Flight Review: Vietjet Business Class

It’s been a full year now since Vietjet has been operating direct flights into Australia. Here’s a look at the low-cost airline’s premium offering.

Fast facts

Flight: Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City (VJ086)

Aircraft: Airbus A330

Class: Business

Duration: 8H50M

Check in 8/10

Ah the delights of flying business! My tardiness for check-in had me in a flap thanks to the rainy Sydney commute, operator error with the uber app and ok, I admit it, struggling to get out of bed in the morning. But check in was a last-minute breeze. Super helpful staff calmly moved things along and a quiet transition through security ensured I was reclined in the lounge just 30 minutes after arrival at the airport. However, do note, Vietjet didn’t provide Fasttrack services through security and border security… so don’t push it too late.

Seat 7/10

I was seated in 2K. This is a flatbed service, where the seat fully reclines to form a bed that’s not exactly palatial, but easily good enough to have a proper nights’ sleep. The seat is made of leather, plenty wide enough and there’s no uncomfortable lumps and bumps once flat. Overall, it is comparable and possibly better than other low-cost carriers flying between Asia and Australia with a business-class offering.

It’s important to remember that this business class can’t be compared to the likes of those from the premium carriers (Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar, et al). Vietjet is, after all, a low-cost carrier offering comfort at the pointy end for those who want it.

Inflight experience 7/10

The most pressing thing to note here, for me at least, is that there is no inflight entertainment onboard, which means travellers must bring their own movies on their own devices. Be forewarned and prepared! The food is reasonable, without obviously being anywhere near the heights of Turkish Airlines (for instance). And you do know that you’re eating a low-cost version of business class with the food having a touch of the economy vibe about it. My request for the spaghetti bolognese was met with a “I’m very sorry, but we’ve run out of that meal”.

To make guests comfy there is a nice care package with the usual socks, toothbrush, eye mask and L’Occitane toiletries.

Verdict 9/10

While some scores might be a bit low, this is a low-cost business class. So once you factor in the affordability of a fare, it’s a very tempting offer. After all, with economy fares starting as low as $320 return and one-way business for as little as $1870, it’s pretty hard to beat.

A nine-hour flight on a flatbed for under two grand! What more do you want?

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

business class flights Vietjet