Our aircraft for this journey is VN-A601, a 12-year-old A321-200. Delivered new to Vietnam Airlines in February 2013 under a lease agreement, it boasts 16 Business Class seats in a comfortable 2-2 layout, along with 168 Economy Class seats in a 3-3 configuration.
A common sight on many domestic and short-haul Vietnam Airlines routes, the Recliner Business Class seats on our A321 today may not match the luxury of the Cirrus long-haul Business Class seats from our previous flight (you can read that review in detail here! ), but they serve their purpose exceptionally well for a short regional hop.
Each of the 16 Business Class seats offers a generous 45 inches of seat pitch, approximately 10 inches of recline, and extendable foot and leg rests— providing ample space to stretch out. I especially appreciated the seat width, which allowed for plenty of wiggle room to stay comfortable throughout the flight.
A control panel on the side of the seat lets passengers adjust various functions during cruise, while a sturdy stowable tray table is neatly tucked away under the armrest.
One notable omission on the VN A321s is the lack of in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens—not just in Economy but also in Business Class. However, I didn’t find this to be a major drawback as meal service and takeoff/landing phases occupied most of the flight time.
I especially appreciated exceptional hospitality provided by Business Class crew on this flight. Somehow I lucked out with an outstanding crew throughout this journey—and this flight was no exception.
The stewardess serving my side Minh Chau was remarkable from Saigon to Singapore delivering impeccable customer service. I particularly enjoyed our interactions during meal service; she even offered me an extra meal to sample alternative option.
There’s something truly special about crew member who is both generous and genuinely dedicated to creating memorable experience at 40,000 feet—and even more so when that level of service is maintained consistently throughout flight.
For this short hop passengers are offered early lunch service shortly after aircraft passes10 ,000 feet.Once again I opted for Oriental Fish selection—a tried-and-true favourite on Vietnam Airlines.Today’s meal featured beautifully presented casserole fried rice with peas carrots paired delicious seafood medley fish prawns.Dish complemented tender eggplant all generously coated thick savoury sauce.Have ever mentioned how perfectly sauce pairs rice?! Meals Vietnam Airlines have been consistently excellent.Meal tray included fresh garden salad assorted greens fruit bowl dessert selection breads butter jam accompany meal passengers could choose variety beverages including soft drinks fruit juices alcohol.Additional Beverage Services Before takeoff crew prepared aircraft two-hour journey Singapore Business Class passengers offered traditional pre-flight drink options included alcohol honey-based concoction Not being fan alcohol opted latter turned exquisite choice setting perfect tone flight.A Perfect Ending To round off excellent meal service crew offered coffee tea Service As settled unwind before approach into Singapore Changi Airport gladly accepted hot beverage There truly no better way enjoy view40 ,000feet than warm drink hand letting thoughts drift along passing clouds.As mentioned Seats section—much like reverse leg journey—Vietnam Airlines' A321s do not come equipped traditional IFE screens Instead passengers can access in-flight entertainment via mobile-based system By connecting LotuStar WiFi travellers browse dedicated portal offering same content typically available seatback screens.Lavatory lavatory VN A321 standard tidy clean minimalistic Given aircraft's short-haul purpose meets expectations though lacks additional amenities such toothbrushes razors However Business Class passengers benefit access separate lavatory ensuring more private premium experience.Comfort Each passenger provided warm blanket found right length thickness cozy overly making ideal short flight like Amenities Due flight’s short duration Business Class passengers not offered amenity kits.Vietnam Airlines faces strong competition high-demand route between Singapore Changi Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat airline offers round-trip Business Class package approximately SGD727 reasonable price considering full-service benefits come Vietnam Airlines Business ticket Passengers flying Business Vietnam Airlines choose between two fare categories Business Classic includes standard privilegesBusiness Flex offers frequent flyers additional mileage benefits around33%more miles reduced fees cancellations refunds ticket changes airline’s biggest competitor route Singapore Airlines SIA offers comparable Business Class experience—though typically slightly higher price Other competitors include Scoot low-cost carrier only offers Economy Class route VietJet SkyBoss fare class similar Premium Economy true Business Class product Ultimately comparing fares benefits across airlines help determine best option short intra-Asia journey.Singapore Ho Chi Minh Pricing Comparison At Vietnam Airline Tan Son Nhat Hub airline operates two separate lounges offering complimentary access Business Clas...
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