Insightful Analysis of Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy Cabin Experience
Flight Review: VN773 with Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy
Score: 9/10
Travel Date: December 22, 2024
Sit back, relax, and buckle up for a delightful journey as we take you through Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy on their Airbus A350-900! The Flight in Focus: VN773 SGN ▶ SYD
Going beyond Southeast Asia's busy skies, Vietnam Airlines has carved out a niche for themselves as a top-tier carrier that offers a touch of Southeast Asian hospitality. Let's explore this gem of a carrier!
Our vessel for today? An 8-year-old aircraft, VN-A891, one of Vietnam Airlines' trusty long-haul workhorses alongside other impressive fleets such as 787-9 Dreamliners. This A350-900 wonder serves a diverse array of destinations like San Francisco, Paris, Seoul, Sydney, and more!
With two Premium Economy configurations (3-3-3 and 2-4-2), Vietnam Airlines' A350-900 planes boast a perfect blend of comfort and efficiency, ensuring passengers receive a sleek, silky smooth ride on long-haul journeys. The 2-4-2 configuration, the one we'll be experiencing today, is typically employed for longer routes.
Let's dive into our journey!
Seat and Comfort (5/5)
The Premium Economy seat on Vietnam Airlines' A350-900s is a shining star in the sky! Giddy up with a spacious 38-inch pitch, ample width, and a 15-degree recline, paired with a raiseable footrest. Yeah, that's right—a footrest! Now, you won't feel like a sardine squished in between galley kitchens. Better yet, you get enough space and comfort for an 8.5-hour red-eye flight from HCMC to Sydney.
Swiftly stowable tray tables are tucked away in the armrests, waiting to hold your midnight feast of neuron-rejuvenating peanuts and powdered cookies. Heavyweights, beware; this might take a minute or two to figure out.
On the downside, no personal air vents are offered on this aircraft—a standard A350 feature, apparently, much like other airlines.
An empty seat beside you? A jackpot! You'll be dancing in the aisle like Travis Scott for the entire flight.
The Exceptional Hospitality (5/5)
Vietnam Airlines' crew is the icing on this premium economy cake. Their warmth and professionalism set the bar high for Asian carriers, with Southern charm that shines during even the smallest interactions.
A passenger in need of additional legroom didn't have to make do with cramped quarters any longer—the crew swiftly arranged the perfect switch to a bulkhead seat after takeoff. Acts of consideration, like offering a window seat during takeoff and landing, impressed this reviewer without a doubt. The crew doesn't just serve; they set the tone for a world-class experience from the moment you board.
Their dedication to passenger comfort doesn't stop at a tossed hand towel—they consistently go above and beyond during meal service and beyond.
Meal Time (4/5)
Dinner and breakfast dishes are prepared with either a Western or Oriental Asian flair. The first meal consisted of a choice between Vietnamese Braised Pork with Galangal and Fish Sauce or Buttered Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs. In the spirit of adventure, I opted for the Western dish—a choice I don't often make on an Asian airline. Surprisingly, the meal was nothing short of a culinary revelation! This was one of those meals that keeps you diving back in for more, despite its humble exterior.
Breakfast, served post-sunrise, was a delectable frittata packed with expectations-exceeding potatoes.
New movies, refreshing fruits, and an array of soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages were all at your fingertips to complement your meals.
In-Flight Entertainment (4.5/5)
Each of the 36 Premium Economy seats is equipped with a 10.6-inch entertainment screen, accompanied by an IFE remote beneath the armrest, a personal power outlet, and USB ports to charge your devices. With a diverse range of content curated for both local Vietnamese and international audiences, you'll never run out of movies, music, or entertainment options. Even better, Korean movies are a staple on the menu!
Lavatories (4/5)
The Premium Economy lavatories are a delightful breath of fresh air, clean and spacious enough to put you at ease during your flight. The crew is vigilant in keeping the lavatories spotless throughout the journey. They continually freshen up the area using a floor towel, a thoughtful gesture that ensures your comfort without compromise.
Amenities such as razors, toothbrushes, and hand cream are easily accessible to passengers.
Price (9/10)
Embrace the value in Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy on the SGN-SYD route. While there's competition on this route from low-cost carriers like VietJet Air and Jetstar, Vietnam Airlines stands out as the best bet for long-haul travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney.
In conclusion, board Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy, and take a leap towards a journey brimming with comfort, refreshing flavors, and sincere hospitality. With room for improvement in the IFE system and Wi-Fi capabilities, Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy now competes with the likes of Middle Eastern Carriers and Singapore Air for a lofty seat in luxury skies. So, buckle up, lads, let's get ready for takeoff on the Golden Lotus!
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Sources:
- Vietnam Airlines' A350-900
- Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy
- Finding Cheap Flights on Vietnam Airlines
- Premium Economy Seating
- Vietnam Airlines IFE
The Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy offering on the A350-900, with its blend of comfort and efficiency, is a welcomed addition to the transportation industry and travel lifestyle, offering a touch of Southeast Asian hospitality that sets it apart from competitors. Within the aviation sector, the airline's finance strategy, including its pricing model, places it as a strong contender in the airline news, particularly on long-haul routes like SGN-SYD. The industry is keeping a close eye on Vietnam Airlines as they continue to challenge established carriers like Middle Eastern Carriers and Singapore Air in the luxury skies. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all things airline news and follow us on social media to join the conversation.
