Checking bags to SGN. Is it advisable?
 

I have been reading that Vietnam is largely a very safe place, aside from some petty theft and purse snatching. I wanted to hear from those who have checked a bag from SFO-HKG-SGN on UA. Was the experience a relatively positive one? My girlfriend is moving there with a very small amount of things but will still need to check one bag. Should I discourage this?

Thanks,
JohnPaul

Why? Are you afraid her bag will be stolen out of baggage claim? Items inside pilfered? Mugged for the bag once she gets out of the airport terminal? SGN terminal baggage claim is quite OK, in my experience (I've never had problems going in or out of any VN airport)--it's not that big of an airport and in most of Asia, usually there are less theft problems of entire suitcases off the belt than in major US airports. And Vietnam itself is pretty safe place for foreigners except for, as you noted, petty crimes. I would guess the biggest threat to the bag and contents is by the SFO handlers--not in HKG and not in SGN. As always, no electronics or valuables or important medicines should be in checked luggage--she should keep those with her in the cabin. And despite what TSA tells you, I ALWAYS put locks on luggage and especially when flying international.

FWIW, I've checked bags to HAN with no hesitation or issues and would gladly do it again.

I was mostly concerned about the bag not showing or things missing. Nothing in the bag is of great value, though, sometimes things disappear anyways. I was not concerned about mugging. I just simply do not know what things are like in SGN.

Because both of us are or were UA employees we seldom check bags. Not out of fear, simply because non-reving is a bit different than what most FTers do.

For the record, I feel that SFO's baggage handling is as reliable and secure as any first world hub.

kevincrumbs and jiejie thank you.

JohnPaul

Been in and out of SGN many times. Never an issue. Of course my stuff is locked, I'm guessing your stuff if starting from the US might be unlocked.

Having said that, I fly with EVA and many of those arriving in SGN have come from the US and I don't recall seeing any panicked looks around the carousel.

We just recently flew LAX-ICN-SGN and checked our bags with no problems at all. If you're worried then just don't put anything valuable in the bags except clothing.

I'd be more worried that things go missing in SFO .....