Detailed Evaluation of Vietnam Airlines' Business Class Travel Experience
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Departure Date: December 22, 2024
Flight Review: Vietnam Airlines Business Class on Route VN772 (Sydney to Ho Chi Minh)
Nicholas Ling embarked on his most anticipated flight review, securing a seat in the Business Class cabin of Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350-900 for the Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City journey (VN772). This aircraft boasts the airline's long-haul configuration, and the experience, Nicholas found, could sway your decision for your upcoming long-haul Business Class travel.
Our boarding took place at Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport, marking the beginning of a luxurious flight. Unlike his first leg on the Premium Economy seat (covered here), this time, the forward cabin awaited him, delivering standout perks that could make a significant difference in your long-haul Business Class trip.
Vietnam Airlines' 6.8-year-old VN-A896 houses Cirrus III Business Class seats, arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout. This configuration is mainly reserved for their long-haul routes, such as Paris and San Francisco, although their initial four A350s (VN-A886 to VN-A889) come equipped with Stelia Soltys seats and Economy-style Premium Economy for short-haul and select long-haul flights.
The airline's service included two meal services, mirroring the experience of the inbound flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
First Meal Service: Immediately after takeoff, passengers were provided with menus, offering a range of meal choices. Nicholas opted for the Marinated Prawn with Salmon Tarator and Oriental Mayonnaise, a delightful seafood starter with the salmon standing out as a standout ingredient. The meal tray included a choice of beverages, a salad with cheese slices, mushroom soup with croutons, and the irresistible garlic bread, which Nicholas couldn't resist having three slices of.
For the main course, he savoried the Steamed Ling Fillet Chinese-style with Fish Soy Sauce, Steamed Jasmine Rice, and Stir-fried Bok Choy, a perfectly steamed dish that harmonized beautifully with the rice and sauce.
Desserts included fresh fruit, a cheese-and-cracker selection, along with Assorted Cakes with Ice Cream, enhancing the excellent service that left Nicholas feeling satisfied and prepared for a long nap.
Second Meal Service: Before landing, passengers were presented with a lighter meal, featuring 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). For the unfamiliar, the latter and third option is commonly referred to as Dim Sum, which translates to "Touching the Heart" in Chinese culture.
Nicholas found the Pork Bun particularly endearing, combining sweet and savory flavors, while the Siu Mai added a delightful touch to the meal. The dumplings, filled with greens, balanced the meal nicely.
Business Class passengers aboard the A350 benefit from a larger screen for an enhanced movie experience, offering a selection of Korean, Western, and Vietnamese films, music, and an inflight map displaying altitude, heading, and speed. Although functional, advanced features such as a Head-Up Display (HUD) or external camera would be welcome additions.
An IFE remote and Vietnam Airlines-branded wired headphones were provided. While not of Sony XM4/XM5 quality, they served as suitable items for long flights, representing an upgrade from the ones in Premium Economy.
Business Class features two dedicated lavatories at the front, slightly larger than those in Economy or Premium Economy compartments, stocked with essentials such as lotions, disposable cups, and razors.
Each Business Class traveler receives a Cerruti 1881 amenity kit, including a toothbrush kit, earplugs, an eyeshade, sleeping socks, Payot moisturizer & lip balm, a foldable comb, and stickers (e.g., "Do Not Disturb," "Wake Me for Meals" stickers).
The aircraft's comfortable seats come with pillows, blankets, and house slippers, although the blanket's thickness may feel too warm for those who tend to overheat. Intriguingly, Wi-Fi is not available on this long-haul flight.
When weighing options for the SYD-SGN route, it's essential to consider the offerings of various carriers. Vietnam Airlines' Business Class service on the A350 is the only full-service product available. VietJet offers a more affordable but limited-perks low-cost option, while Jetstar does not provide direct flights during the summer 2025 season.
Ultimately, the question remains: How much are you ready to spend on a Business Class flight? At Sydney International, Vietnam Airlines' Business Class passengers gain access to the SkyTeam Alliance Lounge when the airline lacks its own on-site facilities.
Inside the lounge, guests are greeted by a wall adorned with logos of SkyTeam Airlines, evoking a sense of nostalgia for aviation enthusiasts. The cozy lounge can accommodate 100 guests comfortably at any given time, with buffet spreads divided into courses: salads/appetizers, brews, pastries, mains, and a bar. The lounge makes for an ideal relaxation space, providing a calm atmosphere and spectacular apron views before departing.
Vietnam Airlines' long-haul A350 Business Class features Safran Cirrus III seats in a reverse-herringbone layout that angling passengers towards the window. These seats offer a nearly lie-flat bed, direct aisle access, and a 15.4" retractable touchscreen IFE system.
The seats include a coat hook, storage bin, extendable armrests, and a minibar-style space for small items, providing ample legroom, personal reading lights, and a sturdy side-stowed tray table.
Throughout the flight, Vietnam Airlines' signature hospitality shone brightly, with attendants offering attentive service that rivaled the best in the industry. Even though Business Class passengers may receive additional attention, Vietnam Airlines' crew members consistently delivered top-tier service, making them a leader in the industry.
Whether you're an avid flyer or looking to stretch your legs for a comfortable long-haul flight, Vietnam Airlines could offer a compelling choice for your travels.
- In the realm of airline news, the latest review on Vietnam Airlines' Business Class on the Route VN772 (Sydney to Ho Chi Minh) showcases an exceptional lifestyle experience, complete with food-and-drink offerings that cater to diverse tastes during travel.
- For sports enthusiasts and travelers alike, it's worth noting that although the long-haul A350 flight does not offer Wi-Fi, the on-ground experience at Sydney International Airport includes access to the SkyTeam Alliance Lounge, offering an array of sports channels to catch up on the latest news and updates before departure.
