Flying from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN): A Full Guide to Departures

This is part of the Been There, Done That series, where our expert globetrotters travel the world to get the insights and information you need for a seamless travel experience.

After spending time in Ho Chi Minh City and experiencing a place I had only known from American textbooks, I was ready to take my newfound experience back with me as I flew via Hanoi back home to the US.

Photo of Tan Son Nhat International Terminal from the tarmac. | Source: iVisa

Flying out of SGN airport can be a time-consuming experience. Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, it's essential to be prepared for the various requirements and potential challenges that may arise.

This guide will walk you through the process, from arriving at the airport and checking your baggage to passing through security and boarding your flight. With some planning and an understanding of the airport's layout and procedures, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free departure from Ho Chi Minh City.

Travelers to Vietnam must have their passport stamped by an immigration officer when entering and leaving the country. | Source: iVisa

Understanding Immigration Requirements

When planning my departure from Ho Chi Minh City, I found it essential to consider the unique requirements and potential challenges I might encounter.

Pro tip: For international flights, you must arrive at the airport several hours before your scheduled departure time, regardless of nationality.

Vietnam requires all citizens, pass holders, and foreign nationals to speak with an immigration officer and visa check upon arrival and departure, which can result in long wait times, especially during peak hours of the early and late afternoon and on weekends.

Thousands of passengers fly from Tan Son Nhat International Airport everyday. | Source: iVisa

Tan Son Nhat International Airport: Arrive early for international flights

For international departures, be prepared for lengthy lines at the exit immigration checkpoint. In my conversations with Vietnamese pass holders while in Ho Chi Minh City, I heard stories of people waiting upwards of five hours.

While that is a bit extreme for most days, they suggested that I budget at least two hours to pass through immigration and security checkpoints, longer if you are checking a bag.

Missing your international flight due to immigration delays could lead to significant complications, especially considering Vietnam's strict visa requirements.

To avoid stress and potential issues, plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of your departure time.

On the other hand, domestic travel within Vietnam is a more streamlined experience. You'll likely encounter shorter lines and a quicker process through security and check-in.

If you're flying domestically, as I did to Hanoi, arriving two hours before your flight was plenty of time for me to check my bag and get through security.

Travelers flying domestically from Tan Son Nhat International Airport can enter through one of two doors, depending on your airline. | Source: iVisa

Inside the airport, you'll find various food, coffee, and seating options before and after passing through security.

There are a handful of restaurants outside of the departures terminal. However, with immigration and security in Vietnam usually constituting a long line, you are better off just grabbing something inside the airport. There are plenty of restaurants in both the domestic and international terminals.

Travelers wait in line to check a bag at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Checking baggage: Arrive early

When flying domestically within Vietnam, it's important to know that the country has several domestic airlines. If you're flying with VietJet Air and have baggage to check, arrive at the airport early.

When I arrived for my flight, the check-in lines for this airline were quite long, so allowing extra time will help ensure a smooth experience.

For other domestic airlines, the check-in counters are generally shorter, and the process is quicker. These airlines are located in a different airport area, on the other side of the domestic drop-off area.

Ensure your driver knows which airline you're flying with to avoid confusion or unnecessary walking. If you're not flying with VietJet Air, ask the driver to stop at the correct check-in area. They may initially drop you off at the first domestic departure gate, which is what happened to me. I had to walk to the other domestic check-in area for my flight.

I was flying Vietnam Airlines, so my check-in process was fast and easy. The lady checked my passport and visa, if you are flying internationally, they may do another visa check here, so it is helpful to have yours printed for Vietnam and your next destination. Before taking my bag, I was asked to head upstairs towards security and my gate.

Security: A two-step process

Once you've checked your baggage, proceed upstairs to the security area. Despite the bustling atmosphere in the domestic departures area, you'll likely find no line at the security checkpoint.

Note that the security process is unique and something I had never seen despite my extensive travels. Instead of placing your belongings directly on the conveyor belt, you'll need to grab a bin from a separate security scanner and take it to the main security line.

Be sure to remove your shoes before going through the scanner. This two-step process may seem unusual, so grab a bin before entering your security line. Despite the short line, it did create a bit of a jam when I went through. I’d expect this process to back things up on busier days.

A traveler puts her bin in a separate area in the two-line security system at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Departures Terminals: A variety of amenities and relaxation options

After passing through security, you'll enter a spacious domestic terminal with many shops and restaurants. High-profile brands like Nike and various dining options, such as Big Bowl, which serves some pretty good Pho, to suit your preferences are available.

If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, head to the back of the departure hallway, where you'll find coffee shops and sit-down restaurants. I sat here before my flight as getting work done in this area was easier.

Tan Son Nhat International airport has many food options in domestic and international terminals. | Source: iVisa

For those seeking additional comfort and convenience, massage chairs are scattered throughout the terminal, providing a perfect way to unwind before your flight.

If you want a more exclusive experience, consider purchasing access to the lounge for 800,000 dong (approximately US$35). This will grant you comfortable seating, charging outlets, a bar, and food options.

Travelers can purchase access to lounges at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Boarding The Plane: Navigating the Departures Hallway

As your flight time approaches, passengers will form a line in the departure hallway. Because the gate area was so narrow, the entire area felt super crowded due to the limited space available for boarding.

I also noticed that people lined up quite early for their flights. The boarding process was quite fast, so I chose to sit until my group was boarding, which was more enjoyable than waiting in the overcrowded hallway.

Once it's your turn, you'll either board a bus or proceed directly onto the jet bridge, leading you to your awaiting aircraft. Watch the boarding announcements and be prepared to move quickly when your flight is called.

Pro tip: Flight gates in the domestic terminal frequently change. Be sure to listen to announcements, as they may move your flight gate.

Travelers wrap around the narrow hallway to board their flight at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Departing from Saigon International Airport can be a seamless experience if you plan ahead and arrive early. Be prepared for potential lines at immigration for international flights and check-in for budget airlines like VietJet Air.

Once you've passed through security, take advantage of the various amenities in the domestic terminal, including shops, restaurants, massage chairs, and a lounge for added comfort. With some preparation and patience, you'll easily be on your way to your next destination.