Flight review: Is Vietjet Business class worth it? - Travel News

Aug 30, 2023

For a Business fare at ¼ of the normal price, we think so.

They say you get what you pay for and it tends to ring true, especially for airlines. But do you really need all the bells and whistles, when you can nab yourself a bargain? That’s my approach when it comes to VietJet Business, the ‘premium’ seating offering from Vietnam’s largest air carrier.

To give you some context, this is a company proudly focused on ‘cost management ability’ (their words, not mine). It’s also one rolling out direct flights in increasing numbers between Vietnam and Australia, with its most recent debut one between Brisbane and Ho Chi Minh.

@deliciousaus A Business fare at a quarter of the normal price? Yes, please! We tried @Vietjet ♬ Gimme That Sunshine – Animal Island

Seating options

With so many Vietnamese flights en route (pardon the pun), you’re about to see a whole lot more of VietJet and its three seating options; Eco, SkyBoss, and Business class. Which, in my experience, isn’t a bad thing. Especially if you’re craving the kind of flight experience that successfully straddles the middle ground between the traditional torture of cattle class and the largely out-of-reach First Class, without asking you to dig too deep into your pockets. In a nutshell this is a premium take on VietJet’s standard offering, but one with a bargain price (for business anyway). Sure it’s restrained in its creature comforts, but it sprinkles just enough to promise a decent flight, if not an enjoyable one.

Perks of Business class

One of its biggest draw cards is that waiting around at the airport will (largely) be a thing of the past. If you’re permanently running late or seriously short on patience like myself you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t wait in line as usual, but are slingshot to the front of the very separate Business check-in desk (to drop off your possible 18 kgs carry-on baggage and 60 kgs checked baggage). The same goes for the gate, where you’ll be whisked through to your seat first to settle in. And perhaps even better, you’ll be escorted off the plane first post-flight.

While in Vietnam you’ll also be able to enjoy VIP express lanes when it comes to passport control, and security (a real blessing, especially if you’re not travelling solo). Plus you’ll be granted lounge access no matter the airport you embark from – after all, you’ll have plenty of time to kill after flying through the normal pre-flight rigmarole.

Inflight experience

Once you’re on the plane, it will become clear that VietJet Business is really closer to the premium economy of most major airlines. You’ll be shown to a Business-only cabin of 12 leather seats which, while not excessively roomy, do recline up to 180 degrees (a true delight if flying the red eye). A word of advice – if you don’t manage to bag one of the front rows, aim for an aisle seat so that you can get up and down as you please. While seats recline, be warned that there is no in-flight entertainment provided – a potential deal-breaker considering the flight between Vietnam and Australia’s East Coast averages 8 hours.

But while the movies may be MIA, the staff are anything but. The VietJet team embraces traditionally warm Vietnamese hospitality. A team of 2-3 take care of Business alone, delivering a constant stream of complimentary food and drinks across the flight. Meals aren’t bad at all, and centre around Vietnamese favourites like beef pho (Phở bò), plus specialty juices and teas. Expect standard business favourites like refreshments on arrival, and an individual flight kit that includes socks, eye mask, slippers, toothbrush, and a mini L’Occitane hand cream, to keep you looking your best.

Final verdict

It’s not total luxury, but the price is on par – you’re looking at VietJet Business for around $1300 one way, compared to the $3000 or so (minimum) with the likes of Qantas Business. At the end of the day, it sure beats economy, and offers you a decent dose of comfort at ¼ of the price of standard business fare.