If you are traveling on a crowded occasion, you should arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure time, even if you are only traveling within the country.
Here are useful measures to help you get to the airport on time, and avoid being late for your flight.
Preparing early helps. Please pack your luggage 1-2 days in advance to avoid missing important items. Make a list of what you need to bring so you don't have to buy extra things on the go. Print all the necessary documents and certificates so that you are always ready to present instead of opening your phone to look through screenshots and scans.
Follow the regulations on what can and cannot be brought on board, and avoid causing unnecessary trouble at the security screening counter. Pack your luggage carefully, avoid being overweight and having to pay extra money.
Checking in in advance from home shortens the wait time at the airport. This is really helpful when going out on holiday. The check-in queue at the ticket counter is very crowded and you don't have anything to check in. Online check-in will help you skip this waiting step and go straight to the screening procedure.
Passengers self-check-in at Tan Son Nhat airport in January. Photo: Quynh Tran
This action replaces the alarm, helping you to arrive at the airport on time because most passengers are late due to arrival. late airport. If going out during the holidays, be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights, and at least 3 hours for international flights. This is to ensure that you have enough time to do check-in, security screening even if you have to wait in long lines.
Many people arrive at the airport on time, even arriving early and sending things, security screening. Then they get distracted at clothing, souvenir or food stores and forget about boarding times. Therefore, you must always keep an eye on your watch to promptly move to the boarding gate on time.
At many major airports, it can take you 15-20 minutes to find the boarding gate. Some airports may not broadcast the announcement of gate change, departure time. In that case, you need to pay attention to the sign to know if your flight has changed or not.
If you fly in the morning, you need to wake up on time, awake to go to the airport. Many people sleep overtime and miss the transfer just because they stay up late, or are tired from playing too much the day before.
Ask airport staff for directions if you don't know where to board the plane, or where the check-in counter is. If you arrive late at the airport, don't be afraid to ask other passengers, check-in counter staff... to help speed up the check-in, screening and boarding process. Ask politely, avoid wasting time arguing.
Passengers wait in line to enter Tan Son Nhat airport in January. Photo: Quynh Tran
In the worst case scenario: you've been late for your flight, consult experts to fix the problem
Call the airline's switchboard or ticketing agent to inform you that you cannot board the plane due to force majeure. You need to ask the airline to waitlisted for the next flight, to the same destination.
In the event that the onward flight has an empty seat, you may have to pay the difference in fare. However, this depends on the airline, and the type of ticket you buy. If your ticket is non-refundable, your only option is to purchase a new ticket.
Please notify the ticket agent, or the airline representative at the airport in case of trouble. An airline representative will know your exact flight and help with rebooking to reduce damage.
