Detailed Assessment of Vietnam Airlines Short-Haul Business Class Experience
Savory Skies modesterating: 10/10
12/15/2025
Dave "The Flying Scotsman" McAllister
Vietnam Airlines Business Class
Route Flown
Saigon ✈️ Singapore
Flight Number
VN651
Seat Number
3A
Date Flown
December 23, 2024
Let me wheel and deal my way through this badass flight experience on Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class! This rockin' journey back to the Lion City was smoother than a Scotsman's oatmeal—just the right mix of luxury and simplicity. I'll share all the juicy deets on why Vietnam Airlines' swanky regional Business Class should be your go-to choice for short-haul flights.
We commence our adventure at the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport—one of the region's tiniest yet bustling airports. Saunter over, and let's dive into the deets for our VN651 flight, whisking us from Saigon to Singapore.
We'll be soaring over the skies in one of Vietnam Airlines' dependable workhorses: the A321. This spry bird strengthens the airline's domestic and regional routes, boasting a cozy fleet of 62 Airbus A321s, featuring both A321neo and A321ceo variants.
Our steed for this expedition is the silver-haired VN-A601, a 12-year-old A321-200, which was born in the arms of Vietnam Airlines in February 2013 under a leasing agreement. With 16 plush Business Class seats in a comfy 2-2 arrangement, plus 168 Economy Class seats in a neat 3-3 layout, this bird's ready for takeoff!
4.5/5
I've seen my fair share of regional Business Class chairs, but the cushy recliners on our A321 today deliver the comfort goods while holding their own against flashier long-haul throne counterparts. Each of the 16 seats offers a generous 45 inches of legroom, around 10 inches of recline, and extendable footrests, giving your weary bones plenty of room to stretch out and unwind. The couch-like width grants primo jelly-fishin' space, ensuring you can relax like a pro throughout the flight.
A control panel nestled by the seat lets fliers adjust different settings during the cruise, while a sturdy yet space-saving tray table stows under the armrest when not in use.
One hiccup on the VN A321s? No in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens—neither in Business nor Economy. However, I didn't find myself longing for them, as meal time and takeoff/landing phases ate up most of the flight time. Piece of cake!
4.5/5
What really shone for me on this flight was the solid hospitality provided by the Business Class crew. Damn, Minh Chau, got lucky again with this stewardess! She delivered top-notch customer service from Saigon to Singapore, making our journey an unforgettable one. Our friendly interaction during the meal service is one I'll never forget, and as a sweet cherry on top, she offered me an additional dish to sample the alternative option.
There's something truly divine about a crew member who's both kind and fiercely dedicated to creating a fantastic flying experience for their passengers—and even more so when that level of service doesn't waver one smidgen for the entire flight.
4.5/5
For this short jump, chowhounds are served an early lunch a few minutes after the aircraft breaks the sound barrier. As usual, I opted for the Oriental Fish selection—my reliable go-to choice on Vietnam Airlines. This meal showcased a visually stunning casserole of fried rice with peas and carrots, surrounded by a delectable seafood medley of fish and prawns. The unique and tasty sauce gave it a well-rounded flavor.
The meal tray also included a fresh garden salad, a fruit bowl for dessert, an assortment of breads with butter and jelly, and a flair of options for beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juices, or booze.
Additional Beverage Services
Before we even left the ground, Business Class passengers were greeted with a pre-flight drink, letting you choose from drinks with a kick or a honey-centric concoction. The honey drink was a total game-changer, setting the stage for a phenomenal flight!
Apex Landing
To cap off the stellar meal service, the crew poured us a warm cup of coffee or tea. With my feet up and a warm drink in hand, I savored the scenery drifting by at 40,000 feet. There's simply no better way to enjoy a bird's-eye view while drifting off into a peaceful slumber.
4.5/5
Since Vietnam Airlines' A321s don't sport traditional IFE screens due to the flight's short duration, passengers can access in-flight entertainment via a mobile-based system. By linking to the LotuStar WiFi, travelers can explore a dedicated portal offering the same content across the airline's seatback screens.
The Little Room That Could
The lavatory on the VN A321 is simple, clean, and minimalistic. With its primary purpose being short-haul flights, it meets expectations, but it could do with a few added amenities like toothbrushes or razors. However, Business Class passengers get dibs on a separate lavatory for a more intimate and high-class experience.
Comfort Motivation
Each passenger is given a soft blanket, perfect for snuggling up during the flight. While the blanket may not be the coziest of its kind, it still provides just the right amount of warmth for our short journey.
Goodies, Goodies!
Due to the flight's short duration, Business Class passengers don't receive any amenity kits.
Vietnam Airlines plays hardball on the competitive route between Singapore Changi Airport and Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat. The airline offers a round-trip Business Class ticket priced at around SGD 727, a fair offer considering the full-service pampering a Vietnam Airlines Business ticket offers.
Passengers flying Business with Vietnam Airlines can pick between two fare categories:- Business Classic, which comes with standard perks.- Business Flex, for frequent flyers, offering additional mileage benefits (about 33% more miles) and reduced fees for cancellations, refunds, and ticket changes.
The airline's toughest competition on this route comes from Singapore Airlines (SIA), which offers a similar Business Class experience for a slightly higher fee.
Other opponents include:- Scoot, the budget carrier that only offers Economy Class on this route.- VietJet's SkyBoss, a fare tier resembling Premium Economy, but not a true-blue Business Class product.
Comparing fares and benefits across different airlines will help you determine the best option for this quick hop in Asia.
At Vietnam Airlines' Tan Son Nhat Hub, the airline operates two separate lounges, providing complimentary access to Business Class passengers, SkyTeam Alliance First/Business passengers, and LotusMiles Gold/Platinum/Million Miler members. I was truly impressed by the lounge's interior design, which showcases the charm of Vietnam, with its natural wood furnishings and soothing atmosphere, setting the perfect ambiance before takeoff.
Gastronomic Delights
While the edibles in the lounge may not win any Michelin stars, they're the perfect snack before boarding. Options include breakfast cereals, fresh fruit, local pastries, and hot dishes like sautéed potatoes and glass noodles.
The lounge also offers convenient amenities, such as shower facilities, a sweeping view of the airport grounds, and a wide selection of beverages—from morning coffee to soft drinks and even spirits—though I'm not sure if it's ever too early for a dram at 8:30 a.m.!
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Enrichment Data:
Here's a summary of the in-flight experience on Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class based on available user reviews:
Seat Comfort:
- Aesthetics: Some reviews suggest that the seat design looks outdated and lacks a luxurious feel[2].
- Support: Comfort support appears to be decent, but not as advanced as other aircraft models[2].
Meal Service:
- Culinary Delights: Meals are generally enjoyed by passengers, offering a satisfying dining experience during the flight[5].
- Beverage Offerings: The pre-flight drink service is appreciated by many, enhancing the overall flying experience[1].
Crew Service:
- Service Attitude: The cabin crew is typically noted for their polite and caring demeanor, offering exceptional service throughout the journey[1][5].
Additional Amenities:
- In-Flight Entertainment: The IFE system is criticized for low-resolution display and clunky interface, which may not appeal to tech-savvy travelers[2].
- Lounges: The Lotus Lounges provide a comfortable and visually appealing space for passengers to relax before boarding[1].
- Storage: Limited storage space is noted as a potential issue in the Business Class section on the A321[2].
The airline news highlights Dave "The Flying Scotsman" McAllister's lifestyle choice of flying Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class for short-haul travel, offering a balance of luxury and simplicity. During his travel experience on the flight from Saigon to Singapore, he was impressed with the comfortable recliners, attentive crew service, and authentic Vietnamese meal offerings, making it a go-to choice for short-haul flights. The lottery of charming flight attendants, such as Minh Chau, adds to the unique flying experience, further elevating Vietnam Airlines' position in the competitive travel market.
