connecting at SGN - what does this mean??
#17


Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,920
Any thoughts regarding the following:
I have an upcoming flight (one-way) from REP on Angkor Air to SGN arriving at T4; two hour layover then China Airlines flight to TPE, departing from T4 also.
I also have a single-entry visa (on-line electronic version) with a departure date that matches my China Airlines SGN to TPE departure. I presume that if arriving into SGN on a separate ticket with the intention of transiting through SGN (same terminal mind you), and having a departure ticket for China Airlines in-hand demonstrating my intention to transit only is acceptable, any potential problems? When arriving from REP, is there a special transiting/connecting flight pathway that will not require passing through immigration? I will not have any checked luggage, carry-on only.
TIA
I have an upcoming flight (one-way) from REP on Angkor Air to SGN arriving at T4; two hour layover then China Airlines flight to TPE, departing from T4 also.
I also have a single-entry visa (on-line electronic version) with a departure date that matches my China Airlines SGN to TPE departure. I presume that if arriving into SGN on a separate ticket with the intention of transiting through SGN (same terminal mind you), and having a departure ticket for China Airlines in-hand demonstrating my intention to transit only is acceptable, any potential problems? When arriving from REP, is there a special transiting/connecting flight pathway that will not require passing through immigration? I will not have any checked luggage, carry-on only.
TIA
#18
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
Any thoughts regarding the following:
I have an upcoming flight (one-way) from REP on Angkor Air to SGN arriving at T4; two hour layover then China Airlines flight to TPE, departing from T4 also.
I also have a single-entry visa (on-line electronic version) with a departure date that matches my China Airlines SGN to TPE departure. I presume that if arriving into SGN on a separate ticket with the intention of transiting through SGN (same terminal mind you), and having a departure ticket for China Airlines in-hand demonstrating my intention to transit only is acceptable, any potential problems? When arriving from REP, is there a special transiting/connecting flight pathway that will not require passing through immigration? I will not have any checked luggage, carry-on only.
TIA
I have an upcoming flight (one-way) from REP on Angkor Air to SGN arriving at T4; two hour layover then China Airlines flight to TPE, departing from T4 also.
I also have a single-entry visa (on-line electronic version) with a departure date that matches my China Airlines SGN to TPE departure. I presume that if arriving into SGN on a separate ticket with the intention of transiting through SGN (same terminal mind you), and having a departure ticket for China Airlines in-hand demonstrating my intention to transit only is acceptable, any potential problems? When arriving from REP, is there a special transiting/connecting flight pathway that will not require passing through immigration? I will not have any checked luggage, carry-on only.
TIA
As mentioned elsewhere, when dealing with a smaller airline your first task is to get them to understand you are allowed to transit. Since you have a visa already though, you shouldn't need to do this. (Also some Angkor Air flights are operated by VN, and they are more familiar with transits). Your second issue is getting the transfer, but China Airlines should be one familiar with it.
So imo your only issue is time, but 2 hours should be fine unless your arriving flight is very late. Angkor Air does sometimes do remote stand parking I think too, so that could eat into your time a bit.
#20


Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,920
It's only one international terminal, doesn't matter which airline you come in on. Everyone is funneled towards the middle where immigration is and the transit counter is also. You can read the SGN error fare thread for more first-hand experiences - QR has inadvertently given SGN more transfers this fall I think than they've had in the past five years combined.
As mentioned elsewhere, when dealing with a smaller airline your first task is to get them to understand you are allowed to transit. Since you have a visa already though, you shouldn't need to do this. (Also some Angkor Air flights are operated by VN, and they are more familiar with transits). Your second issue is getting the transfer, but China Airlines should be one familiar with it.
So imo your only issue is time, but 2 hours should be fine unless your arriving flight is very late. Angkor Air does sometimes do remote stand parking I think too, so that could eat into your time a bit.
As mentioned elsewhere, when dealing with a smaller airline your first task is to get them to understand you are allowed to transit. Since you have a visa already though, you shouldn't need to do this. (Also some Angkor Air flights are operated by VN, and they are more familiar with transits). Your second issue is getting the transfer, but China Airlines should be one familiar with it.
So imo your only issue is time, but 2 hours should be fine unless your arriving flight is very late. Angkor Air does sometimes do remote stand parking I think too, so that could eat into your time a bit.
#21




Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,417
If your arriving flight is late all bets are off.... but that's true even if you have a 5 hour connection.
That said if you already have a visa or are visa exempt, even in the worst case (economy, back of the plane, checked bags,) I can't imagine any scenario where it takes more than 45 minutes to get from plane to curb. (I've done it 50+ times.)
If you're doing an international to international transfer it's maybe 10 minutes to get from your arriving plane to your departing gate.
That said if you already have a visa or are visa exempt, even in the worst case (economy, back of the plane, checked bags,) I can't imagine any scenario where it takes more than 45 minutes to get from plane to curb. (I've done it 50+ times.)
If you're doing an international to international transfer it's maybe 10 minutes to get from your arriving plane to your departing gate.
#22


Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS 75k, A3 Gold
Posts: 1,100
Hijacking this old thread:
Trying to get back to Europe from SIN on a budget in late May. Found a SGN-MUC biz award on VN (through flying blue). If coming in on a separate ticket from SIN (likely on SQ or VN), carry on luggage only, what would be a safe connection time? Do I have to clear immigration?
Trying to get back to Europe from SIN on a budget in late May. Found a SGN-MUC biz award on VN (through flying blue). If coming in on a separate ticket from SIN (likely on SQ or VN), carry on luggage only, what would be a safe connection time? Do I have to clear immigration?
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 25,172
Hijacking this old thread:
Trying to get back to Europe from SIN on a budget in late May. Found a SGN-MUC biz award on VN (through flying blue). If coming in on a separate ticket from SIN (likely on SQ or VN), carry on luggage only, what would be a safe connection time? Do I have to clear immigration?
Trying to get back to Europe from SIN on a budget in late May. Found a SGN-MUC biz award on VN (through flying blue). If coming in on a separate ticket from SIN (likely on SQ or VN), carry on luggage only, what would be a safe connection time? Do I have to clear immigration?


