Instructions for Check-in using Kiosk at Tan Son Nhat Airport

At Tan Son Nhat Airport, using a self service check in kiosk has become a popular choice due to its time saving advantages, avoidance of long queues, and added autonomy for passengers. However, many travelers, especially first time users, still feel confused by this process. Understanding each step clearly is the best way to ensure a smooth journey without unexpected delays or extra costs. Many passengers have missed their boarding time or encountered issues with luggage and documents simply because they did not know how to use the kiosk properly. This guide provides detailed and accurate instructions to help users operate the kiosk correctly, step by step, with solutions for common problems.

Before arriving at the airport, passengers should prepare the following: booking reference code, valid identification (such as citizen ID, passport, or birth certificate for children), flight details, and baggage information if applicable. For some airlines, passengers receive a QR code via email, mobile app, or SMS. Check in kiosks at Tan Son Nhat Airport are usually located near each airline's check in counters. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways have installed separate kiosks with user friendly interfaces in both Vietnamese and English.

Upon arriving at the airport, the first step is to locate the correct kiosk based on the airline. Check the signage on the machine to avoid selecting the wrong one. Then, follow the instructions as follows: touch the screen to begin, select your language, enter the booking reference code, or scan the QR code if available. Some kiosks allow barcode scanning from printed tickets or entering the phone number used during booking. Once the system displays your flight details, carefully check your name, route, seat number, and departure time.

Next is selecting a seat (if the option is available) and confirming checked baggage. For carry on luggage, no further action is required. However, if you have checked baggage, some kiosks will print a baggage tag, which you must bring to the airline’s self service drop off area or the staffed baggage counter. This step is often misunderstood. Many people think the process ends once they receive a boarding pass. In reality, if baggage is not properly dropped off, passengers may be denied boarding or have to start over at the counter.

After verifying all details, the kiosk will print your boarding pass. Keep this pass carefully, as you will need it at the security checkpoint and when boarding. For domestic flights, the check in deadline is usually 40 minutes before departure. However, it is advisable to complete all procedures at least 60 minutes in advance to account for possible issues such as kiosk errors, incorrect personal information, or unexpected baggage problems.

If errors occur during kiosk use, such as invalid booking codes, name mismatches, or printing failures, passengers should go directly to the airline’s support counter for assistance. Those unfamiliar with technology, elderly travelers, or foreign passengers may ask for help from airport staff or proceed to the traditional check in counter for guidance. Repeated incorrect attempts at the kiosk may lock the check in system or result in incorrect boarding pass information, causing additional delays.

For groups, especially families with children or tour groups, it is best to check in together using the same booking code. This ensures adjacent seating and smoother baggage processing. If a child under 14 is flying with an adult, the kiosk will request additional verification of the guardian's documents. Some kiosks do not support check in for infants under 2 or passengers with special needs like wheelchair assistance. In these cases, go directly to the counter for dedicated support.

Besides kiosks, passengers can still choose other check in methods such as the airline’s app, confirmation email, traditional counter, or the online system on the official website. Each method has its own pros and cons, but the kiosk remains an optimal option at the airport for those who want to avoid internet dependence or long waits.

Common errors with kiosk check in include entering the wrong booking code due to case sensitivity, mismatched names between ticket and ID, using invalid documents, arriving after the check in deadline, or forgetting to drop off checked baggage after receiving the boarding pass. App malfunctions, failure to recognize e tickets, or kiosk overload during peak hours are also common. In such cases, it is best to go to the support counters or ask airport staff for help to avoid missing your flight.

For low cost airlines, arriving late or failing to confirm booking details properly may result in lost seats with no refund. Some airlines may charge extra fees if you miss the free check in period via kiosk or app. For international passengers, a valid visa in addition to a passport is required. Some kiosks may not support your preferred language, so assistance from airport staff may be necessary.

Kiosk check in is a convenient tool but requires a clear understanding of the process. The most important steps are preparing your documents and booking code and arriving early. If the kiosk system fails or cannot be used, switch to another method immediately instead of waiting. When traveling in groups, use a shared booking code to check in together and avoid being split. Receiving a boarding pass does not mean the check in process is complete if checked baggage has not been processed.

Some practical tips to remember

• If the app does not display a QR code, check the original confirmation email.
• If one kiosk fails to print your pass, try another before going to the help desk.
• In large groups, have one person check in first to avoid repeated mistakes.
• If your baggage is oversized or cannot be scanned, proceed to the baggage counter.
• If unsure about abbreviations, double check that the full name matches your ID.

Understanding and properly applying the kiosk check in process at Tan Son Nhat Airport will help save time, avoid risks, and ensure a smooth journey. One wrong move can disrupt your entire flight, but careful preparation can make your airport experience far more efficient and stress free.