Vietnam Airlines Business Class: our rating

Our overall rating: 3.5 / 5

Our rating reflects the Business Class experience reviewed on this flight, including the seat, cabin, service, dining, sleeping comfort and overall consistency.

Vietnam Airlines A350-900 Business Class at a glance

Introduction: Vietnam Airlines Business Class from Paris to Hanoi

When frequent flyers warmly advised us to consider a review of Vietnam Airlines, we were more curious than enthusiastic. Although this well-established airline had a reassuring safety record, our expectations were shaped by an outdated image of the carrier. We anticipated little more than ageing aircraft, cramped seats and a rather formal style of service, with little to compare with the lavish Business and First Class products offered by some of the leading airlines of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Our unfounded or simply outdated prejudices vanished during an impressive flight aboard the Airbus A350-900. Vietnam Airlines had clearly reinvented much of its long-haul product and was determined to compete seriously in the premium cabin market.

Our journey began at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The terminal experience was followed by a very different kind of surprise once we reached the aircraft: a sophisticated Business Class cabin, direct aisle access for every passenger and a seat that could be transformed into a proper full-flat bed.

What followed was one of those flights that quietly changes one's opinion of an airline.

Paris Charles de Gaulle: check-in, security and lounge

At the time of our journey, the experience started at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where Vietnam Airlines operated from Terminal 2. The SkyTeam environment made the airport connection relatively straightforward, although the security process was considerably less efficient than we would have wished.

The fast-track security queue turned into a surprisingly long wait. It was one of those airport moments when the luxury travel experience seems to disappear rather quickly. Fortunately, once through security, the journey improved considerably.

We then made our way to the Air France lounge serving the appropriate departure area. At the time, we found it to be one of the better Business Class lounges in Europe: spacious enough to relax or work, with a generous buffet and a broad selection of soft drinks, wines and spirits.

The staff were particularly pleasant. A hostess checked our boarding pass and told us that there was still enough time to enjoy the complimentary fifteen-minute pre-flight facial massage offered by Clarins.

We followed her advice. The treatment was an unexpected bonus and, after the less-than-relaxing security queue, an excellent way to begin a long-haul journey.

The departure gate was only a short walk from the lounge. There were plenty of seats for passengers in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class, with separate boarding arrangements.

And there she was: the Airbus A350-900, parked in front of the gate and attracting the attention normally reserved for a film star. Cameras and smartphones were everywhere.

Vietnam Airlines Airbus A350-900

The Airbus A350 was still a relatively new sight at the time of our flight, and Vietnam Airlines was among the early operators of the type. The aircraft represented a major technological step forward from the image we had previously associated with the airline.

The A350 is a wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul flying, with extensive use of composite materials and a cabin environment designed to improve passenger comfort.

Vietnam Airlines has operated different A350 configurations, so the precise number of seats and cabin arrangement may vary by aircraft. The airline continues to list the Airbus A350 among its principal long-haul aircraft in 2026.

Vietnam Airlines Business Class cabin: 1-2-1 seating

We entered the Business Class cabin directly and were greeted by smiling Vietnamese flight attendants wearing blue and yellow Ao Dai, the elegant traditional Vietnamese costume.

Economy and Premium Economy passengers used a different entrance, so there was no stream of passengers walking through the Business Class cabin. We immediately liked the neutral colours, the contemporary mood lighting and, above all, the 1-2-1 seating arrangement.

Every passenger had direct access to the aisle. For long-haul Business Class, this is an important advantage and one that instantly makes a cabin feel more exclusive.

We particularly recommend the window seats. With no neighbour immediately beside you, they create a remarkably private little cocoon, with the sensation of travelling in a much more intimate cabin.

The luggage allowance and other fare conditions mentioned in our original review were specific to the ticket and rules applying at the time. Such allowances can change, so current baggage conditions should be checked directly with Vietnam Airlines.

The Vietnam Airlines Business Class seat

Our jackets and pullovers were taken to the cloakroom by the attendants before we settled into the large, deep and remarkably comfortable seat. There was ample room to stretch our legs, work on a laptop and simply relax.

The cabin was full, which was hardly surprising. Vietnam Airlines' new Business Class product had clearly found its audience, and availability in the premium cabin was limited.

We would therefore recommend booking well in advance when planning a long-haul journey in Vietnam Airlines Business Class.

Service, Champagne and amenities

After a glass of well-chilled Champagne served with canapés, we took off on time. The seat belt arrangement was unusual to us at the time, with an additional shoulder and chest belt providing extra restraint during critical phases of the flight.

Once airborne, we received another glass of Champagne, together with water, good-quality headphones, slippers and an elegant Charriol amenity kit containing the essentials for a long flight.

The A350 cabin was remarkably quiet. The flight attendants could speak softly while checking our comfort, taking our meal and drink orders or simply stopping for a pleasant conversation.

The temperature was comfortable throughout the flight, and the cabin atmosphere felt considerably less dry than on many long-haul journeys we had experienced.

Drinks and the onboard bar

We were handed the menu with a glass of Hello Vietnam, a signature cocktail made with Campari, orange juice and Sprite. Created by Mr Vo Tan Si, President of the Saigon Bartenders Association, it was a surprisingly refreshing introduction to the flight.

The drinks selection also included familiar classics such as Cuba Libre, Bloody Mary and Dry Brandy Manhattan. There was a substantial choice of spirits and liqueurs, including whisky, Cognac, rum, Martini and Baileys Irish Cream.

The wine selection was equally respectable for a long-haul Business Class service. Champagne was available, while both white and red wines were offered with the meal.

The service was generous without becoming excessive, and the crew were particularly good at judging when to offer another drink and when to leave passengers to enjoy the flight.

Vietnam Airlines Business Class dining

A fresh salmon canap arrived with our cocktail, followed by a fragrant chestnut cream soup.

For the main course, we could choose between several meat and fish dishes. We selected scallops with Imperial spicy sauce, sautéed vegetables and steamed rice.

The bread selection was also surprisingly good, with toasted garlic bread, soft Viennois bread and a small olive and sesame baguette. Everything tasted fresh and had a pleasant texture.

The wine pairing included a pale-gold Burgundy, followed by an elegant red Bordeaux. The combination worked particularly well with the fresh vegetable salad and selection of cheeses.

We finished what had felt remarkably close to a First Class lunch with pecan, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, good-quality petits fours and an authentic Italian espresso.

A glass of Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac completed the meal before we settled down for the long flight to Hanoi.

Sleeping in Business Class: the 180-degree full-flat bed

We largely ignored the entertainment system and went to sleep in the comfort of the 180-degree Sogerma Solstys full-flat seat. Travellers familiar with the Business Class products of Emirates or Etihad will recognise the general concept.

The bed was long and wide enough for a genuinely comfortable night's sleep. We occasionally opened our eyes to check our position on the moving map before falling asleep again.

Meanwhile, the flight attendants continued to move quietly through the cabin, checking that everything was all right and offering water or juice when appropriate.

Their discreet attention contributed considerably to the overall impression. Rather than constantly interrupting passengers, they seemed to anticipate when something might be needed.

Breakfast before landing in Hanoi

A couple of hours before landing, a substantial breakfast was served. It included familiar items such as cereals, yoghurt, freshly baked mini croissants and raisin bread, alongside more elaborate hot dishes.

We particularly enjoyed the pear caramelised double crêpe with strawberry compote and sweetened mascarpone.

We landed smoothly in Hanoi in the early morning. Our original report noted a priority arrival procedure for Business Class passengers.

The destination was Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), not Saigon. This distinction is worth making explicit because Vietnam has two major international gateways: Noi Bai serves Hanoi, while Tan Son Nhat serves Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam Airlines Wi-Fi: important 2026 update

Vietnam Airlines now offers inflight Internet connectivity on selected Airbus A350 aircraft. The service is branded LotusConnect.

The airline began rolling out the service on its A350 fleet in 2025, and announced in 2026 that eight A350 aircraft had already been equipped, with the intention of completing the A350 fleet installation during 2026.

Availability therefore depends on the aircraft assigned to the individual flight. Passengers should check the current Vietnam Airlines information before travelling rather than assuming that every A350 offers exactly the same connectivity.

Current information about the service is available on the official Vietnam Airlines website: Vietnam Airlines inflight Wi-Fi .

Our verdict: Vietnam Airlines Business Class Paris Hanoi

Vietnam Airlines improved our opinion of the airline enormously. What began with modest expectations turned into a remarkably enjoyable long-haul Business Class experience.

The Airbus A350-900 was a major part of the success. The quiet cabin, modern lighting, 1-2-1 Business Class configuration, direct aisle access and comfortable full-flat bed created an environment that compared favourably with the products offered by much better-known premium carriers.

The food and wine were another pleasant surprise. The meal was carefully presented, the choice of drinks was generous and the service remained attentive throughout the flight without becoming intrusive.

Most impressive, however, was the overall consistency. From the moment we entered the aircraft to the moment we landed in Hanoi, the crew delivered a warm and professional service.

Our original review was written after a single flight, so it would be unfair to turn one excellent experience into a universal judgement. Nevertheless, it was enough to convince us that Vietnam Airlines deserved to be taken seriously by travellers looking for a high-quality Business Class experience between Europe and Vietnam.

In 2026, the airline continues to operate Airbus A350 aircraft on its long-haul network and continues to sell Business Class travel between Paris and Hanoi. The product has evolved since our original journey, notably with the introduction of inflight connectivity on selected A350 aircraft.

The conclusion remains essentially the same: Vietnam Airlines should not be dismissed on the basis of an outdated reputation. For travellers flying between Paris and Vietnam, it is a carrier that deserves serious consideration.

Vietnam Airlines Business Class Review: Paris CDG to Hanoi HAN aboard the Airbus A350-900