Detailed Assessment of Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy Class Experience
Dive Deep into Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy
January 28, 2025
Nicholas Ling
Vietnam AirlinesCabin
Premium Economy
Route Flown
SGN
SYD
Flight Number
VN773
Seat Number
14G
Date Flown
December 22, 2024
Stepping away from the competitive pack, Vietnam Airlines brilliantly shines as a standout in Southeast Asia's aviation landscape.
With a strong domestic presence and over 1,000 weekly flights, it has gradually made its mark on long-haul travel, showcasing a touch of Southeast Asian hospitality to the world.
Our flight of choice is an Airbus A350-900, VN-A891, delivered in 2016. Alongside the 787-9 Dreamliner, the A350-900 forms the backbone of VN's long-haul fleet, handling destinations like San Francisco and Paris while also managing medium-haul routes to cities like Seoul, Sydney, and Shanghai.
Vietnam Airlines' A350-900 fleet consists of 14 aircraft, with two Premium Economy configurations. Four aircraft employ a 3-3-3 layout, offering a "Forward Economy" experience primarily on short- and medium-haul routes.
The remaining 10 aircraft, configured in a more spacious 2-4-2 layout, are typically deployed on long-haul flights, like our 8.5-hour journey to Sydney.
The Spacious Seat of Premium Economy
Arguably, this is one of the most comfortable airplane seats I've ever experienced, with an ample 38-inch pitch, width, and a 15-degree seat recline and raisable footrest. The Premium Economy seat also comes equipped with a sturdy, stowable tray table hidden in one of the armrests.
Overhead, call lights and personal reading lights await passengers, while, unfortunately, personal air vents aren't provided on this aircraft-a feature that might be standard on the A350 model.
I was privileged to have an empty seat next to me on this flight, making for extra wiggle-room and a spacious sensation.
Top-Notch Hospitality
What truly stood out was the exceptional hospitality extended to all passengers in the Premium Economy cabin. Known for their warm and welcoming service, the crew attended to our needs promptly and professionally throughout the journey.
One instance that stood out occurred before takeoff, when a larger-sized passenger requested to move to a bulkhead seat for additional legroom. The crew noted this request and, after the seatbelt signs were turned off, helped facilitate the switch-a thoughtful gesture that undoubtedly improved the passenger's comfort.
Delightful Dining
Meal offerings in Premium Economy typically fall into one of two categories: Business-class meals or, as in this case, Economy-class meals-a distinction reflected in the ticket price.
Passengers on this flight were served two meals: one shortly after departing Ho Chi Minh City and another before arrival in Sydney. For the first meal, passengers could choose between Vietnamese Braised Pork with Galangal and Fish Sauce, Steamed Rice, Mixed Asian Vegetables, or Buttered Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce and Vegetables.
Feeling slightly adventurous, I opted for the Western selection-a rare choice for me, as I generally favor the Oriental Asian options on Asian airlines. The dish was a delightful combination of flavors, keeping me coming back for more.
Each meal tray included a warm bread roll, fresh fruit slices, and a choice of soft drinks, juices, or alcoholic beverages.
Expansive Entertainment Options
Each of the 36 Premium Economy seats on the aircraft features a 10.6" entertainment screen, an IFE remote, a personal power outlet, and USB ports for charging handheld devices. The range of entertainment selections was extensive, particularly for local Vietnamese content, with a decent variety of international movies and music available.
While the in-flight map was well-equipped with flight information, the addition of a Heads-Up Display would take VN's IFE offering from great to truly exceptional.
The Premium Economy lavatories were separate from those in other cabins and were impeccably clean throughout the flight. The crew frequently used a floor towel to clear water droplets after passenger use, a small but considerate gesture.
Amenities like razors, toothbrushes, and hand cream were readily available in the lavatory compartments for passengers to use at any time during the flight.
Value-Packed Pricing
Vietnam Airlines offers a competitive product for long-haul travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney, particularly when compared to low-cost carriers like VietJet Air and Jetstar. As a full-service carrier, its pricing is often on par with the premium classes of its budget competitors.
Overall, the Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy product is a solid value, especially considering the enhanced comfort, hospitality, and meal offerings compared to standard economy.
- Although Vietnam Airlines competes in a bustling aviation industry, it distinguishes itself by offering a unique blend of affordability and luxury in its long-haul travel, making a significant impact on the global transportation market.
- The Premium Economy seat on Vietnam Airlines' A350-900 fleet not only offers ample space with a 38-inch pitch and width, but it also boasts a sturdy stowable tray table and a 15-degree seat recline, making it one of the most comfortable airplane seats in the finance sector.
- The hospitality experienced in Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy cabin is a testament to the airline's commitment to upholding a 'Southeast Asian lifestyle' approach, with exceptional service and thoughtful gestures ensuring a memorable travel experience.
