Passengers Complain About Having to Remove Shoes and Belts, as Well as High Food and Beverage Prices
In recent days, a proposal to eliminate the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes and belts during security checks at airports has garnered attention and sparked discussions. Many passengers have expressed their frustration with the time-consuming process of removing their shoes and belts and have also pointed out that the prices of food and beverages at Tan Son Nhat International Airport are significantly higher than the average income of travelers.
According to reports by NLD journalists, frequent flyers and travelers who use air travel for business and tourism have noted that prices at many Vietnamese airports are generally high. This is not limited to Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports, as passengers across various airports have to consider their food and beverage expenses while waiting for their flights.
On August 4th, Ms. Hoang Anh from Tam Binh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City shared her experience during a business trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. While waiting for her flight at Tan Son Nhat Airport, she stopped by Highland Coffee in the domestic terminal and ordered a combo of a breadstick and an ice milk coffee in a small size for VND 70,000.
“If I had ordered the same combo in the international terminal just a few dozen meters away, it would have cost VND 80,000. Meanwhile, the same combo at their outlets outside the airport costs only VND 49,000,” Ms. Hoang Anh added.
As a frequent flyer, Ms. Hoang Anh has noticed that food and beverage prices at Vietnamese airports are generally high. For example, a breadstick with cold cuts, chicken, or beef at Tan Son Nhat Airport typically costs between VND 70,000 and VND 90,000.
At Big Bowl in the Tan Son Nhat International Terminal, a bowl of Wagyu beef pho ranges from VND 150,000 to VND 333,000, depending on whether it is a regular or special order. Meanwhile, Vietnamese pho with either beef or chicken is priced between VND 86,000 and VND 131,000.
At Star Cafe next door, a sandwich with cold cuts or Korean-style beef goes for VND 78,000 to VND 89,000…
The combo of a breadstick and an ice milk coffee in a small size costs VND 70,000 in the domestic terminal and VND 80,000 in the international terminal of Tan Son Nhat Airport, which is significantly higher than the prices at outlets outside the airport.
Instant Noodles at the Airport Sold for VND 127,000 per Bowl
Ms. Hoang Anh also shared, “I saw a restaurant in the domestic arrival area of Tan Son Nhat Airport, but after looking at the menu, I quietly left. A bowl of instant noodles with beef balls and beef was advertised for VND 127,000.”
Mr. Le Hoang from An Khanh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City shared a similar experience: “At another restaurant not far from there, the prices of pho, bun (rice vermicelli), and spaghetti bolognese were all between VND 120,000 and VND 135,000 on average.”
Big Bowl at the Tan Son Nhat International Terminal offers Wagyu beef pho at prices ranging from VND 150,000 to VND 333,000, depending on the type of order.
Ms. Nhat Minh from Gia Dinh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City recounted her experience while traveling with a group of friends to Lam Dong Province. As they waited for their return flight at Lien Khuong Airport, the group looked for something to eat. They came across a restaurant near the departure gate, where a bowl of instant noodles was priced at VND 120,000.
“The table next to us had a similar bowl of noodles, which consisted of instant noodles and a few thin slices of beef, with no egg. My friend refused to order and even joked that a carton of instant noodles costs less than VND 80,000, yet the airport’s noodles were so expensive,” Ms. Minh recalled.
Sandwiches at Star Cafe range in price from VND 78,000 to VND 89,000, depending on the type.
Prices for various drinks such as juices, smoothies, and cooling teas range from VND 60,000 to VND 105,000 per glass.
Passengers dining and enjoying beverages at restaurants in the international terminal of Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Tan Son Nhat Airport’s domestic and international terminals offer a variety of restaurants and cafes with different price ranges. There are also some eateries that offer more affordable options, but they are not as prevalent.
Enhancing Airport Security: The Hassle of Removing Shoes and Belts
“Outdated security procedures are a nuisance and a time-waster for passengers.”
“A Mother’s Airport Ordeal: Unbuckling Her Infant for Security Checks.”
“An overwhelming majority of our readers – nearly 1,200 to be precise – have voiced their opinion in favor of doing away with the requirement to remove shoes and belts during security checks at airports, as per our one-day poll. This suggests a clear and strong preference for convenience and speed when it comes to air travel.”
