Business Class Evaluation on Vietnam Airlines Short-Haul Flights
Vietnam Airlines' Regional Business Class: A Comfortable and Elevated Short-Haul Experience
On December 23, 2024, a passenger boarded Vietnam Airlines' A321 flight VN651, seated in 3A, for a journey from Saigon to Singapore. The flight offered a taste of the airline's regional Business Class, designed to provide comfort and convenience on short-haul routes.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Hub, the passenger was greeted by Vietnam Airlines' two separate lounges, offering complimentary access to Business Class passengers and certain membership levels. The lounge provided a food selection including breakfast cereals, fresh fruit, local pastries, and hot dishes, as well as shower facilities, a view of the apron, and a wide selection of beverages.
Once on board, the passenger found the Business Class cabin to be spacious and comfortable, with 16 seats arranged in a 2-2 layout. Each seat offered a 45-inch seat pitch, approximately 10 inches of recline, and extendable foot and leg rests. The control panel on the side of the seat allowed passengers to adjust various functions during cruise.
The Business Class crew, led by the stewardess Minh Chau, provided exceptional hospitality. Passengers were offered a pre-flight drink, with options including alcohol or a honey-based concoction. Shortly after the aircraft passed 10,000 feet, an early lunch service was offered, with the Oriental Fish selection among the meal options.
In-flight entertainment was accessible via a mobile-based system, with passengers connecting to the LotuStar WiFi. However, there was no in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen on the VN A321s, with the meal service and takeoff/landing phases occupying most of the flight time.
Business Class passengers were not offered amenity kits due to the short duration of the flight. But the lavatory, tidy, clean, and minimalistic, was available for their use, with Business Class passengers having access to a separate lavatory.
As a member of Star Alliance, Vietnam Airlines Business Class bookings offer the potential benefit of using miles from partner airlines, providing flexible redemption options for frequent flyers. The airline also offers a round-trip Business Class package for approximately SGD 727, with passengers able to choose between two fare categories: Business Classic and Business Flex.
In summary, Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class on the Saigon-Singapore route focuses on greater comfort with premium seating, enhanced dining, priority airport services, and an overall elevated travel experience tailored for short-haul regional flights. The airline's commitment to customer service, as exemplified by the stewardess Minh Chau, adds an extra touch of hospitality to the journey.
After experiencing the comfort and convenience of Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class, the passenger decided to explore lifestyle tips and home-and-garden news to enhance their travel experience at home.For the upcoming vacation, the passenger also started researching travel destinations and attractions in Singapore, aiming to make the most of their time in this beautiful city-state.
