Vietnam Airlines Economy Class Assessment: An In-Depth Analysis

Vietnam Airlines Economy Class Assessment: An In-Depth Analysis

Catching a Quick but Cozy Ride with Vietnam Airlines

06 February, 2025

Nicholas Ling

Vietnam AirlinesEconomy Class

Route Flown

Singapore

Ho Chi Minh

Flight Number

VN650

Seat Number

10C

Date Flown

December 21, 2024

Embarking on the second leg of our four-flight voyage between Singapore and Sydney via Saigon with Vietnam Airlines, we find ourselves aboard an Airbus A321, affectionately known as VN-A397. This 12-year-old aircraft, one of 62 A321s in their fleet, offers a straightforward yet enjoyable economy experience on this short-haul trip.

Aircraft

With a 16-seat Business Class cabin in a 2-2 layout and 168 Economy seats spread across a 3-3 arrangement, this A321 is equipped to handle both long and short-haul journeys with comfort. While our initial seat assignment was 31A, a fortunate upgrade saw us snag the spacious bulkhead seat in 10C, just behind the Business Class partition.

Route

The Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City route maintains a steady popularity, owing to the city's rich cultural experiences. Four carriers serve this route, offering 68 weekly flights, with Vietnam Airlines taking a significant portion of the demand.

Interestingly, though this route was once flown by VN's flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliners, this flight underscores the consistent demand for narrow-body aircraft on this service.

Comfort and Convenience

Vietnam Airlines' economy seating offers a practical yet snug experience, comparable to other short-haul economy products. Each seat features comfortable fabric cushioning, an ample 81 cm (or 32-inch) seat pitch, 18-inch seat width, and a recline of 11.5 cm. In our bulkhead row, the generous legroom was a pleasant surprise.

Armrests, while firm, house adjustable tray tables, adding to the sense of spaciousness, making the seats feel surprisingly wide.

Warm Welcome

Starting from the boarding process, Vietnam Airlines’ hospitality shone through. With every cabin crew member extending courteous and warm interactions, a consistent smile felt synonymous with the brand.

Fueling our Journey

Our two-hour journey included a meal service, reminiscent of a late lunch, served shortly after climbing to 10,000 feet. For today's meal, I opted for the chicken with rice in sauce, accompanied by seasoned vegetables. Asian carriers, particularly Vietnam Airlines, excel in delivering exceptional Oriental-inspired catering.

In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

Although personal IFE screens are not available, passengers can access the same entertainment system found on Vietnam Airlines' widebody aircraft via mobile devices by connecting to the onboard LotuStar WiFi. This little-known feature adds a delightful surprise to the entertainment options.

Despite the short 2-hour flight, blankets were provided for all passengers, albeit pillows were not.

Clean and Maintained Facilities

The standard economy-class lavatories, located at the rear of the A321, were kept clean and well-maintained throughout the flight, equipped with basic amenities like hand soap and towels-perfectly adequate for domestic and short-haul routes.

Value for Money

Vietnam Airlines strikes an ideal balance between quality and affordability, offering a moderately priced experience that includes meal service, entertainment, and exemplary hospitality, making it worth the cost for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

For those seeking economy-class air travel, Vietnam Airlines provides a great choice for a satisfying, quick, and cozy flight experience.

1. The airline industry, specifically on the Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City route, sees a significant portion of demand catered to by Vietnam Airlines, with four carriers offering a combined 68 weekly flights.
2. While a Boeing 787 Dreamliner was previously used on this route, Vietnam Airlines continues to use narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A321, demonstrating the industry's need for versatility in transportation services.
3. For travelers seeking an affordable yet comfortable travel experience, Vietnam Airlines offers value for money, providing meal service, entertainment, and exceptional hospitality in the aviation sector, which significantly contributes to the traveler's lifestyle.

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