Detailed Assessment of Vietnam Airlines' Business Class Travel Experience
Blazing a Trail Across the Skies – A Wild, Uncensored Review
Welcome, travel junkies! Today we're going to ride the wings of fire on Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350-900 – a beast of a bird that'll take you from the bustling streets of Sydney to the pulsating heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Our journey commences at the infamous Kingsford Smith Airport, where we grit our teeth as we bid adieu to the land Down Under. Today we're flying in the Forward Cabin, a realm of luxury and extravagance, hallowed ground for those embarking on long-haul Business Class trips. But first, let's get a taste of the metal we're riding on – the 6.8-year-old VN-A896, the A-Team of aircraft!
This A-lister features Vietnam Airlines' signature long-haul configuration, resplendent with Cirrus III Business Class seats in a plush, reverse herringbone layout (1-2-1, baby!). And if you think that's all it's packing, think again – this chick's got a dedicated Premium Economy section, too. You'll usually find these jets on routes that last eight hours or more, like Paris and San Francisco.
But enough about its past relationships – you deserve the inside scoop on the in-flight experience! Let's deep-dive into the main event: the meals.
Tempt Your Palate – Dining for the Gods
You thought airplane food meant rubbery chicken and mystery-gravy? Think again, son! This long-haul flight, like our return from Ho Chi Minh City, brought two heavenly meal services to the table (literally).
First Course – Lunch Service:Y'all gonna wanna strap in and brace yourselves for this – shortly after we cranked up the gears, menus were dished out, and heaven descended into our laps! Seafood lovers, unite! I started with the Marinated Prawn with Salmon Tarator and Oriental Mayonnaise. It was a light, flavorful dish that had me dancing in my seat. But the Salmon was the real superstar here – it stole the show!
Next, the main event came out. I'd had a craving for some Steamed Ling Fillet Chinese-style with Fish Soy Sauce, Steamed Jasmine Rice, and Stir-fried Bok Choy. The heavenly trinity melted together, creating a symphony of taste that had my taste buds doing the tango!
And of course, no feast is complete without dessert! Fresh fruit, a variety of cheeses, and assorted cakes with ice cream were the perfect cherry on top of this banquet. So if you're a glutton like me, skip the nutritional advice and dig into this gastronomical delight!
Encore – Refreshments Service:Before we touched down in Ho Chi Minh City, a lighter second meal was paraded down the aisle, offering 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)
Admit it – unless you're some sort of vegetarian saint, the last option sounded more like 'Heaven in a Basket' than anything else. And let me tell you, the Pork Bun hit the spot! It was steaming hot, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory, a true testament to the tantalizing delights of Dim Sum.
Take a Front-Row Seat to Entertainment
Alrighty, enough about the nosh – let's talk about what you'll be doing between gorging sessions. The Business Class seats come with a larger screen than Premium Economy, amplifying your movie experience. The system offers Korean, Western, and Vietnamese movies, plus music and an inflight map displaying everything from your altitude to your speed.
While it's cool, features like a HUD view or external camera would MAC-the-tricks-up a bit. But hey, you get what you pay for!
Swagging Out in Business Class
Now let's talk specifics – what sets Business Class apart from Premium Economy? For starters, the seats! Business Class passengers are treated to gently reclined thrones, boasting a comfortable 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout that'll have you feeling like a king.
The seats themselves are equipped with adjustable headrests, in-seat massage functionality, coat hooks, storage bins, and extendable armrests. And if that wasn't enough, each seat even has a minibar-style space for storing your personal items. It's all about the VIP treatment, baby!
Legroom is spacious, with a nearly one-meter-deep foot cubby, personal reading lights, a sturdy side-stowed tray table, and a recline control panel. So buckle up, my friends, because you're in for a comfy ride!
Staying Fresh in the Lavatory
Business Class amenities even extend to the lavatories, boasting a sense of style and cleanliness that'll make you forget you're aboard a metal bird. Carrying a hint of luxury, each lavatory comes stocked with lotions, disposable cups, razors, and more.
Sleeping in Style – Amenity Kits
Each passenger is showered with a Cerruti 1881 amenity kit, brimming with essentials like toothbrush kits, earplugs, eye shades, socks, and a set of stickers (like "Do Not Disturb" or "Wake Me for Meals"). With a selection of high-quality skincare products, you'll be treated like royalty.
Snug as a Bug in a Rug – ComfortSoft pillows, thick blankets, and house slippers await you in Business Class, ensuring you're wrapped in warmth and comfort for the length of your flight. While snug, the blanket might be a tad too thick for those more prone to overheating.
Stay Connected – WiFiYeah, you heard it right – no WiFi on this long-haul flight! But hey, we all need a break from the digital world every once in a while, right?
The Great Airline Debate: How Deep in Your Pocket?
Now the question on everyone's lips – how much are you willing to shell out for a Business Class flight? The route from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City is a hot commodity, with only a handful of carriers offering service.
Vietnam Airlines boasts the only full-service Business Class product available, making it a tempting option. But if you're looking for a more affordable fare with fewer frills, VietJet's low-cost alternative might be worth considering.
Jetstar, however, currently does not offer any direct flights in the Summer 2025 season. So, my fellow swashbucklers, the choice is yours – splurge for luxury or save your hard-earned coin?
A Luxe Oasis Amidst the Madness – Airport Lounges
Finally, for Business Class passengers, Vietnam Airlines treats you like VIPs, offering access to the SkyTeam Alliance Lounge at Sydney International Airport. Stepping into this haven, you'll be greeted by a wall of aircraft insignias, reminding you that you've struck gold.
The lounge may not be the size of a football field, but it comfortably accommodates upwards of 100 guests at a time. With various buffet spreads, multiple seating areas, and a bar, you'll find plenty to keep you satisfied as you wait for boarding. The space offers a welcome respite from the chaos of the airport, providing a splendid sanctuary as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure.
In conclusion, Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350-900 offers an unparalleled Business Class experience, boasting fully lie-flat seats, spacious lavatories, gourmet dining, and luxurious amenities that raise the bar for air travel. So buckle up, let loose your inner rebel, and prepare for liftoff – I'll meet you on the tarmac, my friends!
- Delving deeper into the realms of entertainment and lifestyle, the highly-anticipated food-and-drink options aboard Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350-900 are arguably the cherry on top of this delightful travel experience – each meal service a culinary adventure worthy of a gastronome's review.
- As the journey concludes with a refreshing flight from Ho Chi Minh City back to Sydney, the entertainment layout aboard the Vietnam Airlines' Business Class cabin is another aspect that contributes to an exceptional travel experience – with state-of-the-art screens, a diverse selection of movies, music, and an inflight map, passengers are truly in for a significant cinematic and auditory adventure.
