Controversy over 'priority lane' to charge 100,000 VND/passenger at Da Nang airport

Passengers line up at the security screening entrance at the domestic terminal of Da Nang airport – Photo: CONG TRUNG

This new service has received mixed reviews from passengers and stakeholders.

Why do we charge for priority access through security screening?

Tuoi Tre Online source at Vietnam Airports Corporation - ACV (the unit that manages and operates 22 airports in Vietnam) confirmed that Da Nang airport will provide passenger service using priority lanes at security screening checkpoints.

This person noted that this is only a pilot at the domestic terminal in Da Nang for thorough evaluation and has not been applied to other airports at this time.

Why is there a change from before and the addition of a priority lane collection service at the airport?

In the notice to airlines of Da Nang International Airport, the priority lanes at the security screening of Terminal T1 have been upgraded, so the airport will collect a fee of 100,000 VND/passenger (excluding VAT).

Because for many years now, the port has been serving the airline's priority customers without charging any fees.

Mr. Phan Kieu Hung, director of Da Nang airport, stated that this service will apply to CIP (business class pick-up and drop-off) customers and business class passengers.

Specifically, the port will collect priority service fees for passengers traveling in Vietnam Airlines ticket classes including Business and Premium Economy.

Vietjet is Skyboss class. Bamboo Airways is Business class, similar to Vietravel Airlines is Premium Economy class. Pacific Airlines is Business class, Premium Economy class.

For customers using the airline's frequent flyer card, they get priority access at the screening point. Vietnam Airlines is the Million Miler and Platinum card.

Previously, the ground service company deployed priority services at the airport but then temporarily stopped – Photo: Viags

Vietjet Air has Skyjoy and Skyboss Plus membership packages. Bamboo Airways has the First card, and Vietravel Airlines has the Vietravel Airlines Plus card.

He also emphasized that priority passage is a non-aviation service and does not affect security control procedures or the quality of transportation services.

However, many people believe that charging for this service is unnecessary, as the priority lane previously served certain groups such as the elderly, children, the disabled, pregnant women, business class, business travelers, flight crew, etc.

Another perspective comes from airlines, business class passengers buy tickets at double the price of economy tickets.

The airport pays all port service and utility fees for passengers in this premium class. Therefore, collecting service fees separately as it is now is making it difficult for airlines.

However, the unit that is collecting this service fee sees it as a way to reinvest, improve service quality and be fairer to other passenger groups.

The introduction of the fee has also generated mixed reviews from passengers, with some saying it is a worthwhile expense if it saves them time and improves their flying experience.

On the contrary, many passengers fear that this will open a trend of over-commercialization at the airport.

Basically, in the air ticket, the passenger has paid enough for airport screening and port services. This fee has been collected by the airline in the air ticket.

Previously, ground handling businesses implemented priority airport pick-up and drop-off services (fast track service) but had to temporarily suspend them due to difficulties in the fee collection mechanism.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tranh-cai-loi-di-uu-tien-se-thu-100-000-dong-khach-tai-san-bay-da-nang-20241201154348546.htm