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Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy offers passengers is a great option for those who appreciate a little extra space and a fast-tracked airport experience.
The seat and route
Melbourne (MEL) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Seat 10A (window and bulkhead) on an Airbus 350-900 aircraft.
7 hours, 40 minutes.
From A$1,947 return. A$1,164 one way.
Is there a loyalty scheme and sustainability program?
You can accumulate Lotus Miles points on flights with Vietnam Airlines and their partner SkyTeam Alliance offers code-share flights in Australia with Virgin, Qantas and Air New Zealand. Members can also accrue points using affiliated credit cards and collect bonus miles when using MobiFone services, by purchasing MIC insurance and by shopping. Bonus miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades and extra baggage.
Vietnam Airlines is committed to its green sky strategy. They’re adopting a range of CO2 emissions reduction methods and implementing fuel saving solutions by limiting cargo weight and optimising flight routes. The airline also uses SAF aviation fuel made from cooking oil, agricultural waste and animal fats.
How was the airport experience?
Taking the priority line and being given a pass for quick access to whiz through the security rigmarole was a dream. There’s a priority boarding lane and we were called to board first. At the same time the whole plane was also then invited so I ended up in a long line but it wasn’t stressful.
It’s a long walk to Gate 20; the last gate at Melbourne Airport. There are very few power points available at this end of the international terminal so come with your devices well charged and bring a portable charger in case of delays. There are power points on the console between the Vietnam Airlines seats but you’ll need to remember your international adapter. I didn’t, but a flight attendant kindly lent me her portable charger and insisted I use it until my phone was at 100 per cent.
My bag was labelled “Priority” so it was waiting for me by the time I arrived at the baggage carousel. I loved this service. I was transiting to the domestic terminal in Ho Chi Minh City and didn’t have any time to waste.
Is there lounge access?
Lounge access with Vietnam Airlines is for Business Class passengers only but other passengers can purchase access to Marhaba Lounge which is located in the international departures terminal, between gates 9 and 11. Take the escalator up to Level 3. The Marhaba Lounge has free wifi, showers, massage chairs and a barista. Buffet dining, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are complimentary.
How was the cabin and seat?
The Premium Economy cabin has 40 seats in a 2-4-2 formation. I was in the bulkhead at the window. The seat has an adjustable headrest and footrest and reclines 6 inches (13-15 centimetres) with a spacious pitch of 36 inches (91 centimetres).
The cabin has large overhead bins for baggage but it still feels roomy. Pillows and blankets are waiting on seats when we board. Entertainment systems and foldaway tray tables are stowed in armrests.
There’s no wifi on this flight. Some will be pleased they can’t log on but those who want to use a day flight to work will need to ensure their documents are accessible offline.
How was the in-flight dining and drinks?
Wine and spirits are offered with lunch and a warm bread roll is placed on the tray alongside a stir-fried chicken dish with carrots and bamboo shoots with lemongrass and a hint of spice, and rice. It’s a mild, tasty introduction to Vietnamese food for those who are new to it. There’s also a salmon potato salad with a creamy mustard seed dressing, a mixed nuts snack pack, fresh fruit and a square of cheesecake with a super sweet mandarin jelly topping for dessert. Tea and coffee are offered regularly.
Dinner comes about two hours before the end of the flight at 5pm (1pm local time). The cabin lights go on and an attendant appears with another tray of hot towels. I choose com rang hãí sãn – fried rice with seafood and vegetables – and enjoy a strawberry yoghurt and a warm roll too. It’s all my childhood favourites on a plate.
What was the in-flight service like?
Before the flight departs, a hot towel is offered with tongs, then a glass of water or juice. I’m also given a set of slippers in a bag. A lovely little box with eyeshade and earplugs is delivered after the first meal, two hours into the flight. Headphones are provided but if you want high quality sound, bring your own.
For in-flight entertainment, passengers can read The Heritage magazine which contains some lovely Vietnamese and other Asian destination stories in a mix of English and Vietnamese. The electronic entertainment features movies, audiobooks, TV shows, games, a kids channel, and a reader which gives access to world newspapers. Personal screens are 10.6 inches (27cm).
I start to watch a movie but 10 minutes into it the screen goes black. Audio, TV and games are also down. After a bit of mucking around and resetting (not only mine but my neighbouring empty seat’s) to no avail, I’m offered an iPad instead which works! I recline to watch one of the Vietnamese films, trying to gain some insight into modern Vietnamese culture before I arrive.
A nice touch is the high-end French brand GERnétics face lotion and moisturiser, which is available in the bathroom along with razors, combs, toothbrushes, etc.
The service is elegant and delightful. Attendants move quietly and gently through the cabin at all times.
A final thought
The extra space alone makes the flight far more enjoyable than when you have a seat in the rear of the plane. Even without the lovely service and good quality food, it’s worth the dollars to have a little extra space.
We disembark before the economy passengers and I arrive fresh and ready to transit to my intended destination and get started on my wellness holiday program at The Westin Resort and Spa in Cam Ranh.
The writer travelled with support of The Westin Resort and Spa, Cam Ranh, and was upgraded to Premium Economy by the airline.
