Passengers boarding their flights at Tan Son Nhat International Airport must undergo a security check to proceed to the boarding gate. Though this step ensures passengers’ safety, there are occasions when they have to wait in line due to heavy passenger volume at the airport.
Vietnam’s most frequented airport is none other than Tan Son Nhat International Airport, with millions of local and foreign passengers using the facility for their travels every year. There are many airlines flying out of this airport, including major airlines like Scandinavian Airlines and British Airways.
During the morning and evening hours, there are usually more passengers waiting for the flight, as these are considered the most convenient times for air travel. Normally, a 15 to 30-minute wait in the security line would suffice. During holiday periods or weekends, however, one would be required to stay in line for 35 to 40 minutes.
Duration of Average Security Screening at Tan Son Nhat Airport
Under normal traffic conditions, a passenger traveling through Tan Son Nhat International Airport would spend between 15 and 25 minutes at security screening. However, if the airport is not congested, the time taken may be reduced to below 10 minutes.
In some instances, many departing flights may occur at the same time. In such cases, security screenings will take more time due to the influx of people arriving at the security stations.
| Current Estimated Wait | Priority Screening |
| 15-30 minutes | Available |
Location of Security Checkpoints in Tan Son Nhat Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport has two terminals for domestic and international flights. The terminals have security checkpoints that passengers must pass through after checking in at the airline counter.
| Terminal | Security Area | Status |
| Terminal 1 | Domestic Security Checkpoint | Open |
| Terminal 2 | International Security Checkpoint | Open |
The security screening station follows the process for completing immigration checks for passengers traveling internationally.
Estimated Waiting Time per Hour for Security Screening
The wait time at security checkpoints at Tan Son Nhat Airport depends on the number of departing flights. Longest queues in the airport occur early in the morning, while the shortest queues occur midday.
| Time | Estimated Wait Time |
| 12 am – 1 am | 6 mins |
| 1 am – 2 am | 7 mins |
| 2 am – 3 am | 9 mins |
| 3 am – 4 am | 12 mins |
| 4 am – 5 am | 18 mins |
| 5 am – 6 am | 26 mins |
| 6 am – 7 am | 30 mins |
| 7 am – 8 am | 32 mins |
| 8 am – 9 am | 28 mins |
| 9 am – 10 am | 24 mins |
| 10 am – 11 am | 20 mins |
| 11 am – 12 pm | 18 mins |
| 12 pm – 1 pm | 16 mins |
| 1 pm – 2 pm | 17 mins |
| 2 pm – 3 pm | 19 mins |
| 3 pm – 4 pm | 22 mins |
| 4 pm – 5 pm | 26 mins |
| 5 pm – 6 pm | 30 mins |
| 6 pm – 7 pm | 33 mins |
| 7 pm – 8 pm | 29 mins |
| 8 pm – 9 pm | 22 mins |
| 9 pm – 10 pm | 16 mins |
| 10 pm – 11 pm | 12 mins |
| 11 pm – 12 am | 8 mins |
This information allows travelers to get a general notion of the optimal times to go through the security checks.
Priority & Fast Security Services at Tan Son Nhat Airport
There are certain facilities at Tan Son Nhat Airport that help travelers go through security screening faster.
Priority Security Lanes
Priority lanes are offered to people traveling in business class and to frequent flyers with elite status on an airline.
Premium Airport Services
Some carriers offer premium airport services, including security clearance and assistance with immigration issues. They are especially beneficial for travelers who plan to visit the airport during peak seasons.
Some Useful Tips for Travelers to Save Time
Passengers traveling via Tan Son Nhat International Airport will benefit greatly from several helpful tips:
Arrive on Time
One needs to arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights.
Visit When Security Lines Are Shorter
Security lines at the airport tend to be shorter early in the morning (between 5 AM and 8 AM) and late in the day.
Be Prepared
Make sure you carry the necessary documents, such as passports, boarding passes, and IDs.
Check-In Process
You can avoid waiting in line at airline counters by checking in online.
Packing Tips
Make sure that liquid items and electronic gadgets are easily accessible for removal from your baggage.
By planning ahead and following airport procedures, you can substantially reduce waiting time.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes 15 to 25 minutes, but may last up to 40 minutes during high passenger traffic.
High congestion at the airport is expected in the morning and afternoon due to numerous departures at these times.
Yes, priority security lanes are provided for premium passengers and some frequent flyers.
Passengers are advised to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
Yes, there are premium airport services for fast passage through the terminal.