The flight landed on time. I hurried to the baggage claim thinking I would be out and on my way to a meeting within 10–15 minutes. Thirty minutes went by. An hour passed. My suitcase still had not appeared.
I’m not a fussy traveler, but everyone who travels with me knows one habit: I almost never check luggage. It is not about saving the check-in fee — it’s because of a memorable experience at an airport in Vietnam that taught me to travel light. That day I waited nearly an hour and a half for my suitcase.
When the plane landed, passengers flowed into the baggage hall and I told myself it would be quick. Fifteen minutes. Thirty. Forty-five. Still nothing. Around me, people grumbled, glanced at their watches, and some foreign tourists looked bewildered. When my bag finally appeared, relief was immediate — but I was exhausted and in no mood to continue my trip.
On another occasion I flew to Da Nang for a morning meeting. The plane landed at 8 a.m., but my luggage did not arrive. An announcement followed: the luggage cart was stuck because the parking area was overloaded. I had a 10 a.m. meeting. I spent the next hour apologizing to colleagues and wondering whether my suitcase had been lost. When it eventually showed up, the case had a long scratch across its side.
After those experiences I learned to travel with only carry-on. At first it was inconvenient — packing becomes a precise exercise in limiting outfits and toiletries — but the tradeoffs are worth it. No check-in queues, no lost baggage anxiety, and most important of all: no waiting at the carousel.
What puzzles me is the contrast with regional hubs. At Changi, after landing I had time to use the restroom and buy a coffee; when I returned the suitcase was already on the belt. Total time: 10–15 minutes. At Suvarnabhumi and KLIA it’s similar: processes feel optimized, staff are professional, and delays are rare. The difference is tangible.
Baggage claim area at an airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by Pexels
At many Vietnamese airports, long waits for luggage are almost par for the course. I’ve stood for 45 minutes to an hour, and during peak times baggage piles up chaotically — occasionally people even pick up the wrong bags. I recognize that airport operations are complex, but the gaps in speed and process are clear to every passenger.
Since switching to carry-on only, travel has become simpler. When the plane doors open I pull my small suitcase to the exit, call a taxi, and leave. No more hovering by the conveyor, no more fretting over scratches or lost items. The lighter my bag, the lighter my mood.
I still hope Vietnamese airports will improve baggage handling so checking a bag won’t feel like a gamble. Nobody wants to cram everything into a cabin bag forever — many of us prefer to check luggage when needed. But for now, until systems and processes match international best practice, some of us will keep choosing carry-on and accepting the inconvenience of careful packing over the uncertainty of the carousel.
Key Challenges Faced by Travelers in Vietnamese Airports
- Long Waiting Times: Many travelers report waiting for 45 minutes to an hour for their luggage to appear at the baggage claim.
- Chaotic Baggage Handling: During peak hours, the process becomes disorganized, leading to confusion and the possibility of picking up the wrong bag.
- Lack of Efficiency: Unlike regional hubs such as Changi, Suvarnabhumi, and KLIA, where the baggage system operates smoothly, Vietnamese airports often face delays and inefficiencies.
- Inconsistent Communication: Announcements regarding delays or issues with luggage are not always timely or clear, adding to the frustration of passengers.
Benefits of Traveling with Carry-On Only
- No Check-In Queues: By avoiding checked luggage, travelers eliminate the need to wait in long lines at the airport.
- Reduced Anxiety: There’s less stress about losing luggage or dealing with damaged bags, which can happen frequently at some airports.
- Faster Exit from the Airport: Once the plane lands, passengers with carry-on bags can quickly move through the terminal and proceed to their next destination.
A Call for Improvement
While the current state of baggage handling in Vietnamese airports presents challenges, there is a growing hope for improvement. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is essential for airports to adopt best practices seen in other regions. This includes investing in better infrastructure, training staff to handle luggage efficiently, and implementing technology that can streamline the process.
Until these changes take place, many travelers will continue to opt for carry-on luggage, accepting the minor inconvenience of careful packing in exchange for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their belongings are safe and accessible.