Critique of Vietnam Airlines' Economy Class Experience
Flyin' with Vietnam Airlines' A321 Economy Class: A Decent Short-Haul Experience
06 February, 2025
Nicholas Ling
Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City on VN650
Let's hop aboard Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A321 for a short-haul journey between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, hitting the runway on Flight VN650.
The Aircraft
Our 12-year-old ride, VN-A397, is one of 62 A321s in Vietnam Airlines' fleet. It boasts a mix of A321CEOs and A321NEOs, predominantly used on domestic routes. This specific plane boasts 16 Business Class seats in a 2-2 layout and 168 Economy seats in a comfortable 3-3 arrangement. Lucky for us, we got upgraded to a bulkhead seat in 10C, just behind the Business Class partition!
The Route
This popular route connects travelers seeking cultural experiences. Four carriers offer 68 weekly flights, with Vietnam Airlines dominating the narrow-body fleet. While this route once saw service from VN's flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliners, today's flight reflects consistent demand for this service.
4 / 5
Vietnam Airlines' A321 economy seating offers a practical yet straightforward experience, much like other short-haul economy products. Each seat comes with comfortable cushioning, an 81 cm (32 inch) seat pitch, and a backrest recline of 11.5 cm. The firm armrests, which house foldable, adjustable tray tables, contribute to a surprisingly spacious feel in the narrow-body aircraft layout.
5 / 5
With high expectations from previous flights with Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines didn't disappoint. From boarding to deplaning, the hospitality was exceptional, with every crew member interacting with passengers in a warm and courteous manner. The cabin crew's warm and welcoming expressions were a constant throughout the journey.
5 / 5
Our two-hour journey to Ho Chi Minh City included a meal service reminiscent of a late lunch. The chicken with rice in sauce, accompanied by seasoned vegetables, was flavorful and comforting, much like soul food. Each bite was tender and tasty, perfectly complemented by the savory yet slightly sweet sauce.
4.5 / 5
The A321 doesn't offer personal IFE screens, but passengers can access the same IFE system found on seat-back screens of Vietnam Airlines' widebody aircraft via their mobile devices by connecting to the onboard LotuStar WiFi. The WiFi does not support internet browsing, but it's a pleasant surprise nonetheless. The seat pocket is well-stocked with a variety of items, including a "Heritage Guide" to Ho Chi Minh City-a handy resource for travelers eager to explore Saigon.
Despite the short 2-hour flight, blankets were still provided, although pillows are not available. The lavatories located at the rear of the A321 are kept clean and well-maintained throughout the flight, equipped with basic amenities.
9 / 10
Vietnam Airlines' short-haul economy product offers excellent value for money. The true value lies in the type of aircraft you fly on, as widebody aircraft provide a more comprehensive experience with onboard services comparable to Singapore Airlines' renowned service. Fares for Vietnam Airlines can sometimes drop if the flight is upgraded to a widebody aircraft, making it an even better value.
Regional Competition
Compared to other regional carriers, such as Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines' economy product on the A321 is competitive in terms of comfort and service. VietJet Air and Jetstar, LCCs, offer a more cost-effective option, but Vietnam Airlines provides a more comprehensive travel experience with included meal service, entertainment, and exceptional hospitality.
Vietnam Airlines' short-haul economy product on the A321 offers a solid balance of comfort, service, and cultural experience. While it may not stand out significantly from other full-service carriers in terms of amenities, it provides a reliable and satisfying travel experience, especially for those interested in exploring Vietnamese culture.
- Readers interested in exploring lifestyle and travel can find a review of Vietnam Airlines' A321 Economy Class experience, perfect for short-haul journeys like Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, in the latest airline news.
- Incorporating technology, passengers can access in-flight entertainment on their own devices via onboard WiFi, adding a modern touch to a traditional travel experience with Vietnam Airlines.
