Review of Vietnam Airlines' Short Haul Business Class Experience
Experience Enhanced Comfort and Service on Vietnam Airlines' Regional Business Class
Travellers seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable short-haul flight experience can look no further than Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class. A recent flight from Saigon to Singapore on route VN651 showcased the advantages of choosing Business Class over Economy.
The flight was operated using an A321-200 aircraft, delivered in 2013, and each Business Class seat offered a generous 45 inches of seat pitch, approximately 10 inches of recline, and extendable foot and leg rests. Seating in Business Class felt more spacious and comfortable compared to Economy, reducing any sense of claustrophobia sometimes reported there.
Two flight attendants served Business Class passengers even on this regional flight, ensuring attentive personalised service. The stewardess Minh Chau delivered impeccable customer service, making the flight a memorable experience.
Catering on regional Business Class flights has significantly improved, offering more than just bottled water despite the short duration. On this flight, an early lunch service was offered shortly after passing 10,000 feet, with an Oriental Fish selection as a meal option, featuring a casserole of fried rice with peas and carrots, paired with a seafood medley of fish and prawns.
Ground services such as check-in and baggage handling were efficient and convenient for Business Class travellers. Vietnam Airlines operates two separate lounges at Tan Son Nhat Hub, offering complimentary access to Business Class passengers, SkyTeam Alliance First/Business passengers, and LotusMiles Gold/Platinum/Million Miler members. The lounges provide convenient amenities, including shower facilities, a view of the apron, and a wide selection of beverages.
While in-flight entertainment screens were not available on the VN A321s, both in Business Class and Economy, passengers can access in-flight entertainment via a mobile-based system by connecting to the LotuStar WiFi. Additionally, passengers were offered a traditional pre-flight drink, with options including alcohol or a honey-based concoction, and each passenger was provided with a warm blanket.
It's worth noting that Business Class passengers are not offered amenity kits on this flight due to its short duration. However, for those seeking a more comprehensive travel package, Vietnam Airlines offers a round-trip Business Class package for approximately SGD 727.
In summary, the main benefits of choosing Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class on short-haul routes are greater comfort and space, higher-quality and improved catering, attentive service, and priority ground handling. These factors combined make for a more enjoyable and comfortable flight experience compared to Economy Class.
All these factors, including enhanced comfort, improved catering, attentive service, and priority ground handling, make Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class an excellent choice for travelers seeking a more enjoyable flight experience. savvy business travelers would find the technology-enabled in-flight entertainment system appealing, while those with a keen interest in lifestyle and luxury may appreciate the reliable and convenient ground services offered by the airline. For those needing financial clarity, it's worth noting that a round-trip Business Class package is available for around SGD 727. Therefore, investing in a Business Class ticket might prove to be a smart choice for both travel and finance enthusiasts alike.
