Vietnam Airlines Business Class on the Ho Chi Minh City–Melbourne route costs upwards of A$5,400 one way – a significant step up from economy. But on an eight-hour overnight flight home from Vietnam, the question isn’t really whether you can afford to upgrade. It’s whether you can afford not to.
The seat and route
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Melbourne (MEL). Seat 2A (window) on an Airbus 350-900 aircraft.
8 hours.
Earning Lotusmiles points
You can accumulate Lotusmiles points on flights with Vietnam Airlines, a SkyTeam Alliance member. Membership also allows you to earn and redeem miles with Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines and more. Members can accrue bonus miles when using select banking, hotel and shopping services, and bonus miles can be redeemed against flights, seat upgrades and extra baggage.
Vietnam Airlines’ sustainability commitments
Vietnam Airlines is committed to paving the way for a sustainable future. Alongside targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, it is pioneering the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Vietnam and is committed to in-flight plastic reduction by transitioning to biodegradable packaging.
The Ho Chi Minh City airport experience: what to expect
My bag was labelled as “Business” and sent straight through from my initial departure airport, Cam Ranh, to Melbourne. This was a relief and shaved some time off what was an arduous airport line experience. It was an hour and 40 minutes of standing in line to get through immigration and security. By the time I made it through, I practically collapsed at the thought of a comfy chair in a private spot.
What is the Lotus Lounge like at Ho Chi Minh City airport?
Vietnam Airlines Business Class passengers get free access to the Lotus Lounge at Ho Chi Minh City airport. Turn right once you’ve emerged from the security and immigration lines and follow the signs to the Lotus Lounge. It’s calmer than you’d expect for an airport lounge. Floors are tiled with the airline’s signature colours, royal blue and gold. The lighting is soft and low, and there’s a Vietnamese aesthetic evident in the decor; deep navy armchairs with timber hardware are waiting to envelop a travel-weary body. There’s Wi-Fi and a business centre with desks in little alcoves, and the restrooms and separate shower are stocked with amenities.
The lounge isn’t enormous, but I don’t need to share with many other passengers. Entry includes soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits, plus some decent food options. A distinctly local touch: boiling broth enables guests to make pho. There’s also rice, and several pork, chicken and vegetarian dishes on offer. Breads, pastries, desserts and snacks are laid out.
How was the cabin and seat?
The Vietnam Airlines Business Class cabin is set up in a 1-2-1 formation, allowing aisle access for everyone, with 28 seats in total. I’m in the second row at the window, which is perfect, as I’m travelling solo. The middle seats would be good for couples travelling together. There are no baggage lockers above the middle rows of seats, so the cabin feels spacious.
The flight attendant covers my chair with a fresh quilt, then I sit down and fasten my padded seatbelts (an unexpected nod to comfort). There’s a little side bin for my phone and a bottle of water waiting for me. There’s a handy USB port and power points to charge devices, and a control pad to recline the seat to a full flatbed.
My feet are up on the footrest, where an amenity kit, headphones, pillow, blanket and slippers are stowed. The amenity kit is subject to change, but is usually presented in a stylish pouch, often in partnership with brands like Samsonite and premium Norwegian skincare line Sprekenhus. I don’t even have to turn my head to look out the window because the seats are at an angle. I love having all this private space for the whole flight.
The in-flight entertainment screen (15.4’’, approximately 39cm) is tucked away above the footrest on an angle. The seat also has a foldaway tray table, slide-up armrest, and a personal warm-glow reading light.
In-flight dining: Vietnamese taro soup, sugarcane prawns and a chardonnay from Puglia
At mealtime, a tablecloth is laid over my tray table, and real cutlery is wrapped in a napkin with a napkin ring. There’s both a Vietnamese and a Western menu. Before we take off, our orders are taken by very attentive flight attendants. I choose sesame chicken for my starter and a stir-fried beef dish for my main meal. The Edda San Marzano Winery chardonnay from Puglia, Italy, was a lovely addition. The grilled chicken and papaya salad are sweet, spicy and delicious with a tamarind sauce. It’s so fresh it could be straight from someone’s garden. The sugarcane prawn is equally impressive.
The attendant clears my starter dishes and delivers the main course: beef cooked in a rich sauce with rice and vegetables. The accompanying baguettes are warmed, and more wine is offered.
Dessert is a super sweet Vietnamese taro soup with coconut milk. My tray is whisked away the moment I signal I’m finished. This is such a luxury – not being trapped by my meal on the tray table – and I appreciate it.
At breakfast time I’m woken from a deep sleep and asked to choose between muesli and an omelette. A basket of warm bread is offered too. I’m too tired to eat, but I do pick at the muesli, and it’s lovely and crisp.
What is the in-flight entertainment like?
While every other passenger in the business class cabin reclines their flatbeds the moment the plane is in the air, I spend two hours watching a movie. There are TV shows, games, audio programmes, books and newspaper access. Friendly flight attendants are concerned that I’m not sleeping, but before long I’m lying down flat, pulling my blanket over myself and snoozing my way to Melbourne.
Does Vietnam Airlines Business Class offer Wi-Fi?
There was no Wi-Fi when I travelled, but that has since changed. Passengers can now enjoy Internet service (In-Flight Connectivity) on Vietnam Airlines flights operated with Airbus A350 aircraft. There’s a free 15-minute messaging package, after which the service becomes chargeable.
What was the in-flight service like?
Flight attendants are efficient and try to anticipate passengers’ needs. They help with baggage storage and are quick to serve drinks. When I need to use the facilities, a flight attendant rushes ahead to open the door for me. The bathroom is bigger at this end of the plane, and always clean, with the toilet paper folded into a neat triangle.
Is Vietnam Airlines Business Class worth it?
Vietnam Airlines Business Class on the Ho Chi Minh City–Melbourne route is a strong choice for the price. The A350-900 cabin offers a fully lie-flat bed in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning every seat has direct aisle access. The service, from pre-takeoff order-taking to the attentive crew throughout, is notably more personal than you’d expect at this price point. Luggage is first off the carousel, and deplaning is ahead of the rest of the cabin. For an eight-hour overnight flight back to Australia, the step up from economy or premium economy is significant.
The writer travelled with the support of The Westin Resort and Spa, Cam Ranh, and was upgraded to Business Class by the airline.
