Buzz
Airports can be overwhelming, so mastering the process of boarding efficiently is crucial. Ensure you have your ticket, ID, and passport (if necessary). Proceed through security. Once past security, locate your boarding gate. Wait for boarding to commence, typically 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Check your boarding pass for the gate number. Lower gate numbers usually board first, followed by higher numbers. If you’re traveling with children, seniors, or veterans, you may board early regardless of your gate number. First-class, business-class, and priority passengers always board before the general group.
Steps
Explore the Airport
Print your boarding pass and check your luggage. While many airlines allow online check-in and boarding pass printing (if you have no checked luggage), you can also check in at the airport. Head to your airline’s designated area, find the check-in counter, and provide your name and ID to the staff. They will print your boarding pass and inquire about checked luggage.
- If you’re on a multi-leg journey with layovers, ask the airline staff to print boarding passes for all segments. Some may do this automatically, but it’s best to confirm.
- Checked luggage typically weighs under 25 kg and incurs a fee starting at 750,000 VND. However, policies vary by airline, so check their specific requirements online.
- If you prefer to avoid checked luggage, you’re allowed one carry-on and one personal item—one stored under the seat in front of you and the other in the overhead bin. Confirm with the gate agent if your bag meets carry-on size requirements.
- If you’ve already printed your boarding pass online and have no checked luggage, you can skip the check-in counter.
Proceed to the security checkpoint. If you have your boarding pass and carry-on luggage ready, head straight to the security area. Keep your boarding pass and identification—driver’s license or passport (mandatory for international flights)—handy. Security personnel will verify your boarding pass against your ID, after which you’ll go through the security screening. All personal items must be placed in trays and scanned through the X-ray machine, while you pass through a body scanner or undergo a manual pat-down.
- Airports are highly vigilant about security. Check signage for instructions on passing through security, and if unsure, ask for assistance.
- Liquids and laptops must be placed in separate trays, not mixed with other items.
- Any items found in your pockets, including gum or unused candy, must be placed in trays and scanned. Similarly, metal objects like jewelry and earrings must also be scanned.
- Some security checkpoints require removing belts, shoes, and jackets; check signage for specific rules. Certain airports may even require removing socks, though this varies.
- Security staff will guide you if there are issues with you or your luggage.
Locate your boarding gate/waiting area. Gather your belongings, put your shoes back on, and head to your designated waiting lounge! Check your boarding pass for the waiting area (usually marked by a letter) and the gate number (marked by a number). Numerous signs will guide you, but if you’re unsure, ask airport or airline staff for help.
- Look for flight information screens to confirm your waiting area if your boarding pass doesn’t specify (though this is rare nowadays).
Explore the airport and wait for boarding. Arrive early to allow ample time before boarding, just in case. Use the restroom, grab a bite, or connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi. Boarding typically begins 30 minutes before departure, giving you plenty of time to relax.
- Avoid straying too far from your gate to avoid missing important announcements or early boarding opportunities.
- If desired, you can request a seat change or upgrade at the airline counter near your gate. This is your only chance to switch seats or move to business or first class.
Boarding the Plane
Wait for the boarding announcement. About 30 minutes before departure, airline staff will announce boarding. Passengers board by zone, group (marked by letters), or row/seating area. Check your boarding pass to see your group, and if it’s not your turn, wait until your row or seating area is called.
- First-class passengers usually board first, followed by business class and passengers with disabilities or infants.
- While not mandatory, lining up early ensures overhead bin space for your carry-on; otherwise, it may need to be checked.
Verify your boarding pass. Once in the boarding line, airline staff at the gate will check your boarding pass. For domestic flights, hand it over for scanning (face down), and no ID is required. For international flights, present your passport again at the gate. Keep your boarding pass handy after verification, as you may need to show it to the flight attendants onboard.
Proceed down the jet bridge. Most jet bridges are short, but some gates have longer, curved pathways.
Enter the aircraft. Passengers often crowd after boarding pass checks, so you might need to wait in line. Double-check your seat number to ensure you’re heading in the right direction and keep an eye out for your row. If you need help locating your seat, ask nearby passengers about row and seat letter assignments (there’s no universal rule here). Most flight attendants are busy preparing for the flight. If you still need assistance, sit in an empty seat nearby and ask the attendant during the safety check.
Stow your carry-on luggage. Once you find your seat, place smaller items on the seat and look for overhead bin space for larger carry-ons. This isn’t always easy, so ask a flight attendant for help if needed. Finally, place smaller items under the seat in front of you.
Settle into your seat. You’re all set! Now relax and enjoy the flight as you’re comfortably transported to your destination. During the flight, complimentary drinks and meals may be provided (depending on the airline and flight duration). Restrooms are available at the front and rear of the plane. Feel free to ask the flight attendants if you have any questions.
