Detailed Assessment of Vietnam Airlines' Premium Experience in Business Class
Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City: A Business Class Journey with Vietnam Airlines
Score: 9.5/10
Date: 22nd December 2024
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 (VN-A896)
Route: Sydney (SYD) to Ho Chi Minh (SGN)
Flight Number: VN772
Seat: 7A
Brace yourself for a premium long-haul experience as I share my review of flying Business Class on Vietnam Airlines' A350-900!
Departing from Sydney's bustling Kingsford Smith Airport, we're soaring high on VN772, bound for Ho Chi Minh City. This time, we're heading to the forward cabin, where the perks may well sway your decision for your next long-haul Business Class trip.
Our aircraft, a 6.8-year-old beauty, boasts the airline's long-haul configuration, featuring Cirrus III Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout. This setup, reminiscent of Cathay Pacific and Delta, promises a nearly lie-flat bed, direct aisle access, and a 15.4" retractable touchscreen IFE.
Different from the airline's first four A350s—which utilize Stelia Solstys Business Class seats and Economy-style Premium Economy—these aircraft cater primarily to routes exceeding eight hours, like Paris and San Francisco.
Two Tasty Meal Services
Much like our return flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this long-haul journey unfolds with not one but two meal services!
Lunch Service: After takeoff, menus were distributed, and meal selections were made. I opted for the Marinated Prawn with Salmon Tarator, an exquisite seafood dish, where the salmon stood out as the star of the show. The meal tray came complete with a beverage, a cheese and mushroom soup, irresistible garlic bread, and a crisp, refreshing salad.
For the main, I savored the Steamed Ling Fillet Chinese-style, a beautifully cooked fish dish that paired excellently with the included jasmine rice and yummy stir-fried bok choy.
Refreshments Service: Just before landing, a lighter second meal was served, featuring three delectable choices:
- Dim Sum Trio: Char Siu Pork Bun, Spinach Prawn Dumpling, and Pork Siu Mai
- Smoked Salmon with Avocado Salad & Bread
- Chicken Mushroom Pie with Mushroom Ragout
For those unacquainted, the Dim Sum trio represents a classic Chinese tradition that translates to "Touching the Heart." This selection hit the spot, with the Pork Bun serving as a particularly memorable bite.
Post-meal, the crew offered a second dish; I chose the Smoked Salmon, a delightful light bite to enjoy before a quick touch-down in Ho Chi Minh City.
A Plethora of In-Flight Entertainment
The Business Class cabin boasts a slightly larger screen than Premium Economy, improving the movie experience. With a selection of Korean, Western, and Vietnamese films, music, and an inflight map, the system caters to numerous preferences. Although features like a Head-Up Display (HUD) or external camera would elevate the experience, the current offerings are functional and certainly upgrade from the Premium Economy equivalent.
Essential Amenities and Spacious Lavatories
Each Business Class passenger receives a Cerruti 1881 amenity kit, packed with useful items like earplugs, a sleeping mask, socks, toothpaste, and a comb. Luxurious payot moisturizer and lip balm are also included, ensuring your skin and lips stay comfortable and hydrated.
The Business Class lavatories are more spacious than Economy or Premium Economy, with ample counter space and modern fixtures. Moreover, they come stocked with lotions, disposable cups, and razors for added convenience.
A Luxurious Flying Experience, Worth Every Penny
In exploring alternatives for the SYD – SGN route, potential options include VietJet, a low-cost carrier, and Jetstar, which currently does not offer any direct flights in the Summer 2025 season.
The question, ultimately, is: How much are you willing to spend on a Business Class flight?
At Sydney International, Vietnam Airlines' Business Class passengers have access to the SkyTeam Alliance Lounge, which, though not enormous, can comfortably accommodate 100 guests at any one time. Here, guests can indulge in a variety of food offerings from different stations, each featuring an array of cuisines, as well as a well-stocked bar.
Vietnam Airlines' Business Class offering on their A350-900 certainly delivers a luxurious and relaxing long-haul experience, with exceptional service, quality seats, and a multi-course meal service that's sure to please even the most discerning traveler. Its appeal may be partially subjective, depending on personal preferences and comfort, but in terms of hospitality and cultural cuisine, Vietnam Airlines stands as a strong contender in the long-haul Business Class market.
- Pack your bags for a luxurious journey, as I delve into the world of food-and-drink, lifestyle, and travel, uncovering the delectable meal services on offer with Vietnam Airlines' Business Class.
- The Business Class cabin of the Airbus A350-900 provides not only a comfortable and spacious setting for travel but also a plethora of entertainment options, making your airline news experience truly exceptional.
