AirAsia from Bangkok to Vietnam with "Pre-arranged Visa"
 

Hello All,

Has anyone successfully managed to fly AirAsia to Vietnam using the "Pre-arranged Visa on arrival" system?

I have used this before on other airlines, but Air Asia are unable to confirm if i will be allowed to board. "Up to to check in staff discretion" apparently.

I will arrive in BKK on Saturday and need to fly to HAN on Sunday so will be unable to visit the embassy.

I would be grateful if anyone could put my mind at rest.

Thanks

Smala01

Hmm...
 

My experience of Air Asia is that ground staff try to intimidate you into booking onward travel and return tickets at premium on-the-spot prices on the theory (and occasional practice) that anybody's immigration folks can deny you entry if they can think up any reasonable reason to believe you might become a really inconvenient burden on their government all too quickly.

In your particular case, it seems to mean that if Air Asia folks need an excuse to bump somebody, you will be a choice candidate.

But primarily, it means to me that ground staff didn't know the real answer and didn't want to say anything that might get them into hot water.

You can do a computer printout of your pre-arranged visa, right?

Personally, I'd do that and fly with it, so to speak. After that, trust your lucky star and see where destiny actually intended you to go: travel is really, all only about SELF discovery, right?

Finally, your pseudo "smala" is North African Arabic for "extended family", so look, you're dealing with fellow Asians, and you can bargain. Tell Vietnamese immigration that you have this grandfather who died fighting for the French in 1952 and that you want to see his grave: they will understand, but basically, Air Asia is just trying to lock you into buying a return/onward ticket.

(Any wiser thoughts welcome!)

I flew this route, with this airline back in April.

Check-in did insist on seeing my visa prior to allocating my boarding pass.

I had travelled to London prior to departure to get a visa (took about 2 hours) so there was no issue.

The Pre-arranged visa appears to be "standard" process looking at the forums elsewhere.

Fingers crossed.

Smala01

Just to close the thread.

I traveled with the letter of authority for the pre-arranged visa with no issue from BKK.

I think Air Asia should defiantly update their contact center staff !

Smala01

smala01

I didn't post on the thread, as I had no experience of your dilemma.

Just thought I woudl say how pleased I am that it went smoothly for you.