Abolishing the rule of taking off shoes and belts at the airport: Solution to improve service quality

Following the articles of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper related to the service quality of two major airports in Vietnam, along with the proposal to remove the regulation requiring passengers to remove their shoes and belts during security checks, economic expert Dr. Huynh Trung Minh said that to improve the quality of airport services, especially at Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai airports, more solutions are needed.

Need to abolish the rule of taking off shoes and belts at the airport

According to him, Vietnam is orienting to develop tourism as a key economic sector, in which aviation is one of the main gateways to attract visitors to come and return. When visitors go through the airport, it is not only about convenience in reducing procedures such as "taking off shoes and belts" but also needing to feel comfortable and happy. They need more than smiles. If the service is good, the process may be a little slow, but visitors are still happy.

"If we only shorten the time for procedures without improving the quality of service, it will be difficult to create a breakthrough. I have been to many countries, especially tourist cities, and I see that staff at many stages at the airport, including immigration, all have friendly smiles.

My foreign friends when coming to Vietnam, especially Tan Son Nhat airport, often complain about the long waiting time for immigration. During such waiting times, a smile from the airport staff makes the passengers feel less tired and warm-hearted" - Dr. Huynh Trung Minh analyzed.

Bỏ quy định cởi giày, thắt lưng ở sân bay: Giải pháp nâng cao chất lượng dịch vụ hàng không - Ảnh 1. — Passengers check in through security at Terminal T3, Tan Son Nhat Airport

Regarding the shoe-taking rule, this expert said that he has been to many countries, especially modern countries like Europe, where no one has to take off their shoes or sandals. The steps are very quick, neat, and still ensure security.

"I just returned from Europe with my family and everyone was surprised by the friendliness of the border security staff. They smiled at children and greeted adults with a few gentle words.

When checking passports, they see the visa, stamp it and return it immediately, without any fuss. The airport is the first place that tourists come into contact with a destination, a country. Although the regulations must be strict to ensure security and safety, friendliness and courtesy are also very necessary" - Dr. Huynh Trung Minh argued.

Vietnam is aiming to develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector. If we want tourism to develop, visitors to come and return, each airport employee also needs to be an "ambassador" promoting tourism, welcoming visitors with a smile and good service.

Applying technology to simplify the inspection process

With the story of applying technology to simplify the airport check-in process, countries have automated a lot from the baggage check-in process - passengers put their own luggage in, print stamps, stick codes... Vietnam can absolutely do it.

Bỏ quy định cởi giày, thắt lưng ở sân bay: Giải pháp nâng cao chất lượng dịch vụ hàng không - Ảnh 2. — According to many passengers who have traveled to international airports abroad, many airports do not require taking off shoes or belts when going through security screening.

"Currently, we have check-in counters that do not store luggage, automatic check-in machines; we can continue to invest in automatic luggage tag printers, boarding pass printers, for those who are not familiar with QR codes, facial recognition machines... to significantly shorten the process. At that time, not only will it save time and costs for passengers, but it will also reduce the number of staff at the airport, increase competition, and increase service spirit" - this expert added.

Regarding solutions to reduce waiting time for immigration, many readers of the Lao Dong Newspaper suggested that airports should increase the application of technology and implement automatic immigration (auto-gate).

Ms. Minh Hoang (living in Ho Chi Minh City) proposed that the immigration queues could be divided into priority groups, flight crews, and Vietnamese people; ASEAN region (group of guests who do not need a visa); group of guests (need a visa); priority for the elderly, children, etc.