Since the events of September 11, 2001, you may want to check out the FAA's website regarding the following procedures. Although outdated by almost 5 years, these are still good basic guidelines to follow:

Baggage Check-in: You are allowed to check two pieces of luggage and two carry-on pieces on U.S. domestic flights; you should double-check with your airline to verify this. Luggage should be checked all the way through to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) from your original departure city. The baggage code for HCMC is SGN. Your carry-on pieces should include items of immediate needs. NOTE: DO NOT pack your passport and prescription medicine in your checked-in luggage.

Check-in at your Domestic Airport: Wherever you are departing from, it’s a good idea to arrive at least 2 hours ahead of your scheduled departure time for international flights. You will need your passport, visa, and ticket at check-in.

Ho Chi Minh City Arrival: You will receive your immigration and custom declaration forms (one was white and the other was yellow then) on the plane, which you should complete prior to landing. Upon arrival you must present your passport and immigration/custom declaration forms at the immigration desk. After clearing immigration, you will retrieve your luggage. Luggage carts are available in the area. Once you have your luggage you must clear customs. You must first stop at the custom declaration counter (next to the baggage x-ray area) to have your custom declaration form stamped before proceeding to the baggage x-ray. You will be required to remit the form and keep a copy for yourself as you clear customs. WARNING: DO NOT LOSE COPIES OF YOUR IMMIGRATION/CUSTOM DECLARATION FORM. After completing the customs procedures you will exit the airport.

Departure from Viet Nam Airport: You must remit your immigration/custom declaration forms upon your departure from Viet Nam. You must pay approximately USD$12.00 for airport departure tax. You can check your bags straight through to your destination. You will have to retrieve your bags for U.S. customs when you arrive in the U.S.

Arrival at U.S. Airport: You must complete a custom declaration form upon arrival in the U.S. Immigration and customs generally take 2 hours. Have your luggage keys readily accessible since you may be requested to open your luggage for inspection. After clearing immigration and customs, you can drop your bags at your domestic airline counter, located just outside of the customs area, if you have checked your bags directly to your destination. If you did not check your bags directly to your destination, you will need to check-in your bags at the domestic airline counter located in other terminals.