When Vietnam Airlines invited me on their Sydney to Hanoi A350 route — business class, no less — I was beyond excited to pop two cherries: I’d never been to Vietnam and never flown Business Class.
Other than peeking my head into Business Class as I boarded planes and being told, ‘Once you go Business Class, you won’t go back to Economy’, I had absolutely no expectations when seeing how the other side live travel.
Keep reading to read my first thoughts on Business Class after many years of feeling just fine in Economy.
What Are the Differences Between Economy and Business Class?
My suspicions were correct: being a passenger in Business Class means you are treated like royalty and quite literally wined and dined (more on that below). Also, I’m talking about Vietnam Airlines specifically, but I’m sure it’s the case with other airlines.
My flight attendant didn’t even let me hang my shirt on the supplied hanger! But this — for me, at least — is not the perk of Business Class, even though the slippers were a nice touch! It’s the level of comfort you just can’t achieve in Economy.
Allow me to explain. The seat’s recline lets you feel relaxed, like you’re at home on the couch for the in-flight entertainment experience (the monitor is 15 inches for movies and TV shows, as opposed to 10.6 inches for both economy levels).
The seat went fully horizontal, eventually turning into a bed and assisted with a footrest. I kid you not when I say it’s the best sleep I’ve ever had on a flight (and I’ve had some good ones!). For context, Economy reclines up to six inches in comparison. All seating positions are managed by an in-built control system, which also allows you to promptly get into a preset “upright”, “relax” or “bed” position.
Privacy is sensational in Business Class. Of course, there is no one next to you like economy — no one to get up for when going to the toilet. Although I was on the flight with others I knew, I couldn’t even see a snippet of who was in front of me due to the barriers between the seats, and I never felt like an imposition to who I was in front of.
It’s really like you’re in your own little pod-like world, but you’re not on a Netflix show and expected to propose to a stranger in the process.
Note: My return A350-941 flight (Hanoi to Sydney) was slightly different because my seat was diagonal, the tray was foldable, and the screen was moveable, to name a few (see what I mean in the image below). Both were comfortable, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the A350-900.
What Was the Business Class Food Like?
I actually like economy plane food and don’t know what all the judgy fuss is about. However, Business Class was a full-blown dining experience beyond some restaurants I’ve been to.
Upon boarding for a lunch menu, I could choose from a duck or salmon appetiser then from BBQ lamb rack, Vietnamese stir-fried beef fillet, sear-braised duck breast or pan-seared salmon fillet for the main.
All came with a salad, soup, and a bread selection (including garlic, French brown, oatmeal, sourdough, and ciabatta). If you thought you were done, desserts, including fine cheeses, fresh fruits, miniature pastries, and black forest ice cream, were offered.
You also choose a beverage (I got the Hello Vietnam signature cocktail to get in the spirit) and coffee or tea to finish. To say I was full by the end would be a severe understatement. But what a way to prepare for a trip to Vietnam that is bound to be full of many exciting tastes and flavours.
Then (we’re not done!), a light dinner was a choice of three options: a cold plate including prosciutto, terrine half and bush tomato chutney served with bread, a chunky beef pie with pureed green peas and onion basil or chicken satay with vegetable fried rice — all followed by fresh fruits.
Keep in mind that the menu is frequently changed and my route back was completely different options (I had grilled lemongrass and chilli chicken with vegetable lychee sala and Bun Cha for dinner, and then yoghurt followed by cheese omelette with grilled pork ham and Lyonnaise potatoes for breakfast).
What Are the Other Business Class Ticket Perks?
Flying Business Class on Vietnam Airlines gives you access to priority check-in and baggage drop-off (the line you see at check-in is much shorter than the other). If you lack patience or hate airports but love travel, this benefits your overall flight experience.
Additionally, flights to and from Australia and Europe allow two pieces of checked-in luggage at 32kg each — a dream for those who never know what to pack or love bringing back gifts and souvenirs for everyone.
Of course, your ticket includes access to the Business Lounge, but there’s more on that below.
What Was the Business Class Lounge Like?
The Sydney SkyTeam lounge for Vietnam Airlines Business Class passengers is shared with other airlines, including China Airlines, Delta Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air and Xiamen Air. That being said, it was a fairly busy day at Sydney Airport, and fewer than 10 people were in the lounge when I arrived just after midday.
The decor is luxe and modern, with hanging plants, cushioned seating, and white-tile work to rival your favourite Instagram cafe. The food included self-serve stir-fried noodles, mushroom ragout pasta, rice, fresh salads, desserts, cheeses, toast, pancakes, spring rolls, and more.
There are plenty of places to work, with private pods for meetings, a conference-style room that can be booked in advance, and many desks and private corners, all with electricity ports. There is also a selection of reclined leather chairs and footrests for those wanting to relax with a glass of bubbly. There are also showers!
I’ve only been to domestic lounges and one international before this one, but it did the job as far as I was concerned. Considering you’re fed so much amazing food on the flight itself, it was probably a blessing in disguise that the food selection was minimal.
The same can be said for the Hanoi Lotus Lounge on return — I wish I saved my hunger for the plane itself as I actually think the Business Class food was better than what the lounge offered. I’d also recommend that you get to the Lotus Lounge as soon as you can check in as it was nearly empty at 9pm but packed by 11pm.
What’s My Verdict on Business Class?
For me, Vietnam Airlines’ Sydney to Hanoi route in Business Class was the perfect way to start a holiday—relaxed, comfortable, and excited. While the novelty wore off for the Business Class flight return home, I still felt relieved that I would be experiencing extreme comfort for a red-eye flight, even if it meant I’d be asleep for most of the benefits (don’t get me wrong, I absolutely woke up for the food!).
Not all of us can always travel this way, myself included, but I’d recommend considering it a bucket-list-ticking exercise for a special occasion trip if you have the budget. It’s such an exciting way to start a holiday, especially if it’s your first time flying like this.
This writer travelled as a guest of Vietnam Airlines.
Related: Why Splurging on Business Class Is Worth It
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