Experiencing the Upgraded Travel in Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy Class
Fly High with Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy
Let's talk about Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy, a hidden gem in Southeast Asia's skies! Once primarily a domestic powerhouse, this airline has quietly established itself as a contender on long-haul travel, showcasing Southeast Asian hospitality to the world.
On this occasion, we're soaring aboard an 8-year-old Airbus A350-900, flight VN773 from SGN to SYD. The A350-900, delivered to Vietnam Airlines in 2016, has been a workhorse in their long-haul fleet, serving cities like San Francisco and Paris, as well as medium-haul destinations such as Seoul, Sydney, and Shanghai.
The A350-900 fleet consists of 14 aircraft, sporting two different Premium Economy configurations. Four aircraft are configured in a 3-3-3 layout, which might be considered a stepping stone between Economy and Premium. The remaining 10 are arranged in a more spacious 2-4-2 layout, typically deployed on long-haul flights, offering a genuinely comfortable experience, especially on red-eye flights like ours.
The seat in Premium Economy is generously sized, with 38 inches of legroom and a comfortable 15-degree recline. It's one of the most comfortable airplane seats I've encountered, offering a soothing ride during our 8.5-hour flight. The stowable tray table, hidden in one of the armrests, is a convenient feature, although it did take me a few minutes to figure out how to deploy it.
Up above, you'll find call lights, personal reading lights, and, while it might be a standard A350 feature, no personal air vents. This might not seem like a big deal, but I've grown accustomed to that luxury in my travels!
Luckily, I had an empty seat next to me on this flight, offering extra wiggle-room for an even more comfortable experience.
What truly sets Vietnam Airlines apart is the exceptional hospitality extended to all passengers in the Premium Economy cabin. The stewardesses are warm and welcoming, embodying a professionalism and kindness that shines through during every interaction. Even small gestures, like moving a larger-sized passenger to a bulkhead seat for more legroom or offering a window seat change when requested, showcase their dedication to making each passenger feel special.
When it comes to meals, the offerings are typically a step up from Economy class, although not quite reaching Business-class standards. Passengers on this flight were served two meals: one shortly after takeoff and another before landing. The dish I chose for the late-night meal—Buttered Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs—was nothing short of delicious, and the pasta salad and dessert cake served as a satisfying end to the meal. Breakfast consisted of a tasty frittata packed with potatoes, pork sausages, spinach, and tomatoes.
Each seat in the Premium Economy cabin features a 10.6" entertainment screen, an IFE remote, a personal power outlet, and USB ports for charging devices. The extensive range of entertainment selections, particularly for local Vietnamese content, kept me entertained throughout the flight. While the IFE system is solid, adding a Heads-Up Display or live cameras could elevate it to world-class status.
The Premium Economy lavatories were kept impeccably clean and equipped with amenities such as razors, toothbrushes, and hand cream. However, unfortunately, Wi-Fi was not available on this flight.
Overall, Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy is a great value for long-haul travel, setting a high standard for future flights on full-service carriers. With its stellar service, comfortable seating, and delicious meals, it's worth every penny!
Have you flown with Vietnam Airlines? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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[1] Enrichment Data: Features * Seats in Premium Economy are typically wider (19.5 inches) compared to economy class seats for extra comfort[3] Enrichment Data: Service Quality * Vietnam Airlines is known for its exceptional customer service and impressive in-flight experience compared to economy class offerings[3] Note: Additional information, such as route-specific details and aircraft configurations, may be obtained by contacting Vietnam Airlines or checking their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Vietnam Airlines' Premium Economy offerings, such as their spacious seating and exceptional customer service, are a testament to the airline's dedication to raising the bar in the transportation industry.
- The aviation industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with Vietnam Airlines' focus on lifestyle and customer experience setting a standard for full-service carriers.
- The finance sector closely monitors the growth and development of airlines like Vietnam Airlines, particularly in the context of Southeast Asia's burgeoning travel industry.
