We sent our in-house influencer, Deep Bhatia, to Vietnam on a travel research mission. His firsthand experience brings you the most authentic tips and recommendations straight from the field.

It was only a few months ago that Vietnam Airlines announced their addition of the Airbus A350 aircraft on their Delhi-Hanoi route. It was exciting to see Vietnam Airlines’ offering on this spacious and modern aircraft, especially given the fact that it’s been making waves lately, particularly for its modern fleet and expanding routes. 

The airline has earned a solid reputation4 stars. Needless to say, we wanted to know if the airline would live up to its reputation (and billing).

In this blog, I’m breaking down the details of our experience, from check-in to touchdown.

Departure from Delhi: Pre-Flight Prep

Arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) three hours before departure, I headed to Terminal 3, where Vietnam Airlines operates its check-in. The check-in counters, typically located around Zone C, were easy to spot with the airline's signature golden lotus logo.

The process at the counter was fairly efficient, as ground staff promptly checked my baggage and issued my boarding pass. Adhering to the airline’s 23 kg check-in baggage allowance for economy class on this route, my check-in was completed smoothly. I then headed over to emigration to get my passport and visa checked.

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The Boarding Process & First Impressions of the Aircraft

1. Boarding the Aircraft

After passing through security, I made my way to the gate, where boarding for the A350 began about 45 minutes prior to departure. Boarding was organized, with announcements made promptly. Vietnam Airlines, particularly on this route, generally adheres to scheduled times. Some passengers have noted occasional delays, so it’s best to remain flexible, though my flight boarded right on time.

2. First Impressions of the Aircraft

The aircraft for this flight was an Airbus A350, showcasing Vietnam Airlines’ modern wide-body fleet. As I boarded, I was welcomed by flight attendants in their distinct aqua-blue uniforms, who greeted passengers with warm smiles. The A350’s cabin had a relaxing color scheme of soft blues, setting the tone for a calm, comfortable flight.

3. Seat Pitch and Comfort

Economy seats on the Vietnam Airlines A350 fleet are configured in a 3-3-3 arrangement, providing decent comfort and legroom with around 31-32 inches of seat pitch—quite typical for economy Class on this aircraft. Each seat features a personal entertainment screen, a USB port, an adjustable headrest, a blanket, and a pillow.

Each seatback screen offered a range of entertainment options. Reviews on Vietnam Airlines highlight that while the entertainment system is up-to-date on the A350, the content selection can sometimes be limited. Bringing your own device as a backup might be wise if you prefer more variety during the flight.

4. Cabin Cleanliness and Amenities

Vietnam Airlines has made an effort to keep their A350 cabins in good condition. And while the cabin generally remained clean throughout the flight, there was the  occasional issue like the sticky tray table, so it’s best to keep a hand sanitizer on hand just in case.

Headphones are provided, but I recommend bringing personal headphones for better sound quality. The cabin crew passed through to offer assistance and make sure passengers were settled in before takeoff, displaying the high level of attentiveness that Vietnam Airlines is often praised for.

My In-Flight Experience with Vietnam Airlines

1. Take-off & Cabin Atmosphere

As the flight leveled off, the cabin lighting shifted to a soft, calming tone. The Airbus A350’s modern lighting system created a soothing ambiance with a warm glow. The cabin itself was spacious, and though the airline is known for keeping things simple, the updated interior felt fresh and comfortable. Perfect to unwind or explore the in-flight entertainment options.

2. Crew Members and Their Service

The cabin crew on this Vietnam Airlines flight wore the signature áo dài

During the meal service especially, the crew’s professionalism stood out – they were patient, friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to ensure passenger’s needs were met.

3. The Meal Service

About 40 minutes into the flight, the crew rolled out the meal carts, offering a choice between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. I chose the non-vegetarian meal, which consisted of fragrant jasmine rice, tender chicken in lemongrass sauce, a side of fresh vegetables, a bread roll, and a small dessert. The meal arrived hot, and the flavors were fresh and well-balanced, highlighting some traditional Vietnamese ingredients.

A selection of beverages accompanied the meal, including soft drinks, tea, coffee, and even a few alcoholic options like Vietnamese beer. I opted for a refreshing glass of apple juice, which complemented the meal perfectly.

4. Vietnam Airlines’ In-Flight Entertainment System

The A350 on my Vietnam Airlines flight from Delhi to Hanoi was outfitted with their “RAVE” entertainment system, offering a range of movies, TV shows, and music to pass the time. The selection was decent for a four hour journey, with some popular movies like Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar, and Black Panther available, along with a handful of Asian cinema gems that added a nice cultural touch.

For TV, I found a few episodes of Friends and The Big Bang Theory, plus some local Vietnamese shows that were interesting to check out, even if I could only follow along with subtitles. There were also a few music playlists featuring both international pop and traditional Vietnamese tracks – a fun way to get a bit more immersed in the culture before even landing.

The touchscreen worked fine and was perfectly responsive. This was as expected on an aircraft like the A350. Overall, while not as extensive or high-tech as some other airlines, the entertainment system offered a good enough selection to make the flight enjoyable.

IV. Preparing for Landing in Hanoi

About 30 minutes before landing, the cabin lights gradually brightened, signaling the beginning of our descent. The crew made an announcement, reminding everyone to fasten seatbelts, stow tray tables, and ensure their seats were in an upright position. As the crew moved down the aisle, they collected trash and any remaining trays, ensuring the cabin was ready for landing.

I peeked out the window and caught sight of the vibrant Vietnamese landscape as we approached Hanoi. Lush greenery stretched as far as I could see.

As we taxied to the gate after touchdown, I could see the green expanses surrounding Noi Bai International Airport, a reminder that Vietnam has its own share of tropical beauty awaiting exploration.

V. Disembarking at Noi Bai International Airport

Once the plane reached the gate, the crew made a final announcement, thanking passengers for flying with Vietnam Airlines and reminding everyone to check their seats for personal belongings. As the seatbelt sign turned off, passengers began to gather their bags and disembark. 

The crew stood by the exit, smiling and saying a warm “Cảm ơn” (thank you) as each passenger stepped out. I could feel the warmth of Hanoi’s air as I descended, welcoming me to the bustling city and setting the tone for the next chapter of my journey in Vietnam.

Final Thoughts on Vietnam Airlines

My experience with Vietnam Airlines on the A350 was a mix of mostly positives with a few areas for improvement. The crew’s warmth and friendliness made the journey comfortable, with their attentive service adding a personal touch. The entertainment system offered a solid selection for a medium-haul flight.

The only aspect that didn’t quite hit the ‘perfection’ mark was cabin cleanliness. The tray tables and restrooms could have benefited from more frequent attention. That said, it was nowhere near terrible and was at most, a minor inconvenience.

To truly compete with other prominent Asian carriers, it needs a focus on consistent cabin maintenance and an upgrade in some of the in-flight amenities. But overall, Vietnam Airlines provides a reliable and pleasant travel experience.