Insightful Evaluation of Vietnam Airlines' Business Class Experience
Hopping on Vietnam Airlines' Business Class: A Dazzling Experience on the Sydney-Ho Chi Minh Route
Score: 9.5/10
Published: 24th February, 2025
Written by: Nicholas Ling
Experiencing the Top-Notch Charm of Vietnam Airlines
Gearing up for a long-haul flight from Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport to Ho Chi Minh City, we embark on VN772, Vietnam Airlines' Business Class offering, ready to witness the captivating perks only the forward cabin can provide.
Our ride for the day, the 6.8-year-old VN-A896, an Airbus A350-900, sports the latest Vietnam Airlines long-haul configuration, with Cirrus III Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, replete with a dedicated Premium Economy section. Primarily serving routes over eight hours, like Paris and San Francisco, this setup is a notch above the initial A350 configurations boasting Stelia Solstys Business Class seats and Economy-style Premium Economy seats.
The Culinary Delights of VN772
Savoring a two-meal service just like our inbound flight from Ho Chi Minh City, let's dive into the lip-smacking delicacies that awaited us.
- Lunch Service: After takeoff, menus were distributed, and selections made. Marveling at the Marinated Prawn with Salmon Tarator and Oriental Mayonnaise, I found myself captivated by the salmon's delightful flavor. The meal tray included a green salad, mushroom soup with croutons, irresistible garlic bread, and a beverage of choice. The tantalizing garlic bread was too tempting to resist, and I succumbed to a third slice!
For the main course, I opted for Steamed Ling Fillet Chinese-style with Fish Soy Sauce, Steamed Jasmine Rice, and Stir-fried Bok Choy-a perfectly seasoned fish dish harmonizing exquisitely with the rice and sauce.
The dessert plane consisted of fresh fruit, an assortment of cheeses, varying crackers, and the culminating dessert: Assorted Cakes with Ice Cream-an unforgettable service that left me filled, content, and ready for a comfortable slumber.
- Refreshments Service: Prior to landing, a lighter second meal was served, with three options: Smoked Salmon with Avocado Salad & Bread, Chicken Mushroom Pie with Mushroom Ragout, and the Dim Sum Trio (Char Siu Pork Bun, Spinach Prawn Dumpling, Pork Siu Mai). Dim Sum, a traditional Chinese term meaning "Touching the Heart," promised an unforgettable tasting experience. The Pork Bun indeed lived up to its name, delighting my taste buds with the ideal balance of sweetness and savory flavors, complemented by the enticing Siu Mai. The dumplings, bursting with greens, complemented the meal.
A second dish was offered upon concluding, with the Smoked Salmon-avocado combination making for a perfect light bite before arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, readying me for tackling immigration queues.
State-of-the-art Amenities in Business Class
Equipped with spacious dedicated lavatories, stocked with necessities, and an array of thoughtful amenities, the Business Class cabin is designed with every passenger's comfort in mind.
Sporting Cerruti 1881 kits, each Business Class passenger receives a toothbrush kit, earplugs, eyeshade, sleeping socks, Payot moisturizer & lip balm, a foldable comb, and stickers (e.g., "Do Not Disturb," "Wake Me for Meals").
When it comes to warmth and comfort, warm pillows, thick blankets, and house slippers ensure a snug flight. However, the thick blanket may be too warm for individuals sensitive to overheating.
Fly High with an Entertaining Inflight Experience
Treat yourself to a movie marathon on the slightly larger Business Class screen, offering a more immersive cinematic experience than Premium Economy. Choose from Korean, Western, or Vietnamese movies, plus music and an inflight map displaying altitude, heading, and speed. Although features like a HUD view or an external camera would elevate the experience, the current system is functional and sufficient.
An IFE remote is provided, along with Vietnam Airlines-branded wired headphones-an upgrade from the Premium Economy offerings. Though not as luxurious as top-tier headphones, these are ideally suited for long flights.
Service that Stands Above the Rest
Vietnam Airlines' unmatched hospitality was on full display during the VN772 flight, with Business Class passengers receiving plentiful attention, nonetheless, the entire crew consistently excelling at delivering top-tier service. Notable moments included crew members frequently engaging with infants in the row and offering tea and nuts upon awakening. Small, yet considerate gestures like these, together with the Chief Purser personally greeting passengers, further underscore why Vietnam Airlines exemplifies exceptional service.
Penny for Your Thoughts
Pondering your choice between carriers on the SYD – SGN route? Vietnam Airlines' Business Class presents a tempting proposition. The limited number of carriers serving this route and the lack of high-frequency service means that passengers seeking a full-service experience may find themselves gravitating towards Vietnam Airlines. Alternatively, budget-conscious travelers may consider VietJet for more affordable prices, albeit with fewer perks, or Jetstar, which is currently absent from the Summer 2025 season schedule based on their booking platform.
Ultimately, the question becomes: How much are you prepared to invest in a Business Class flight?
At Sydney International, Business Class passengers of Vietnam Airlines are extended access to the SkyTeam Alliance Lounge, offering a tranquil escape from the airport's bustling facilities. The smaller-scale but cozy lounge accommodates up to 100 guests, featuring plenty of seating, an impressive apron view, and ample dining options, rendering it a suitable haven for pre-flight relaxation.
- Airline News: In the realm of airline news, Vietnam Airlines' culinary offerings on their Business Class flights have been praised for their deliciousness, making headlines as one of the best in-flight dining experiences in the industry.
- Lifestyle: When considering a long-haul flight, integrating elements of lifestyle enters the equation. For instance, Vietnam Airlines caters to the needs of passengers with thoughtful amenities, such as Cerruti 1881 kits, warm pillows, thick blankets, and house slippers, ensuring a comfortable journey.
- Sports and Entertainment: If you're fond of staying entertained while flying, Vietnam Airlines' inflight system offers an extensive selection of movies, music, and even live TV. To make your viewing experience more immersive, the Business Class screen is slightly larger than those offered in Premium Economy, allowing you to enjoy your entertainment in greater comfort.
