance D2, check-in at islands A, B, C, D.

• Pacific Airlines & Vasco: Proceed to Entrance D3, check-in at islands E, F.

• Bamboo Airways & Vietravel Airlines: Proceed to Entrance D3, check-in at islands G, H.

• Vietjet Air: Proceed to Entrance D6, check-in at islands I, J, K.

At the counter, you will present your identification documents, flight ticket, and weigh any checked baggage (if applicable). Upon completion, you will receive your boarding pass.

Other Check-in Options:

a) Online Check-in

Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Vasco all support online check-in via their websites or mobile applications.

You can check in from 24 hours up to 1 hour before your flight.

Important: If you do not have checked baggage, after checking in online, you can proceed directly to the security screening area without needing to visit a check-in counter.

b) New Update: Using Auto-gate (Automated Security Gate)

To reduce queuing time, Tan Son Nhat Airport has implemented an Auto-gate system for domestic passengers.

Conditions for use: Passengers must be Vietnamese citizens, possess a chip-embedded Citizen ID Card (CCCD), and not be traveling with children under 14 years old.

How it works:

• Lane 1: Scan your boarding pass.

• Lane 2: Step into position, where a camera will scan your face and cross-reference biometric data with your chip-embedded CCCD.

If the information is valid, the gate will automatically open, allowing you to proceed to the baggage screening area. This process takes only about 20 seconds, significantly faster than manual checks.

c) Priority Lane - Fast Track

Beyond traditional and automated check-in methods, passengers can consider utilizing the Fast Track service – an ideal choice for those with busy schedules and a need for swift transit.

Upon arrival at the airport, staff will meet you at a predetermined meeting point. You will be guided through a private lane, receiving priority for check-in and security screening in a dedicated line. If requested, you can even be escorted directly to the boarding gate.

This service is particularly suitable for busy individuals, families with young children, the elderly, or anyone wishing to avoid long queues and save valuable time before their flight.

Find out more details about Fast Track service at Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Step 3: Security Screening

This is a crucial and mandatory step. The path to the security area will vary depending on your airline:

Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Vasco: After check-in, proceed to the 1st floor for the security screening area.

Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines: The screening area is located at the end of Island H.

Vietjet Air: The screening area is located on the right side, opposite the I/J/K check-in area.

Notes for passing through security:

• Remove all metal items such as watches, belts, phones, keys, etc.

• Take off jackets and hats.

• Place laptops and tablets in a separate tray.

For a visual guide, you can refer to the airport's video here: Passenger Guide to Security Screening Procedures.

You can also refer to the List of Permitted/Restricted/Prohibited Items on Board.

Step 4: Proceed to Waiting Area and Boarding

After completing security checks, you will enter the waiting area. Carefully check the information on your boarding pass for your Gate number.

You should also regularly monitor the electronic display boards in the waiting area for flight updates, as gate numbers may change. When it's time, proceed to the correct gate and line up for boarding as instructed by staff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What documents are needed for domestic flights? What if I forget my Citizen ID Card?

Required documents: You need to bring one of the following original, valid documents: Citizen ID Card (CCCD), Identity Card (CMND), Passport, Driver's License, Journalist Card, Party Membership Card, etc.

If you forget your documents: In case you forget your documents, you can use a "Personal Identification Confirmation Letter." This letter must be issued by the local police (ward/commune), include your photo, sealed with a border stamp, and is valid for only 30 days. You must complete this procedure before going to the airport.

2. I've checked in online but have checked baggage. What should I do?

If you have checked in online but still need to check baggage, head to your airline's check-in area. Instead of queuing at the regular check-in counter, look for priority counters labeled "Baggage Drop." Procedures here are usually much faster.

3. Who can use the Auto-gate? Can a non-chip CCCD be used?

Currently, the Auto-gate at Tan Son Nhat domestic terminal is applicable for Vietnamese citizens with chip-embedded Citizen ID Cards (CCCD). Other types of identification, such as non-chip CCCD, old CMNDs, Passports, or Driver's Licenses, cannot be used with this system.

4. How long before departure do check-in counters close?

According to the general regulations of airlines in Vietnam, check-in counters close 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you arrive after this time, you may not be accepted for check-in and could lose your right to travel on the flight.

5. Am I allowed to carry water or liquids in my hand luggage on domestic flights?

Yes. For domestic flights within Vietnam, regulations regarding liquids in hand luggage are quite flexible. You are permitted to carry water, milk, and other common liquids without the 100ml volume limit imposed on international flights. However, they must still pass through the security scanner.

6. How do I know my exact boarding gate?

Your gate number is printed on your Boarding Pass after check-in. However, this information can change at the last minute. Therefore, after passing security, you must always re-check the information on the electronic display boards in the waiting area to ensure you proceed to the correct boarding gate.