Review of Vietnam Airlines' Business Class for Short-Haul Flights
Vietnam Airlines' Business Class on the A321 Offers a Comfortable Short-Haul Experience
Saigon to Singapore: A Cozy and Ideal Journey
In a flight review awarded 10 out of 10, Nicholas Ling shares his experience flying Vietnam Airlines' Business Class on an A321 from Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Singapore's Changi Airport on flight VN651, detailing the comforts of this short-haul Business Class option.
The journey began at the busy yet compact Tan Son Nhat International Airport, with the A321 tried and tested for both domestic and regional routes operated by Vietnam Airlines. Delivered in 2013, the aircraft used for this flight, VN-A601, featured 16 Business Class seats in a comfortable 2-2 layout, alongside 168 Economy Class seats.
The Recliner Business Class seats, while not as luxurious as the Cirrus long-haul Business Class seats, proved exceptional for the short-haul journey. With a generous 45 inches of seat pitch and approximately 10 inches of recline, extended foot and leg rests, and ample seat width, these seats provided ample comfort throughout the flight. Adjustable controls on the side of the seat allowed passengers to fine-tune the settings during cruise, while a sturdy, stowable tray table was tucked away under the armrest.
In-flight entertainment screens were lacking on the VN A321s, but the meal service and takeoff/landing phases occupied most of the flight time, making this an insignificant drawback. Passengers were treated to an early lunch service shortly after takeoff, with an Oriental Fish selection as the popular choice. The meal was served with a garden salad, a fruit bowl for dessert, and a selection of breads with butter and jam.
The hospitality provided by the Business Class crew was exceptional. The impeccable customer service delivered by stewardess Minh Chau, who served during the entire flight, was truly memorable. The meal service, including the offering of an extra meal to sample the alternative option, was an added touch that made this flight stand out.
In comparison to its competition on the high-demand route between Singapore Changi and Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat, Vietnam Airlines offers a reasonable round-trip Business Class package at approximately SGD 727. Passengers flying Business Class with Vietnam Airlines can choose between two fare categories: Business Classic and Business Flex, with the latter offering additional benefits for frequent flyers.
At Vietnam Airlines' Tan Son Nhat Hub, Business Class passengers enjoy complimentary access to Lotus Lounges 1 and 2, offering comfort and relaxation before the flight, with shower facilities, a wide selection of beverages, and local cuisine available.
Overall, Vietnam Airlines' A321 Business Class for short-haul flights provides a comfortable and satisfying experience. While not as luxurious as other aircraft types, it offers comfortable seating, excellent service, and acceptable meal options. For passengers seeking a cost-effective option for short-haul trips, Vietnam Airlines' Business Class is a worthy choice.
In the realm of airline news, Nicholas Ling commends Vietnam Airlines' short-haul Business Class on the A321, acknowledging it as a cozy travel option from Saigon to Singapore, particularly on flight VN651. This thoughtfully crafted airline lifestyle choice also extends to home-and-garden comforts, with amenities like extended foot and leg rests and adjustable seat settings, making this a suitable short-haul travel pick.
