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Carrying or assisting with someone else’s luggage at airports can expose travelers to serious legal risks, potentially leading to criminal charges. Authorities have repeatedly warned that accepting or transporting others’ items can create liability if prohibited goods are found. A recent case involving more than 11 kilograms of drugs, including ecstasy and ketamine, linked to four flight attendants who were exploited to transport drugs into Vietnam highlights the potential consequences.
Officials say that accepting someone else’s luggage is treated as full responsibility under the law if wrongdoing is detected. Despite warnings, interviews with passengers suggest some remain reluctant to refuse requests to help relatives or acquaintances, or to scrutinize shipments of common items such as perfumes or cosmetics without verifying their origin.
Mr. Phùng Quang Minh, Deputy Head of Noi Bai International Airport Customs, warned travelers to avoid carrying luggage for others when the origin is unclear. He also urged travelers to review regulations on prohibited items in Vietnam and in the destination country.
Lieutenant Colonel Trần Anh Tuấn, Deputy Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Noi Bai International Airport Police, identified three major risks when luggage shows signs of violation:
The Police also noted that under Circular 14 of 2026 issued by the Ministry of Public Security on aviation security and aviation-security quality control, travelers departing or entering the country bear legal responsibility for their own luggage. Travelers are advised to actively check their baggage and to know all items inside both carry-on and checked luggage.
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