In-depth Assessment of Vietnam Airlines Premium Cabin Experience

Fly High with Vietnam Airlines: Unrivaled Business Class Experience

Score: 9.5/10

Date: 24th February, 2025

Writer: Nicholas Ling

Vietnam Airlines – Business Class

Route: Sydney ✈ Ho Chi Minh

Flight #: VN772

Seat #: 7A

Flight Date: December 22, 2024

Embark on a premier flying experience as we traverse the skies aboard Vietnam Airlines' Business Class, offering a myriad of exclusive perks that might seal your decision for your next long-haul Business Class trip.

Our journey begins at Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport, preparing for takeoff on VN772 en route to Ho Chi Minh City. Contrasting my outbound flight in Premium Economy, this time we venture into the upper echelons of the plane, relishing in the advantages that could tip the scales for your future long-haul travels.

Our vehicle for this voyage: the 6.8-year-old VN-A896, an Airbus A350-900 showcasing Vietnam Airlines' long-haul configuration, complete with Cirrus III Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout. These aircraft primarily cater to routes exceeding eight hours, like Paris and San Francisco.

It's essential to note that the airline's earlier A350s (VN-A886 to VN-A889) presented different Business Class seats and an Economy-style Premium Economy section, typically used for shorter routes and select long-hauls.

Dining Experience:This long-haul flight served two meal services, mirroring our inbound from Ho Chi Minh City.

Main Meal: Shortly after takeoff, menus were distributed, and meal selections were taken. I started with the Marinated Prawn With Salmon Tarator and Oriental Mayonnaise-an aromatic, seafood-rich dish that highlighted the salmon deliciously. My meal tray included a beverage of choice, a salad with cheese slices, mushroom soup with croutons, and delectable garlic bread. This garlic bread was so enticing that I devoured three pieces!

For the main, I opted for Steamed Ling Fillet Chinese-style with Fish Soy Sauce, Steamed Jasmine Rice, and Stir-fried Bok Choy-a tender, perfectly steamed fish dish that harmonized beautifully with the accompanying rice and sauce.

Desserts consisted of fresh fruit, a varied cheese-and-cracker selection. Assorted Cakes with Ice Cream concluded an exquisite service that left me feeling satiated, content, and eager for a cozy nap.

Refreshments: Before landing, a lighter second meal was served, featuring three options:

Smoked Salmon with Avocado Salad & Bread
Chicken Mushroom Pie with Mushroom Ragout
Dim Sum Trio (Char Siu Pork Bun, Spinach Prawn Dumpling, Pork Siu Mai)

For diners unacquainted with Dim Sum, it originates from Chinese culture and translates to "Touching the Heart". The Pork Bun, indeed, 'touched my heart' with its balanced sweet and savory flavors, accentuated by the alluring Siu Mai. The dumplings, brimming with greens, counterbalanced the meal.

In-Flight Entertainment:Business Class boasts a slightly larger screen than Premium Economy, heightening the movie experience. The entertainment system offers Korean, Western, and Vietnamese movies, along with music and a map displaying altitude, heading, and speed. Upgrades such as a HUD view or external camera would undoubtedly elevate the experience.

An IFE remote is supplied, together with Vietnam Airlines-branded wired headphones. While inferior to high-end headphones like Sony XM4/XM5, these are suitable for lengthy flights and represent an upgrade from Premium Economy's headphones.

Lavatory:The Business Class lavatories are slightly more spacious than those in Economy/Premium Economy, stocked with lotions, disposable cups, and razors.

Amenity Kit:Each Business Class passenger received a Cerruti 1881 kit, containing:

Toothbrush kit, earplugs, eyeshade, sleeping socks
Payot moisturizer & lip balm, foldable comb
Stickers (e.g., "Do Not Disturb," "Wake Me for Meals")

The contents are comprehensive, covering most essential items that might be required on an 8.5-hour flight.

Comfort:The seats come equipped with a soft pillow, thick blanket, and house slippers. While warm, the blanket may feel too thick for heat-sensitive passengers.

WiFi:Surprisingly, WiFi is absent on this long-haul flight.

As you deliberate your choices for the Sydney - SGN route, the scale leaning toward Business Class may depend on your willingness to splurge.

The routing, despite being highly demanded, is not extensively served by numerous carriers or with high frequency. At any given moment, there are 1-3 flights daily, with Vietnam Airlines offering the sole full-service Business Class product available.

Alternatives may include VietJet, a more affordable low-cost option, or Jetstar, which, according to their booking platform, does not offer any direct flights in the Summer 2025 season.

Ultimately, Business Class passengers on Vietnam Airlines' long-haul A350s can access the SkyTeam Alliance Lounge at Sydney International Airport. Upon entering the venue, guests are greeted by a wall of frames containing the logos of various SkyTeam Airlines, reminiscent of stepping into an aviation museum.

The lounge, although compact, can comfortably accommodate upwards of 100 guests at a time. Buffet spreads are organized into courses (salads/appetizers, brews, pastries, mains, and a bar). I found the lounge a worthwhile option to fully utilize, given the hustle and bustle of Sydney Airport's regular facilities and establishments. The tranquil atmosphere and spectacular apron view make for a refreshing and relaxing experience before your departure from Sydney.

4.5/5

Vietnam Airlines' long-haul A350s boast Safran Cirrus III Business Class seats in a reverse-herringbone layout, allowing passengers to recline nearly flat and enjoy direct aisle access. This seat type, shared by Cathay Pacific and Delta, offers ample legroom, personalized entertainment options, and a 15.4" retractable touchscreen IFE.

Each semi-private seat comes with a coat hook, storage bin, extendable armrests, and a minibar-style space for small items. The recline control panel, sturdy side-stowed tray table, and personal reading lights ensure comfort during the flight.

5/5

Vietnam Airlines' superior hospitality was evident throughout this Business Class flight. Though Business passengers might receive additional attention, VN's cabin crew consistently offers top-tier service, rivaling the best. The VN772 crew was warm, welcoming, and always attentive.

Notable moments included a crew member frequently engaging with an infant in my row and another offering me tea and nuts the moment I awakened. These thoughtful gestures, in combination with the Chief Purser personally greeting passengers, underscore why Vietnam Airlines continues to impress in service.

The unparalleled dining experience on Vietnam Airlines' Business Class showcases a range of cuisines, including the entertainment-rich Marinated Prawn With Salmon Tarator and fresh Dim Sum Trio for second meal service. [food, entertainment]
For travel enthusiasts searching for refined relaxation, the home-and-garden inspired SkyTeam Alliance Lounge at Sydney International Airport provides a tranquil retreat before your Vietnam Airlines Business Class flight. [travel, home-and-garden]
In the realm of sports, the wider screen and diverse entertainment options available in Vietnam Airlines' Business Class might become your new favorite halftime companion. [sports, entertainment]