Why do Western tourists have to leave their brooms behind at Tan Son Nhat Airport?

Images of foreign tourists leaving behind a straw broom at Tan Son Nhat airport have attracted attention on social media. Two years ago, a Mexican tourist also had to leave behind a votive paper horse at Noi Bai airport.

Foreign tourists leave behind trash cans at Tan Son Nhat airport on December 10th. Photo: @dqsinh .

On December 10th, social media shared a story about a foreign tourist carrying a broom at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). The person who posted the story said they accidentally saw the tourist having to leave the broom at the check-in counter because the item was too large for carry-on baggage.

Ground staff instructed the passenger to wrap the broom to send it as checked baggage, but he later decided to leave it behind.

In the comments section, a flight attendant stated that she had also witnessed a passenger having to leave a broom behind at the airport because it could not be carried on board as hand luggage.

Foreign tourists carrying broomsticks at Tan Son Nhat Airport, December 10th. Photo: @dqsinh.

Straw brooms are familiar household items in Vietnam, used for daily cleaning. However, their length often exceeds the carry-on baggage allowance, classifying them as oversized baggage and incurring additional charges.

Previously, in July 2023, tourist Arnaud Zein El Din (46 years old, Mexican nationality) brought a paper horse (votive offering) from Hanoi to take back to his country because he was impressed with its design and patterns. However, he was refused transport by the airline due to its excessive size and had to leave it behind at Noi Bai airport.

Arnaud Zein El Din holding a paper horse at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), August 2023. Photo: Son Dang.

"These are exquisite handcrafted items. I regret having to leave them behind knowing they are used in rituals for the deceased, a very beautiful tradition," Arnaud told Tri Thức - Znews .

According to the regulations of Vietnamese airlines, carry-on baggage includes suitcases and bags that meet the standards for being carried into the passenger cabin.

Passengers are advised to keep valuable items such as cash, jewelry, cameras, camcorders, laptops, phones, and lithium batteries in their carry-on baggage.

Luggage must fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment and comply with weight limits.

• Business class: maximum 18 kg, including 2 pieces of luggage (each not exceeding 7-10 kg depending on the airline) and 1 accessory.
• Premium Economy/Economy Class: Maximum 12 kg, including 1 piece of luggage (not exceeding 7-10 kg depending on the airline) and 1 accessory.

The maximum dimensions for a piece of luggage are 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (total dimensions under 115 cm); accessories under 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm (total dimensions under 85 cm). Luggage exceeding these limits, weight, or dimensions must be checked in.

On some flights, large carry-on baggage, even if it meets size and weight standards, may still be required to be checked in (free of charge) due to aircraft capacity limitations.

Source: https://znews.vn/vi-sao-khach-tay-phai-bo-lai-choi-dot-o-san-bay-tan-son-nhat-post1610303.html