Information on Vietnam Airlines Flights

Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier of Vietnam. Its green and gold planes have the national lotus emblem on the tail and connect the country with points in Europe, Australasia and the United States. The professional onboard service is impressive, and its modern fleet of planes is helping the airline grow to new destinations. It faces strong competition from domestic, low-cost airlines, but Vietnam Airlines offers the best service and network in the country. A member of the SkyTeam alliance, this airline is boosting tourism for the country and region of southeast Asia.

Vietnam Airlines flight network

The airline operates a dual hub system connecting Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south with a vast domestic and international network of flights. There are also some international flights offered from Danang in the central part of the country.

The domestic network of flights is thorough connecting all corners of the country. The busiest route is the air bridge between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. New for the airline: a long-haul flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City with San Francisco, its first destination in the U.S.

Flights to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and various parts of Asia round out the network. Its two hubs serve as connecting airports for travelers coming to Vietnam, but also flying from Europe to Asia or Australia using the country as a stopping-off point.

Vietnam Airlines fleet

The short-haul fleet consists of Airbus A320neos and A321s flying mostly domestic and regional flights. Long-haul flights use a mix of new Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes (including the newest Boeing 787-10). Both of the latter aircraft have flat-bed seats in business class.

On certain flights, the widebody planes also operate domestic sectors between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you are lucky to score one of these flights, you can have a flat-bed seat for the 2+ hour flight at a relatively low fare.

This flight has a different menu than other short-haul flights, focusing more on famous Vietnamese dishes. Flight attendants speak English well and can explain menu ingredients.

Cabin classes on Vietnam Airlines flights

Vietnam Airlines has business, premium economy and economy flights, but not all aircraft have the same layout in all cabins. No matter where you are seated, however, you will experience the same level of hospitality. I love how the flight attendants line up in the aisle and bow at the beginning and end of the flight as a sign of respect to passengers.

Business Class

On domestic A320neo and A321 planes, business class consists of large recliner seats in a 2-2 layout. In my experience, business class is hardly ever full, and you are likely to have a lot of space to yourself. Check your reservation online because the airline offers a flat rate for upgrades on many itineraries.

A hot meal is served based on the length of the flight. I like how the airline serves traditional Vietnamese meals on each flight, and business class on short flights has a choice between two dishes. The beverage menu is more limited with just soft drinks, juices and beer. Wine is only served on select flights, and only during lunch and dinner.

On medium and long-haul flights, business class is more impressive and in a 1-2-1 layout. The seats recline fully flat among other positions for relaxing or dining. Spacious tray tables and plenty of storage space around the seat make the flight very comfortable.

Keep in mind that the A350 uses a staggered business class with some seats closer to the window and others closer to the aisle. I recommend avoiding the latter because it is easy to feel the movement whenever anyone passes by in the aisle.

The Dreamliner planes use a reverse herringbone setup with all seats being similar in style and privacy as they face slightly away from the aisle.

A printed menu details the multi-course meal, which includes an appetizer, main dish and dessert with numerous Western and Vietnamese options. On flights to certain destinations like Japan or South Korea, there are also local choices from those regions.

The beverage list on these flights is much more comprehensive with fancy Champagne, wines from around the world, beer and soft drinks. One thing I always enjoy is the Vietnamese coffee that the airline offers.

Large entertainment screens have Hollywood and international movies, sitcoms, documentaries and music choices. However, I think they could add more to the selection so that frequent flyers have more choice. Power and USB ports are also available.

Premium Economy Class

Long-haul flights have an “in-between” cabin just after business class. The seats have more space, more recline and more legroom. Larger entertainment screens and improved food and beverage options make the experience better.

Before the flight, travelers can take advantage of priority boarding and access to business class check-in areas. This cabin is available on all widebody planes as well as some A321s that are typically used on medium-haul flights.

Unlike in economy, these seats all have power and USB outlets. A small amenity kit is also included in the premium economy fare, which makes it feel a bit more comfortable.

Economy Class

On short-haul flights, the service is much more abbreviated and limited to a light snack and bottle of water. On longer-range flights (or at least those over 2.5 hours), flight attendants serve a hot meal in economy class.

These seats are tighter with limited leg room. Your best bet is to pay extra for a bulkhead or emergency exit row seat. Entertainment screens are available on widebody planes, but not on narrowbody A320neo and A321 aircraft.

In each seat on long flights, there is a pillow and blanket awaiting passengers, and I appreciate the six-way adjustable headrest so that your head does not fall to the side when napping. I also like the extra amenities like a refreshing towel after boarding, even in economy.

SkyPriority

As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, travelers can earn and redeem miles with partner carriers. This also means that they are eligible for elite status benefits when traveling with Vietnam Airlines.

This includes SkyPriority, which is the alliance’s branded name for elite status perks. It includes priority check-in, expedited security in select airports, a dedicated boarding lane, bonus miles on eligible flights, extra checked baggage considerations and lounge access for those with top-tier status.

Lotus Lounges

These business class lounges provide a place to relax before the flight. Vietnam Airlines has its own lounges in several domestic airports. In other cities, it partners with local airport lounges or other airlines.

Anyone with SkyTeam Elite Plus status earns access to the lounge, even if they are flying in economy class. They can bring one guest traveling on the same flight with them. It is also possible to buy an access voucher when making your flight reservation.

In Lotus Lounges, the drink menu usually includes basic wine and beer plus juices and soft drinks. The coffee menu includes the country’s famous Vietnamese coffee and the option to sweeten it with condensed milk.

The buffets are quite substantial with hot and cold dishes, almost always following Vietnamese culinary styles. Fresh fruit, salad and other international options are also available. The lounges have free Wi-Fi, places to work and charge devices, and massage chairs.

Transit tours and hotels

If you have a long transit in Vietnam between flights, the airline offers complimentary tours in its hub cities. These are only available on eligible routings with both connecting flights operated by Vietnam Airlines.

The minimum amount of time required for a transit tour varies based on your connecting city and routing. The tours include visiting cultural sites, transportation to and from the airport, and all meals.

If your transit time involves an overnight or more than ten hours, the airline will even give you a hotel to rest, shower or spend the night. I find this to be a generous offer. The type of hotel varies based on the cabin class of your booking.

An online form makes it easy to apply for the tour. Allow eight days in advance if you need a visa or three days if you have a visa exemption.

Vietnam has a strict visa policy for many passport holders, and if this is your destination, be sure to have the right paperwork in order before boarding. You want everything on your passport to match the visa letter (including if you have a middle name on your passport). I have seen people having trouble on arrival for this mistake.

Coming soon for Vietnam Airlines

A new airport is coming for Ho Chi Minh City, which is close to the city, but already rather compressed for space. A new airport will be built farther from the city, and this new modern facility will become the largest hub for the airline. It will give it space to grow within the next decade.