Flying the Friendly Skies of Vietnam Airlines

I flew back to Bangkok from Saigon last Friday.

It was my first flight on Vietnam Airlines and I must say I was quite impressed!

First off all, the airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is clean, modern and easily traversed. From Check-in to immigration to my Gate took less than 15 minutes.

Boarding the plane, it was obviously fairly new and had been pre-cooled before boarding

The flight from Saigon to Bangkok clocks in at about 1 hour & 5 minutes. Basically, once you are at altitude, you start your descent.

With such a short flight time, I expected only minimal service.

WRONG!!

First, pillow & blankets were distributed to those who requested them (no charge, unlike in the USA). Then, as soon as we cleared 10,000 feet, food carts emerged and everyone was served a hot meal (braised beef, rice, veggies and a fruit plate). Wine & Beer was offered (free) with the service and as we descended hot coffee & tea was offered.

All this in economy on a short hop flight!

Somehow, I don’t see this kind of service ever returning to the western carriers.