SGN - Immigration, Customs and Security Pathetic
Mar 13, 2014, 9:24 pm
#1
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SGN - Immigration, Customs and Security Pathetic
Is it just me or does anyone else think SGN is an incredibly traveler unfriendly and poorly run airport.
- They never open up extra security, custom, or immigration lines until there is a huge queue.
- They could easily add extra security lines, but don't do so.
- The immigration computers are exceptionally slow.
- The VOA system is imbecilic and could be replaced with a system that saves everyone time and money.
- There are very limited (and totally arbitrary) priority lines at security.
- The attitude of the staff is usually very unprofessional.
Mar 14, 2014, 1:25 pm
#2
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Believe me there's much worse than SGN…
But, I was there 3 weeks ago and indeed, I found the ops pretty inefficient. Inbound was OK for immigration (in the afternoon), but outbound was another story. Despite a relatively early time on a sunday morning (7 am), the terminal was very busy and lines at immigration and security were very long and extremely slow. And no SkyPriority for immigration and security; which is a shame for a Skyteam hub (VN). And, yes, the staff is pretty rude.
But, I was there 3 weeks ago and indeed, I found the ops pretty inefficient. Inbound was OK for immigration (in the afternoon), but outbound was another story. Despite a relatively early time on a sunday morning (7 am), the terminal was very busy and lines at immigration and security were very long and extremely slow. And no SkyPriority for immigration and security; which is a shame for a Skyteam hub (VN). And, yes, the staff is pretty rude.
Mar 14, 2014, 1:27 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,674
I love the location. I've never had a problem with SGN, but I've also never flown long-haul into SGN.
You will probably be happier when they build the new airport though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Th...tional_Airport
You will probably be happier when they build the new airport though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Th...tional_Airport
Mar 14, 2014, 6:24 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 1999
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Is it just me or does anyone else think SGN is an incredibly traveler unfriendly and poorly run airport.
- They never open up extra security, custom, or immigration lines until there is a huge queue.
- They could easily add extra security lines, but don't do so.
- The immigration computers are exceptionally slow.
- The VOA system is imbecilic and could be replaced with a system that saves everyone time and money.
- There are very limited (and totally arbitrary) priority lines at security.
- The attitude of the staff is usually very unprofessional.
Mar 14, 2014, 7:40 pm
#5
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I love the location. I've never had a problem with SGN, but I've also never flown long-haul into SGN.
You will probably be happier when they build the new airport though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Th...tional_Airport
You will probably be happier when they build the new airport though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Th...tional_Airport
The current problems at SGN have nothing to do with facilities. It is entirely a people (bureaucracy) problem.
Although SGN is far from the best, I have seen many that are much worse than SGN.
Mar 15, 2014, 4:18 am
#6
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I'm not sure at all. The current international terminal is quite recent (I think it opened in 2007 or 2008) and it's very acceptable in term of design. The problems we are mentioning here have nothing to do with a terminal design problem.
Mar 15, 2014, 7:48 am
#7
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Mar 15, 2014, 7:25 pm
#8
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Mar 16, 2014, 3:53 am
#9
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Mar 18, 2014, 9:05 pm
#10
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although the lines took forever, didnt realize till it was too late that a non-Asean person could use any lane and not only the ones marked for Foreigners.
But Ive waited alot longer at LHR when I didnt have Fast Track or it was closed already. And Ive waited way longer at many US Gateways
Departure took < 5 mins
I guess its best to arrive very late at night and leave very early in the morn, the place was empty during those times
But Ive waited alot longer at LHR when I didnt have Fast Track or it was closed already. And Ive waited way longer at many US Gateways
Departure took < 5 mins
I guess its best to arrive very late at night and leave very early in the morn, the place was empty during those times
Mar 18, 2014, 11:49 pm
#11
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Mar 23, 2014, 4:43 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 120
FWIW, the new airport will most likely be voted down at the next People's Committee meeting in June.
And like others have chimed in, while SGN has its fault, it is hardly the worst in Asia. Recent inefficiency and slow pace may be due to raised alert after MH370's disappearance and stolen passport debacle.
And like others have chimed in, while SGN has its fault, it is hardly the worst in Asia. Recent inefficiency and slow pace may be due to raised alert after MH370's disappearance and stolen passport debacle.
Mar 29, 2014, 8:48 am
#14
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Mar 30, 2014, 11:09 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Programs: Mekong Club
Posts: 27
Believe me, SGN is still better than HAN. The main problem is people. Vietnamese officers and state-owned company's staff nearly couldn't be fired even when they don't do their jobs well. They have no motivation to make everything more effective. They need to be pushed by something like pressure from public or patriosm or both. Some critical article/story on international media such as WSJ BBC CNN... can force them do everything thoughtfully in a few months. Afterward, they need another wave of articles/stories.