Detailed Assessment of Vietnam Airlines' Business Class Experience
Fly High with Vietnam Airlines' Business Class (Score: 9.5/10)
24th February, 2025
By: Nicholas Ling
Vietnam Airlines scrapes the sky with its lavish Business Class offering. Let's buckle up and hop aboard VN772 as we soar from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City!
Decked out in Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport, we're readying for takeoff, bound for Ho Chi Minh City. Today's journey will be spent in the posh business cabins of an Airbus A350-900, a marvel of modern aviation.
Our beloved bird, the 6.8-year-old VN-A896, sports Vietnam Airlines' state-of-the-art layout, boasting Cirrus III Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone style. These sleek seats dominate the long-haul routes, such as those to Paris and San Francisco.
This ain't our first rodeo. You might remember our previous tango with Vietnam Airlines' A350, but this time we're zooming to the front cabin, ready to net the perks that could seal the deal for your long-haul business adventurers.
You may ask, "What sets the older A350, VN-A896, apart from the first four, VN-A886 to VN-A889?" Well, bud, the juniors rocked Stelia Solstys Business Class seats and Economy-style Premium Economy, while our mate, VN-A896, flaunts a dedicated Premium Economy zone alongside the sophisticated Cirrus III Business Class alcoves.
The drama doesn't end here. As we jetted off, our tummies rumbling, we reveled in the knowledge of two delectable meal services. Yep, you read that right: feast at 30,000 feet, twice!
Meal Number Uno:No sooner had we kissed the ground goodbye, menus were thrust at our faces, and we were forced to commit to a life-changing gastronomic decision. In my case, it was the Marinated Prawn with Salmon Tarator and Oriental Mayonnaise-a dance of flavors that raised my spirits sky-high. The star of this show? You guessed it: the succulent salmon.
Meal time was about more than just scoffing. There was also a salad, smooth mushroom soup, a side of irresistible garlic bread (I wolfed down three slices), and a drink of choice.
The Main Event: I dug into a Steamed Ling Fillet Chinese-style, slathered in Fish Soy Sauce, paired with a mountain of Stir-fried Bok Choy, and a heaping bowl of Jasmine Rice. The fish burst with flavor and harmonized beautifully with the sauce, rice, and veggies.
Dessert was a feast in itself, with fresh fruit, an extravagant assortment of cheese, delectable cakes, and Ice Cream to finish things off. The service was to die for, leaving me satisfied, comfortably packed, and ready for that all-important mid-flight shut-eye.
Meal Number Dos:As we neared our destination, we were served a lighter meal, consisting of 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)
Unfamiliar with Dim Sum? No worries, pal. It's a traditional Chinese delicacy that translates to "Touching the Heart". And, boy, did the Pork Bun ever tug at mine! Steaming hot, its perfect balance of sweet and savory left an unforgettable impression.
The dumplings, filled with leafy greens, offered a delicious contrast to the rich Pork Bun. After cleaning my plate, the crew generously offered a second dish, which I devoured with relish. The Smoked Salmon, complemented by the creamy avocado, was the ideal light bite before we touched down in Ho Chi Minh City.
What about those top-notch gadgets, you ask? Business Class bestows a slightly larger screen than Premium Economy, rivaling Hollywood for our movie enjoyment. The system caters to Korean, Western, and Vietnamese flicks, plus music, and an inflight map to keep our curiosity piqued.
A remote and Vietnam Airlines-branded, wire-bound headphones are provided for our entertainment needs. The headphones may not be audiophile worthy, but they sure do the trick for long flight escapades and are a step up from the Premium Economy set.
Now, let's talk about lavatories. Business Class lavatories are ever so slightly roomier than their Economy and Premium Economy siblings, offering a touch of luxury amidst the clouds.
Each passenger bagging a Business Class seat receives a classy Cerruti 1881 amenity kit while we're at cruising altitude. This swanky kit includes:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Earplugs, eye mask, and sleeping socks
- Payot moisturizer and lip balm
- Foldable comb
- Stickers (e.g., "Do Not Disturb," "Wake Me for Meals")
Our comfort was further ensured by warm pillows, thick blankets, and house slippers, though the blanket might be too toasty for those susceptible to overheating.
WiFi wasn't available on this long-haul flight, but who needs it when you're sipping on cocktails in a snazzy Business Class lounge, basking in the spectacular runway view? Word on the street is that Vietnam Airlines' long-haul A350s serve up some serious hospitality.
Indeed, the airline's stellar service was on full display throughout VN772. While Business passengers may receive a tad more attention, VN's cabin crew always delivers top-tier service, often rivaling the best. Their discretion, warmth, and attentiveness are a thing of beauty, further cementing Vietnam Airlines' reputation as an airline par excellence.
Ultimately, ponder the value you place on a Business Class flight when making your choice. The route from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City may be in high demand, but not many airlines battle it out fiercely, with our dear Vietnam Airlines being the sole full-service Business Class player in the game.
When wandering the luxe halls of Sydney's International Airport, Vietnam Airlines' Business Class passengers are entitled to a taste of paradise, with exclusive access to the. . .[Removed due to word count limits. Inquire for full review if needed.]
So, there you have it. Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350-900 Business Class seats strike a more intimate, plush, and exclusive chord than their Premium Economy counterparts. While deciding whether to splurge on a Business Class ticket, keep in mind the myriad differences in seat layout, space, amenities, service, and technology. Ultimately, the question remains: how much bling are you willing to flaunt for that Business Class experience?
Clink clink! Here's to fabulous flights and extraordinary mouthfuls!
In the realm of airline news, the upscale lifestyle of Vietnam Airlines' Business Class continues to soar, making it an enticing option for travelers seeking home-and-garden-worthy in-flight experiences. Experience a delightful fusion of gastronomy and hospitality, as the airline unveils two delectable meal services during their long-haul flight from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, providing a memorable travel experience that blends the best of lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel trends.
