Detailed Evaluation of Vietnam Airlines' Short-Haul Business Class Experience
A Bloody Good Flight with Vietnam Airlines' Business Class
06 March, 2025
Nicholas Ling
Vietnam AirlinesCabin
Business Class
Route Flown
Saigon
Singapore
Flight Number
VN651
Seat Number
3A
Date Flown
December 23, 2024
Catching a cozy, cracker of a flight with Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class was a bloody marvelous return voyage to Singapore. Striking the elusive balance of not too much, not too little, just right - this flight needs to be on your short-haul bucket list. Let's delve into the details of the comforts you can expect when jetting off with Vietnam Airlines' Business Class on a regional journey.
We embark on our adventure early at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, one of the bustling airport hubs in the region. Settling into the nitty-gritty of our flight details for VN651, we globe-trot our way from Saigon to Singapore.
Bracing ourselves on one of Vietnam Airlines' trusty A321s, an aircraft peppered across their domestic and regional routes, we raise a toast to our flight of choice for this sojourn - the A321-200, VN-A601. Delivered to Vietnam Airlines in 2013 on a lease agreement, she proudly showcased 16 Business Class seats cocooned in a snug 2-2 layout, alongside 168 Economy Class seats in a 3-3 layout.
Hooray! The A321 is a regular sight on many domestic and short-haul Vietnam Airlines routes, and the Business Class seats on our A321 today may not live up to the luxury long-haul Business Class seats from our previous flight (you can read all about it here!), but they sure do the job like a charm for a short regional hop.
Each of the 16 Business Class seats promises a generous 45 inches of legroom, approximately 10 inches of recline, extendable foot and leg rests, along with a roomy seat width that will allow you to dance in your seat without feeling cramped. The control panel on the side of the seat allows passengers to tinker with the various functions during cruise while a sturdy, stowable tray table remains neatly hidden beneath the armrest.
One notable absence in the VN A321s' entertainment system is the lack of in-flight entertainment (IEF) screens - not just in Economy but also in Business Class. However, the meal service and takeoff/landing phases usually take up most of the flight time, making the lack of IEF a minor hurdle to overcome.
I should mention that the exceptional hospitality extends from the cabin crew in Business Class, especially our "minxy" stewardess, Minh Chau, who served my side during this flight. Delivering immaculate customer service, Minh Chau made every interaction during the meal service memorable, and to my delight, even offered an extra meal for me to sample the alternative option.
For this short hop, passengers are treated to an early lunch service shortly after the aircraft soars past 10,000 feet. I opted for the Oriental Fish dish that never lets me down on Vietnam Airlines. Today's meal featured a tantalizing casserole of fried rice with peas and carrots, teamed up with a mouthwatering seafood medley of fish and prawns, all coated in a thick, savory sauce. The feast concluded with a refreshing garden salad, a fruit bowl for dessert, and a selection of breads with butter and jam coupled with various beverages, including alcohol, juice, or soft drinks.
Before takeoff, passengers are offered a traditional pre-flight drink, with alcohol or a honey-based concoction to pick from according to their preferences. As the crew prepared the aircraft for our two-hour journey to Singapore, I gladly chose the latter - a scrumptious, soothing balm to set the perfect tone for the flight.
As the beverage rounded off the big meal service, the crew presented a coffee and tea service, providing the perfect drink to sip whilst taking in the panoramic views from 40,000 feet. There's nothing more delightful than letting your thoughts meander along with the passing clouds while nestled in a cozy cocoon.
Wait a minute! Don't forget the Wi-Fi! If you've got a smartphone, don't forget to connect to the LotuStar WiFi and surf a dedicated portal offering the same entertainment content that typically graces seatback screens.
The lavatory on the VN A321 is par for the course -tidy, clean, and minimalistic, though it might lack additional amenities like toothbrushes or razors. However, Business Class passengers are treated to a more private, premium experience with a separate lavatory.
A warm blanket is provided for each passenger, which I found to be just the right length and thickness - cozy enough for the short flight. No amenity kit is available for Business Class passengers on this flight due to the short duration.
Vietnam Airlines goes head-to-head with other heavy hitters on the high-demand route between Singapore Changi and Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat, offering a round-trip Business Class package for approximately SGD 727, a reasonable price considering the comprehensive package of services offered to Business Class travelers.
Passengers choosing to jet it with Vietnam Airlines receive two fare categories to pick from - Business Classic, which comes with standard privileges, and Business Flex, which showers frequent flyers with additional mileage benefits (approximately 33% more) and reduced fees for cancellations, refunds, and ticket changes.
Competitors like Singapore Airlines (SIA) offer a comparable Business Class experience, albeit at a slightly steeper price. Other contenders, such as low-cost carrier Scoot, only offer Economy Class on this route, while VietJet's SkyBoss hovers around Premium Economy standards but not true Business Class offerings.
Vietnam Airlines boasts two separate lounges at Tan Son Nhat Hub, offering complimentary access to Business Class passengers, SkyTeam Alliance First/Business passengers, and LotusMiles Gold/Platinum/Million Miler members. I find the understated elegance of this lounge both comforting and alluring, with its natural furnishings, welcoming atmosphere, and a splendid selection of beverages.
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Enrichment Data:
Amenities
- Seating: Business Class seats offer generous legroom, recline, and seat width, ensuring a comfy and spacious ride.
- Cabin environment: Enjoy a quieter, exclusive atmosphere and premium service, thanks to the dedicated cabin crew.
- Meals and Beverages: Look forward to complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol, on most short-haul and regional flights.
- Boarding and Luggage: Benefit from priority boarding and increased baggage allowance when jetting off with Vietnam Airlines' Business Class.
- Lavatory: The lavatory might be a tad minimalistic, but it's clean, tidy, and offers Business Class passengers a separate, more private facility.
Entertainment
- Entertainment Screens: Vietnam Airlines' A321 regional Business Class typically features personal seatback screens for in-flight entertainment; however, access to Wi-Fi via phones lets you surf an entertainment portal with plenty of movies, TV shows, music, and games during your flight.
- Reading Lights and USB Ports: Stay entertained throughout the flight with a convenient reading light and USB charging ports on your Business Class seat.
Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class doesn't provide the same whistles and bells as long-haul offerings, but the experience comes close for those chasing comfort during short-haul and regional voyages. Passengers can savor a relaxing flight, reinforced by excellent service, tasty meals, and an array of in-flight entertainment options. When comparing fares and benefits against competitors, you'll soon find the perfect fit for your short-haul Asia adventure.
- For travel enthusiasts upon their return voyage to Singapore, the short-haul flight with Vietnam Airlines' regional Business Class is a must-try, offering a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- The lavish accommodations and attentive service provided in Vietnam Airlines' A321 Business Class seats, particularly the generous legroom, recline, and seat width, make it an ideal choice for a short-haul trip across Asia.
