Vietnam Airlines Economy Class Evaluation: Insightful Examination of Affordable Flying Comfort with Vietnam Airlines' Economy Class
Flight Review 🛬🛬🛬🛬💫
February 6, 2025
Author: Nicholas Ling
Plane Cabin: Vietnam Airlines Economy Class
Route: Singapore 🐍 > Ho Chi Minh City 🇻🇳
Flight Number: VN650
Seat Number: 10C
Date Flown: December 21, 2024
This journey marks the second leg of our four-flight adventure between Singapore and Sydney via Saigon, this time aboard Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A321.
The Aircraft ✈️
Our steed for this short ride, VN-A397, is a 12-year-old A321-200, delivered to Vietnam Airlines back in 2012. It boasts a fleet of 62 A321s, including both A321CEOs and A321NEOs, focusing mainly on domestic routes. Interestingly, our original seat was 31A, but we scored an upgrade to the bulkhead seat at 10C just beyond the Business Class partition.
The Route 🗺️
The Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City route sees a surge in travellers seeking cultural experiences. It's covered by four carriers providing 68 weekly flights on both widebody and narrowbody aircraft, with Vietnam Airlines being the main player using narrow-body planes for this route. Previously, this route was flown by VN's flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliners; however, the A321 now stands as a testament to consistent demand for this particular service.
Seat Comfort 💤
Vietnam Airlines' A321 economy seating offers a functional yet comfortable experience, making it ideal for the price of a ticket. Each seat comes with a 81 cm (32 inch) seat pitch, an 18 inch seat width, and a backrest recline of 11.5 cm. Today, seating in the bulkhead row opened up a generous legroom space, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stretch out.
Service Quality 🍽️🥂
Setting the bar high after experiencing Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways just a few months prior, Vietnam Airlines surpassed expectations, delivering exceptional service from start to finish. From boarding to deplaning, the crew went above and beyond, greeting passengers with warm, courteous smiles, ready to cater to passenger needs.
Meal Service 🍽️
The two-hour flight included a meal service, which reminded us of a late lunch. I opted for the chicken with rice in sauce, coupled with seasoned vegetables. The meal was a delight – tender, flavorful, and comforting. Vietnam Airlines swiftly takes the crown for exceptional Oriental-inspired catering.
In-Flight Entertainment 📺
Personal in-flight entertainment screens weren’t available in either economy or business class on VN-A397. However, the mobile-based entertainment option made up for it, allowing passengers to access the same entertainment found on the seat-back screens of Vietnam Airlines' widebody aircraft by connecting to the onboard LotuStar WiFi.
Amenities
- Travel enthusiasts may find interest in the latest airline news, as Vietnam Airlines has switched from using Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Airbus A321s for the Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City route, showcasing the consistent demand for this service.
- For those seeking a blend of lifestyle and technology, utilizing mobile-based entertainment options on flights, like the one offered by Vietnam Airlines for their narrow-body fleet, can enhance the travel experience, allowing passengers to access the same entertainment found on seat-back screens of widebody aircraft via onboard WiFi.
