After over a dozen flights with Vietnam Airlines across Southeast Asia and beyond, from Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo, Hanoi to Frankfurt, I’ve come to appreciate its balance between affordable travel and reliable full-service quality. As Vietnam’s national carrier, it doesn’t try to rival Emirates or Singapore Airlines in luxury. But for regional and medium-haul flights, it delivers a smooth, culturally refined, and efficient experience.
In this review, I’ll cover safety, cabin classes, service, pricing, and everything else that matters when deciding if Vietnam Airlines is the right choice for your trip.
What Defines Vietnam Airlines’ Core Identity?
Vietnam Airlines, founded in 1956, became a state-owned enterprise in 1989 and has since evolved into the country’s flagship carrier. It’s a SkyTeam alliance member and operates alongside its regional subsidiary Pacific Airlines.
Key Operational Facts (2024):
- Fleet Size: 104 aircraft
- Main Hubs: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD)
- Destinations: 64 international and 21 domestic cities
- Fleet Composition: A350-900s, Boeing 787-9s, A321neos, ATR 72s
The airline’s visual identity, with its golden lotus logo, emphasizes Vietnamese heritage. From the uniforms to the in-flight cuisine, Vietnam Airlines consistently blends national culture with global standards.
How Safe and Reliable Is Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam Airlines meets international safety benchmarks. It passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and adheres to standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and EASA.
Safety and Performance Stats:
- IATA Safety Rating: 7/7 (AirlineRatings)
- Fatal Jet Accidents (since 1997): 0
- On-Time Performance (2023): 80.5%
- Fleet Average Age: 8.3 years (younger than regional average)
The airline has invested heavily in new-generation aircraft like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900, improving both fuel efficiency and operational reliability.
What Is the In-Flight Experience Like in Each Cabin Class?
I’ve flown Vietnam Airlines in all three cabins, Economy, Premium Economy, and Business, on both short and long-haul flights. The experience varies by route and aircraft, but overall it remains competitive.
Business Class
Vietnam Airlines’ business class shines most on its A350 and B787 long-haul flights. Seats convert into full-flat beds with direct aisle access (1-2-1 layout). Cabin interiors have a Vietnamese aesthetic, and the noise levels on newer aircraft are among the lowest I’ve experienced.
Features Include:
- Seat pitch: 78 inches
- Seat width: 21 inches
- 15.4-inch personal screen
- Signature dishes: Pho, braised fish, lotus seed dessert
- Amenity kit with Clarins products (long-haul only)
- Priority check-in, fast track, and lounge access
The crew is friendly, though less conversational than on Singapore Airlines. Service is efficient and respectful, often with quiet attentiveness.
Premium Economy
Available on selected A350 and 787 international routes, Premium Economy seats are a notable step up from standard economy.
Highlights:
- Seat pitch: 38 inches
- 2-3-2 layout
- Adjustable footrest and larger recline
- Dedicated cabin section
- Business class-level meal service
On my Hanoi to Frankfurt flight, the Premium Economy cabin felt like a smart upgrade, especially for the extra recline and quiet zone. However, entertainment options were limited compared to competitors.
Economy Class
Economy is straightforward but above average, especially on wide-body aircraft.
- Seat pitch: 32 inches (long-haul); 30 inches (narrow-body)
- USB ports, 9-inch screens, adjustable headrests
- Complimentary hot meals on international flights
- Beer and wine available
- Snacks and beverages on short-haul routes
While the A321s on domestic routes can feel dated, the cabin cleanliness and punctuality compensate well.
What In-Flight Services and Amenities Are Offered?
Vietnam Airlines focuses on functionality and cultural detail rather than luxury.
In-Flight Dining:
- Vietnamese meals like banh mi, pho, and grilled pork with rice
- Western dishes available by pre-order
- Complimentary wine and beer (international flights)
- Special meals: vegan, kosher, halal, diabetic (24h request)
Entertainment:
- AVOD systems on long-haul aircraft
- Vietnamese, English, French, and Japanese options
- Limited Hollywood library compared to larger carriers
- Noise-canceling headphones in business class only
Amenities:
- Slippers, eye masks, and hot towels in business and premium
- Basic pillow and blanket in economy
- Amenity kits provided on long-haul business only
While not extravagant, amenities are consistent and match or exceed what’s offered by regional competitors like Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines.
How Does Vietnam Airlines Perform on Customer Service?
Vietnam Airlines delivers dependable service with a distinctly formal and reserved tone, in line with Vietnamese cultural norms.
Notable Service Attributes:
- Ground staff fluent in English, Vietnamese, and Japanese
- International call centers available in 6 languages
- Onboard service is structured and consistent
- Special needs passengers accommodated well
- Online and mobile check-in available (opens 24 hours prior)
In my experience, crew professionalism is very high, especially on international flights. Requests are honored quickly, and food preferences are usually confirmed during boarding.
What Loyalty Program Does Vietnam Airlines Offer?
The Lotusmiles program serves both frequent leisure and business travelers. It’s part of SkyTeam, so you can earn and redeem miles on partners like Air France, Delta, and Korean Air.
Key Features:
- Five tiers: Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Million Miler
- Miles earned based on fare class and distance
- Expiration: 36 months
- Partner network: 19 SkyTeam airlines
- Priority services and lounge access start at Gold tier
I’ve found redemption availability within Southeast Asia to be very reasonable, often better than ANA or Thai Airways in peak seasons.
How Competitive Is Vietnam Airlines’ Pricing?
Vietnam Airlines typically offers mid-range fares, often lower than Singapore Airlines but slightly above low-cost carriers like VietJet.
Sample Round-Trip Fare Comparison (2024):
| Route | Vietnam Airlines | Thai Airways | VietJet |
| SGN–Bangkok | $190 | $230 | $120 |
| Hanoi–Tokyo | $540 | $610 | $480 |
| Hanoi–Frankfurt | $880 | $960 | – |
Fare includes meals, luggage (20–30kg), and seat selection, which makes Vietnam Airlines significantly better value than most budget carriers once add-ons are included.
How Sustainable Is Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam Airlines is gradually improving its environmental policies, though still trailing behind airlines like Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Newer aircraft: A350s and 787s reduce CO₂ by ~25%
- Eliminated single-use plastics on many domestic flights
- Carbon offset options available during online booking
- In-flight magazines now digital
- Food waste policy introduced in 2023 (pilot phase)
The airline has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with ICAO goals, but detailed roadmaps remain unpublished.
How Does Vietnam Airlines Compare to Other Regional Carriers?
Vietnam Airlines sits between budget carriers like VietJet and full-service flagships like Singapore Airlines.
| Feature | Vietnam Airlines | Thai Airways | Singapore Airlines |
| Price Level | Medium | Medium-High | High |
| Seat Comfort | Above Average | Average | Excellent |
| Service Style | Formal, Reliable | Friendly, Variable | Refined, Polished |
| Entertainment | Basic | Average | Extensive |
| Sustainability | Developing | Developing | Advanced |
In my experience, Vietnam Airlines offers the best overall value in Southeast Asia when you want full-service without luxury pricing.
What Do Frequent Flyers Say About Vietnam Airlines?
A scan of forums like FlyerTalk, Skytrax, and TripAdvisor shows a consensus:
- Praised For:
- Punctuality on domestic routes
- Generous baggage policies
- Tasty Vietnamese meals
- New aircraft on major international routes
- Criticized For:
- Inconsistent entertainment systems
- Dated narrow-body interiors
- Less responsive mobile app
One common tip: book international flights directly through the website to ensure better seat selection and access to special offers.
Is Vietnam Airlines Worth Flying?
Yes, Vietnam Airlines is a strong full-service choice, especially for regional and long-haul routes in Asia and Europe. The airline offers reliable safety standards, new-generation aircraft, attentive service, and authentic Vietnamese hospitality, without the price tag of luxury carriers.
If you value smooth travel, legroom, and cultural consistency, Vietnam Airlines delivers. While it may not match Singapore Airlines in luxury or Cathay Pacific in innovation, it provides excellent value across economy, premium, and business cabins. For travelers flying within Southeast Asia or connecting to Europe or Japan, it remains a dependable and increasingly refined choice.
FAQs about Vietnam Airlines
Is Vietnam Airlines a safe airline?
Yes. Vietnam Airlines is IOSA-certified, has had no fatal jet accidents since 1997, and uses modern aircraft like the A350 and Boeing 787.
Does Vietnam Airlines serve food on all flights?
Yes. Hot meals are served on international routes, and snacks or light meals are offered on short domestic flights. Vegetarian and special meals are available by request.
How good is Vietnam Airlines business class?
Vietnam Airlines business class offers full-flat beds, priority boarding, fine Vietnamese cuisine, and Clarins amenity kits. It competes well with Thai Airways and Malaysia Airlines.
Does Vietnam Airlines offer inflight entertainment?
Yes. Long-haul flights include AVOD screens with movies, TV, and music. Short-haul and narrow-body aircraft may only offer overhead screens or limited options.
Is Vietnam Airlines part of an airline alliance?
Yes. Vietnam Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles with partners like Delta, Air France, and Korean Air.
Is Vietnam Airlines better than VietJet or Bamboo Airways?
For full-service flights, yes. Vietnam Airlines offers better seat comfort, full meals, and checked luggage. VietJet and Bamboo are low-cost carriers with fewer inclusions.
Does Vietnam Airlines offer Wi-Fi onboard?
No. As of 2024, Wi-Fi is not yet available on Vietnam Airlines flights, though trials are underway on select A350 aircraft.