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From December 1st, passengers nationwide will officially enter a completely new air travel experience, described as significantly more "compact" and modern. Accordingly, Vietnam Airlines officially announced the implementation of new regulations under Directive 24/CT-TTg of 2025. The biggest and most notable change is the requirement for passengers without checked baggage to check in online or through self-service kiosks at the airport, instead of queuing at traditional counters as before.
From December, passengers at all airports nationwide can experience a streamlined flight process using VNeID identification or a self-service kiosk system.
Therefore, check-in counters at airports will be streamlined and reserved for those requiring special assistance. Specifically, only passengers with checked baggage, special groups such as unaccompanied minors, the elderly, or those needing medical or other mobility assistance will continue to be served at the counter. All other passengers will be required to go through the entire flight process, from purchasing tickets, checking in, security checks to boarding, using modern digital technology solutions, including biometrics integrated with the National Electronic Identification System (VNeID) application or through self-service kiosks located throughout the airport.
According to airlines, this transition is a key solution to ensure operational safety, while optimizing resources and saving significant time for both passengers and airline staff.
Vietnam Airlines announces the implementation of new regulations in accordance with Directive 24/CT-TTg of 2025.
The new procedure utilizes VNeID – the official electronic identification tool for Vietnamese citizens – to complete airport procedures, realizing the government's policy of maximizing the benefits of population data and electronic identification in daily life. To fully utilize the features and avoid errors during the check-in process, the airline recommends that citizens verify their VNeID account at level 2.
Additionally, the online check-in process via VNeID is currently applicable to domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, or Vasco. Vietnam Airlines has published the detailed procedure as follows: Passengers will log into the VNeID application using their Level 2 identification account, select "Other Services," and proceed with "Online Check-in." After agreeing to share personal data, the system will automatically redirect to the official Vietnam Airlines (or Vietjet, depending on the airline) application to complete the check-in process. Simultaneously, the electronic biometric verification process (eKYC - Electronic Know Your Customer) will be performed. Finally, at security checkpoints and boarding gates, passengers only need to compare their biometric data (such as face or fingerprints) with the airport's equipment.
According to recommendations from airline staff, passengers should proactively download and install the airline's official app; when checking in via VNeID, the app will directly link with the airline's app, making the check-in process faster and smoother.
The integration of biometrics and VNeID is considered by airlines as the optimal solution, offering many practical benefits, most notably significantly shortening check-in times and minimizing waiting times. Furthermore, biometric verification increases the accuracy of passenger identification and eliminates one of the leading causes of flight delays: forgetting to bring identification documents (Citizen ID/Passport), thus opening up a truly "paperless" travel experience.
Although the shift to online and biometric methods offers many benefits, initial difficulties are inevitable, especially for those unfamiliar with the technology. Situations such as forgetting your VNeID password, slow operation, or network connection issues at the airport are potential risks that can affect your flight schedule.
Therefore, to proactively adapt and avoid minor incidents, passengers are advised to take thorough preparation steps: install the VNeID application and complete level 2 account verification beforehand; test the online check-in process before the flight to check the functionality of the application and system.
According to Vietnam Airlines, the new regulations aim to ensure operational safety and save time. The airline recommends that passengers verify their VNeID at level 2 to fully utilize the features and minimize errors during check-in.
More importantly, during the initial rollout phase, passengers should still carry their Citizen Identity Card or Passport in case the system needs verification or a technical issue arises. Aware of these initial difficulties, Vietnam Airlines has affirmed that it will deploy a dedicated support team at all airports during the initial rollout period. This team will guide, answer questions, and assist passengers in handling any issues related to VNeID and the new procedures, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.
The new flight procedures with VNeID and biometrics represent a significant step forward, offering passengers a more modern, efficient, and safer experience. This affirms Vietnam's aviation industry's leadership in the digitalization trend, aligning with e-government initiatives. However, to maximize the system's benefits, proactive preparation and familiarization with the technology by passengers are crucial for the smooth realization of "paperless flying," opening a promising new chapter for domestic tourism and air transport.
