FIRST NONSTOP Service Between Vietnam and USA with Vietnam Airlines

INSTAGRAM: @PatrickFliesPlanes
Today is exciting because I get to fly on the only nonstop route between Vietnam and the US, on Vietnam Airlines’ A350 Business Class from Ho Chi Minh to San Francisco. I have been wanting to fly this route for a while since it began, and I ended up using a great travel hack in order to book it, so stay tuned for that, and let me know your thoughts!
Airline: Vietnam Airlines
Flight Number: VN98
Aircraft Type: A350-900
Registration Number: VN-A892
Flight Time 13h 37m
Cost: ~$1000 USD
0:00 Intro
1:14 Route Explained
2:18 Airport Terminal
5:12 Lotus Lounge
10:41 Booking Hack!!
14:40 Boarding
15:34 The Seat
19:50 Amenities
21:44 Vietnam/USA Connection
23:11 SGN Departure
25:22 Menu
26:47 Inflight Entertainment
30:02 First Meal Service
31:17 BEST Dessert Service EVER!
32:11 Seat Modes
34:12 Good Morning
34:47 Mid Flight Snacks
35:43 Second Meal Service
36:46 How Successful is this Route?
38:27 SFO Arrival
39:40 Final Thoughts

[@COA764]

I love how thoughtful & positive your commentary is! It perfectly captures the excitement of flying & travel. It’s always a great pleasure to watch your videos.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you! I’m glad it comes across that way! Every chance to travel is a good one!

[@hadiyazid]

Agreed. The flight experience feedback is genuine and respectful.

[@dianeschroeder3980]

Vietnam is definitely on my bucket list so I’m glad to see that I could fly from Palm Springs to San Francisco and take that flight. Great review as always!❤️✈️

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! It’s a great flight!

[@InspireMe819]

Danang, Hoi An, and Bana Hills (that area) is simply amazing.

[@axelagosto5196]

Wao really Vietnam become a great country after the war.

[@freddiesflightreviews]

Love Vietnam Airline, especially their quirky safety video. Also, if you fly domestic with them you should try their bubble tea!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That sounds fun!

[@justalex9288]

glad to see this flight shown on the channel! I took this flight back in July 2022 on premium economy while I was moving from the US to Vietnam.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Awesome! I’ve heard good things about their other cabins as well

[@seochi]

amazingly detailed video. covered absolutely everything I wanted from a flight review inlc the airport. glad to have found this channel, subbed and keen to see more!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks man! Welcome!

[@paultravis9216]

Fantastic video, Patrick! I’m sorry to hear about your immigration woes in Vietnam. Going all that way only to be turned away must have been terribly frustrating. The Vietnamese government recently updated their online evisa application process to accommodate multiple-entry visas, and in doing so changed the online form into a confusing mess. I’m taking my own trip to Vietnam six weeks from now, but not on Vietnam Airlines, unfortunately. I did fly on one of their A350s from Incheon to Saigon in April this year, and was quite impressed with what turned out to be a very pleasant flying experience, even though it was just in economy. I’ve also flown on Vietnam Airlines in-country as well, dating back to 1988, when their fleet consisted of a few ancient Soviet-made TU-134 jets and IL-18 prop-driven airliners. Their level of service has always been good in my opinion. Count me among those looking forward to your new travel experiences series. Again, great work!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you! I have heard good things about their economy class as well!

[@davyf7620]

Great video again Patrick!!! Really enjoyed your very in-depth and honest review😊

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you!

[@xyzfantasyqueen12]

Definitely looking forward to the new travel series, great airline review as always!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! Im excited for it as well!

[@keninchicago]

I enjoy your videos; you have a relaxing commentary. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you!

[@koreandude]

subbed. started watching and next thing you know im 10 min in, 20 min in etc. keep doing big things Patrick!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks bro! I appreciate it!

[@strafrag1]

Wow, what a lovely lounge. I would go there just to eat and feel the ambiance. Super video. Thank you & Cheers.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! I loved the lounge! Thanks!

[@georgezamora323]

Excellent video Patrick!!! Keep up the great detailed work!!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you!

[@_autom]

cool, did not know that demographic info re San Jose. the historical info and aviation context you add is brilliant (pls continue to pepper these bits on future videos, if possible) also notice your pacing is getting better 👍great hack on biz upgrade on your way to San FranSICO 😂the food on this flight looks outstanding, another gem thanks and keep up the great content!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Ha! Thanks man! I appreciate it

[@JellGExplorer]

Great review! Enjoyed your video tremendously, thanks for you travel hack as well ❤Greetings from your new subscriber in Malaysia 😊

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@iFlyTheWorld]

Great review Patrick. Just subscribed. I'm heading to Hanoi at Xmas so looking forward to trying VN✈

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! I hope you have a great flight!

[@michaelgordon8763]

Thank you Patrick...this was an excellent video trip review. I am curious about your immigration experience because I am planning a trip to Viet Nam next year...so I'll keep an eye out for that. You do excellent trip reviews...well done!!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Definitely. I’ll look to get that going soon, long story short, apply for the eVisa as early ahead of time as possible

[@nicholaschou8220]

Very nice detailed review. Keep up the good work 😊

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks!

[@tantanmediagroup]

Great video Patrick, keep up the good work!! It was very comprehensive and gave a good depiction of Vietnam Airlines. I flew them this April from Melbourne (Australia) to Tokyo via Saigon (I still call it this). Pricing wise it was priced perfectly for me (Business Class), as QANTAS was $11,300 return, Singapore Airlines was $9,300 return and I got the Vietnam Airlines ticket for only $3,400 return. A350 on one leg and a 787 on the other leg. Also you are right with the coffees and I guess you missed out on the Pho for breakfast :). You can also order instant noodles on demand as well. Keep up the good work!!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That’s awesome! I’ll have to remember to get some noodles next time

[@samsungtap4183]

Just luv Vietnam airlines. Flown with them many times and never had a problem. The fact that all cabin crew are from Hanoi is sad but that's just how it is.

[@Andyxxx2006]

The food look very delicious and the airplane look nice, neat and clean. Great review. 🥰

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! Thanks!

[@effewe2]

Thanks for this vid. Well done. My partner and kids are Vietnamese/Americans and live in Bay Area, so we will check this flight out to see if they meet our high standards.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! I can’t speak to their economy class if that’s what you guys end up flying, but if you fly their business class experience it is a great experience

[@20luzer52]

Actually the largest Vietnamese community outside of VN is in Orange Country in Southern California, San Jose is the 2nd largest. But my guess is that VN anticipate a large number of non-tourist travelers with the technology sector in the Bay Area. The non-tourist travel is year round which is a better protection against the fluctuations of the seasonal travel of tourists; but that’s just my guess. The other possible reason is it’s a negotiation matter where the US had not got their top demand satisfied so they offered San Francisco instead of LA and VN took it. Just my guess

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

If we are talking greater metro areas then OC/LA beats out the Bay, but San Jose still has far more people if we are looking at individual cities. I do also think that the consulate general being in SF played a factor in their decision as well

[@laogia69]

I think San Jose city has the biggest Vietnamese population of any city outside of Vietnam. San Jose is one of the 15 cities in Santa Clara County. Orange County has 34 cities. Orange County as a whole has more Vietnamese than Santa Clara County.

[@BloxySteven]

Although they are Vietnamese but whenever a Vietnamese wear their flag, they’ll angry and call police (of course they’re not the regular Vietnamese and they’re another ideology).

[@rossginn1171]

Westminster,,, rite down the 405 from LAX. Blows my mind service into LAX isn’t happening already.

[@vanchungnguyen9459]

.vì họ là người chế độ cũ.việt nam cộng hòa..khi họ bị chính người mỹ bỏ rơi.nên họ đu càng vượt biên theo nhiều cách khác nhau theo chủ mỹ sang cali..còn lá cờ của việt nam hiện tại được liên hợp quốc và cộng đồng quốc tế công nhận là lá cờ này nhé bạn 🇻🇳 thanks❤ ​@@BloxySteven

[@eddie8745]

Great, detailed review!! Thanks.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks!

[@jacksontran2119]

What an amazing travel experience. You're so lucky to experience it and for less than $7k(!) I hope they keep this leg running, it'd be so convenient to get to VN and in the most comfortable way in business class. Thanks for the insider tip on scoring a seat through the Premium Economy upgrade!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! I hope other people can take advantage of that little booking trick!

[@SimpleLivingForever]

Hi Patrick, I accidentally stumbled on to your video, and I want to thanks you for it. Your video has shown me the thing about Tan Son Nhat Int Airport. I did not know that they have the lounge and all of the foods in there. Thanks again. Have a wonderful day.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@cosmicadventurer1999]

Appreciate a current review of this airline’s SF route. Love the food service and all the hot towels.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It was wonderful!

[@graemetessier7888]

Thoughtful, intelligent and detailed video.

[@juliogonzales8624]

Thank you for the wonderful video😊

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Glad you liked it!

[@cfrao]

Thorough and enjoyable video. The food looked very appetizing. As a drinker I would have liked to see the wine list. Did not recognize the champagne. Happy travels.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Definitely a great flight with great food!

[@duongnhdn]

Dont worry about this route going away. In fact as the national flagship carrier of Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines will surely have to keep this route as a "political" route to connect Vietnam and the US, not just for travelers, but also millions of Vietnamese living oversea in the states. About Bamboo, they are facing numerous problems with internal structure and legal issues and had just canceled almost all of their international routes from now to the middle of next year, so I highly doubt they would open any new route any time soon. Also, the soup at 7:16 that you forgot what it was, is actually the broth for fish cake tapioca noodles.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@lancesay]

love to hear this news...

[@renaldolama9517]

As someone who eats passionfruit regularly...that is some premium passionfruit at that lounge! I wish my local passionfruit was of that quality!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally! Being in SE Asia, my favorite part is the amazing produce! All the fruits and veggies are so good!

[@johnwick860]

another underrated airline... thanks!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally!!

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

What A Beautiful Aircraft The A350 Is,I Have Experirenece In Business CDG Paris-Hanoi.I Like The Product.Great Trip Report

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That’s awesome! I love the A350!

[@paul9874]

When I was in the Army 53 years ago there were hundreds of non stop flights to and from Viet Nam.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

They have definitely had service to Vietnam, but unless it’s not mentioned anywhere, I don’t see any nonstops. I do see that there have been plenty of direct flights with United or Pan Am which involved quick stopovers at Hong Kong, Manila, etc

[@Fuckstupidlibtards]

​@@PatrickSheaAviationwow, that went right over your fuckin head like a 7.62x39

[@random1883]

Smooth landing !

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Oh hell yea!

[@neilhaas]

The A350-900 consists of all the airlines. Very nice airplane airliner.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

The A350 may be my favorite airplane!

[@NickEaster-wj2bi]

Another one! My dream is to travel often, much like yourself. Your content inspires me to figure out how to do just that, and pursue my passion! Looking forward to the next one Pat!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I wish you luck man! Thanks!

[@faketom3085]

The big pot of soup in the lounge is actually for the pho (in the plain white bowls covered with plates)!

[@Hoovie9596]

Your best video yet ! Your channel is gonna be HUGE

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks homie!

[@danekim4275]

Looks like their meal service trumps United Polaris’s, anyday, but Polaris’s seats are still one of the best. I’d love to fly Vietnam Airlines someday though, as Asian flight crews are typically attentive & make you feel like a VIP. Nice vlog.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally agree. Service on Asian carriers is unparalleled. But Polaris is still one of my favorite seats in the sky

[@TripReportaviation]

Brilliant video. VNA've improved a lot in their soft product in recent years. However, I think they'd prefer buying a new plane to retrofitting their fleet. In the past, they retired their A332s and B772s although many of those were not even 15 years old. Talking about the price, I think VNA offers a higher price to SFO compare to other airlines with a stopover. I hope to try this route in the future, when they lower the price down.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Good points. I hope you get a chance to try out this route!

[@hoangminhx007]

yes, for sure. our country flag carrier consider to buy some plane to replace the a321ceo

[@charlesthistlethwaite]

I really enjoyed your video and review. I actually prefer the seats that move forward without legrests as you can keep your backpack secure on the floor beneath the seat when it is in lie-flat mode. Also, the video would have been more interesting, and perhaps informative for others in the same situation, if you had shared more about your visa/immigration issues. Visa issues are all too common for travelers to Vietnam.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I did try to incorporate it but the video just became a bit too long, but I’m hoping to have it up before too long. Thanks!

[@vrajeshpatel17]

Haven't seen a lot of Vietnam Reviews but this one does the job. Thank you for making these!

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Thanks! I was thinking the same thing before posting it. Glad it was well received!

[@AlTaJr61]

I checked in a few Vietnam Airlines pilots at Miami International Airport of all places(???) who were from South America and also Americans years ago . They told me that Vietnam Airlines hire Foreign Pilots.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

A lot of large international airlines do that. When I was going to university for aviation, we had airlines like Cathay and Singapore trying to get us to come work for them after graduation and the pay was healthy!

[@AlTaJr61]

@@PatrickSheaAviation the few times I flew with Cathay Pacific the pilots making the announcements were definitely British

[@HelloOnepiece]

Fun fact: Vietnam Airlines used to give those asian style spoons with their food, but in recent times they changed to western type spoons, this resulted in the normal market flooded with the now unused old branded spoons, because of this you can regularly stumble upon Vietnam Airlines branded spoons at the local street food vendors

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That’s awesome! I’ll have to hunt for those next time!

[@irina_vhmc]

I'm Vietnamese and have used these Vietnam Airline spoons for years, but only now do I know of their origin. Wow. Also another fun fact, Vietnam Airline napkins can easily be found at markets too. They're also one of my favorites, since they're so thick, smooth and high quality.

[@tomsoden1738]

That's excellent value and thanks for the hack tips. I flew Vietnamese Airlines from Seoul to Ho Chi Min back in 2014; business class was more than half the price of Korean Air and Asiana. I found the hard product a bit dated but the hospitality and charm of the crew, mixed with the food to be fantastic.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Well good to know the crew and food are still fantastic. And at least their widebodies have better cabins now

[@chromebomb]

im glad SFO has this

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Same! I love seeing my home airport gettin some lovd

[@bettyvu]

San Jose may have largest city but Orange County in SoCal has the largest vietnamese community. The choice of SFO is likely because of the consulate presence and LAX is more crowded for international carriers.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

True. If you look at the Bay Area vs the LA/OC Area the SoCal group narrowly beats it out. You may be right about the consulate being the main reason

[@thienha1796]

San Francisco and Saigon have historical connection since the 90s because they are sister cities.

[@bettyvu]

@thienha1796 SF has 18 sister cities. I've never understood the reason for so many unless the relationships are superficial.

[@thienha1796]

@@bettyvu Each city is from a different country. Each country has its own culture. Sister cities are for commerce and cultural exchange.

[@bettyvu]

@thienha1796 I'd make the argument that SF is easier to navigate as a tourist because it is a smaller city with easy public transport options. You need vehicle access in LA.

[@TheTravelingCyclist1]

The lounge review was comprehensive. and detailed. That said please ask someone when you dont know what something is. Im still rather floored you went all the way to Vietnam and you could not describe what "Pho" is. If you're going to get to the next level on these reviews just a friendly suggestion. All the best,

[@timdang7920]

Saigon Forever!!!

[@MaiTran-xt6uw]

Thank you for the informative video. I'm curious about how to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business Class. Is this process initiated through an email invitation, or is it possible to request an upgrade directly at the check-in counter? We'll be departing from SFO in a few days, and it seems that the Business Class section is relatively vacant, with less than half the seats occupied..

[@madtownbbbear]

The way you caress the surfaces at your seat onboard was very sensual! ;-) 9.987 You're doing an almost perfect job on your videos, Patrick. And my sympathies to you for no individual air vents; I know how much you like those.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Ha! Thanks! 🤣

[@scogginsscoggins]

HCMC to Hanoi is not the longest domestic flight in VN. That is Can Toi - Hanoi is further.

[@paultruong391]

Thanks so much for saying Saigon Saigon city

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I’ve got it in there both ways. A little bit for everyone 🤷‍♂️

[@wombatwood4681]

Great airline…..problem is the long waits between international flights when transiting….the cost and process of getting a visa is difficult too if you want to enter the country.

[@263Leo]

That soup in the lounge was HOT. I’ve never seen soup in one of those at a rolling boil. And that scoop handle was right in there. Good luck to anyone trying to get that out. 😅

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

You gotta REALLY want that soup 🤣

[@atlnam]

It’s pho

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing this flight back home. First off, you made me laugh saying that you could be crazy 🤪!! That was to cute!! Hahaha!! Every traveler has their different style of traveling!!☺☺ Anyway, I agree with you about the lay down bed design. I am 6'2" in height so, my feet would have a problem in that seating. I mean, I would find a way to sleep like you did. So, yes, sleeping on my right side would be for me. Yes, from my experience also, San Francisco has large amounts of Asia people coming to our country going back to the 1880s. Los Angeles as well. The history of our young country compared to other nations is evident. The same in history as if you lived in New York. As well, in the 1800s people from European nations came over. So, there are so many Italians, Germans and they many others live on the east coast. So, our cities have those big populations many that came to our country. Still many moving on into the middle of our country.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Our country the beginning of the migration of people to our remains strong. When I use to flew my Hong Kong trips, I always find myself talking to passengers both hoing and coming back to the US. And I also found that many beautiful Asian people in general did like California in general. Los Angeles and San Francisco are and have been the starting points to our country. They, also like California weather. ☺ So, over the decades and a couple of generations, you see that continue to stay there in California. And yes, flying to Manila, Philippines on my own trips and coming back I got the same conversation from some of those nice people.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Finally, like you, I am glad I got to see the world being a person who loved history of other countries older than our country. And I am glad I was able to work for one of our airline carriers here to experience travel.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

All great points and stories! Thank you!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

@@PatrickSheaAviation You are welcome. Continue to fly safe on your trips. By the way, yes, there was a lot more space in the Business Class cabin part without the middle luggage compartments. It is more space!!☺

[@EricPham-gr8pg]

Strange thing is that we used to throw away cigarett lighter at the airport collection of ban items but when after check in at tan son nhat air port we saw smoking area and look like everyone else had lighter...but I had a feeling that is not real tan son nhat but rather some airport in China or Cambodia or new Zealand?

[@NATO4623]

That is good news

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally!

[@csantia651]

Great video it's Carlos from Ponce Puerto Rico

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Bienvenido Carlos!

[@mytube30005]

San Jose may be the city with the largest number of Vietnamese but if you count the entire Los Angeles metropolitan area (LA, Westminster, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Anaheim, etc...), then it's far more than San Jose, even if you count San Francisco. Therefore, it still makes more sense for Vietnam Airlines to fly to LAX than SFO.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea I hear you. The LA area does have a bit more than the Bay Area, but San Francisco also has their busiest consulate, so the flight goes to SFO largely for political reasons as well

[@LaNguyenBTong]

13:28 they try to make quick bucks under the table. It's very common. If they can sense that you're emotionally weak or it's your first time flying, they will stop and "check" your bags. Then, they make up excuses about your belongings and ask you to pay them or they confiscate the items. My mom almost became their subject because they saw her crying while moving to the USA.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Damn. If that’s all true then that totally sucks

[@LaNguyenBTong]

@@PatrickSheaAviation they definitely won't risk the national reputation with such tactics on foreigners, only Vietnamese.

[@Al_Idrissi_]

I'm super shocked that the only flight directly to the USA is not to Los Angeles as Little Saigon is right down the street and there are surely a lot more Vietnamese in Southern California

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I would guess LA would be their next destination, but San Jose still is the city with the largest Vietnamese population, but mostly because San Francisco houses one of the busiest Vietnam consulates

[@apertureemployee215]

I feel like the lack of privacy is an issue with herringbone seats in general. I flew Air France business recently, and they have basically the same seat layout as here, and I could see anything and everything the people in the next couple seats over were doing and vice versa. Plus the counter and angle making it hard to get a good view out the windows

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I agree completely. They do tend to have the little partition that can be raised to add a little privacy, but it isn’t perfect unfortunately

[@marcelorozengurt4432]

Vietnam airlines should consider opening a non stop route to Los Angeles California

[@kevin19358]

2:18, Hopefully next year, Vietnam Airlines will launch its flight to Los Angeles if the authorization is approved.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

We will see! And then hopefully it doesn’t steal too many passengers from the SFO flight. I just hope that it doesn’t spread the customers too thin

[@kevin19358]

Okay.

[@CrazyCowPie]

Please expand on the delay thru SGN @ passport control...would help future travellers. TIA

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally will soon. I tried in this video, but it made the video a bit too long so I decided to hold off and describe it separately

[@victoryang3220]

Vietnam is probably the only site to catch flights from Southeast Asia to the US. Glad this is now happening

[@7griffinjack]

You can fly from Singapore to the US multiple times per day

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Depends a bit as Singapore and Manila offer nonstop to the US, as far as the greater SE Asian area, I would love to see more flights from Thailand, Malaysia, or Indonesia. Some of which existed pre-Covid

[@shairi65]

there are also direct flights to USA from Manila, Philipines.

[@philipjanek3864]

I flew Jal from O'Hare to Ho Chi Minh with a layover in Tokyo for 416 usd 😆 you crazy man 👌

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

That price sounds way better…

[@samfish6938]

it does not show up on google flight search is it only on certain days

Well...nice you flew business...as it would be miserable in their horrible economy seat and service. I would never fly with them unless it is shorter than 2hrs. On our HCMC to DaNang it was it was like a drive by water throwing to each passenger but then I guess at least they passed out water.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Idk I’ve heard good things about their economy class too although never trying it myself

[@icon_ic]

I want to book a flight to Vietnam now

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Do it! It’s a great place!

[@samfish6938]

i found flights but $2500 for economy plus

[@kll3139]

What the business class lover! So proud of you bc have a lit if money. Just $3500 cheap?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Nah man go out and use that hack to get it for under $1000

[@pulangmanok5907]

I feel like this plane was spotted during the live stream of lax flights

[@JeanClaudeCOCO]

They don’t fly to LAX

[@pulangmanok5907]

@@JeanClaudeCOCO nope it was when lax flights was in sfo airport for a day

[@ositofreitas]

Its somewhere between legit business class and economy deluxe

[@uhhhwhat918]

Hopefully United or some US based airline comes to Vietnam (HCMC).

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Maybe… but I’d guess we would see a US airline in Malaysia or Thailand first. Higher yields than Vietnam

[@Calvinl07]

Hello, do you do the upgrade directly from the Vietnam Airlines website? Or how did you do it?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea you can do it directly with them on check in

[@hanj31]

Those extra routes you see on the map are probably codeshare routes

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yup, I think that was mentioned in the video

[@samfish6938]

ana airlines economy $900 last week october 22 hours

[@Krunchy71]

No air vents is 100% a deal breaker, especially if the airplane is kept warm.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Totally agree. It’s super frustrating and seems easy enough for airlines to install

[@skygrey7237]

Actually. Orange County has the largest Vietnamese population followed by Houston followed by DC, then San Jose.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Not exactly true. If you’re talking metro areas than OC beats out the bay but there’s no city in the US with more viets than San Jose

[@amyvong4406]

It's serviced almost 2 years already.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Correct, I believe that was mentioned in the video

[@msoviet409]

Love your frank insight of your journey back to San Francisco. Regarding your issue with the immigration at TSN airport, Vietnam is next to China, as you know the source of Covid. Many travelers flew in from China, unfortunately many carry the disease without knowing it. It spread to Vietnam on and off many times. Reason why Vietnam is extremely cautious, if not paranoid, for everyone's safety.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Possibly, but it had nothing to do with disease or anything. It was strictly visa related so idk

[@ryanle3782]

Is this your first direct flight from sfo to sgn? I took this flight 2 years ago.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea… It’s my first time on this route

[@aylyi-huh9355]

what's a cambode

[@nguyentuananhphan8644]

22:10 It may never begin service because Bamboo Airways has gone nearly bankrupt in the past years and had to return all of their wide-body aircrafts

[@markinboy]

Other airlines offering one-stop services will always charge lower business class fares.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Typically yes. Although for some people, nonstop flights are worth the premium

[@dannytran1961]

do you know when is vn airlines come to washDC

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

I haven’t heard of any plans for that. It sounds like IF they add more services it’ll be to LAX or JFK

[@rosariocalosur7802]

Impressive airline 👏👏👏👏 if only for the cramped legroom 😐

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yea that was one of the only drawbacks I saw onboard

[@ktchelseafamily3314]

Cute

[@thienha1796]

San Francisco and Saigon are sister cities.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Yep. I think they have been for like 30 years

[@user-uc2um8dh5e]

will you fly malaysia airlines at some point

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It is definitely in my plans, but nothing officially booked yet

[@navinkuckian1926]

🕉️🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏🕉️🙏

[@Al_Idrissi_]

I don't think I agree with you that San Jose has more Vietnamese than Southern California. Westminster Socal and Linda Vista in San Diego alone have over 200,000 Vietnamese

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Idk what to tell you man. San Jose has the largest amount of Vietnamese of any city. If you lump all of SoCal together then it’s beats NorCal by a bit. SJ still is the single city with the most viets. That, combined with the large consulate in SF, is the reason they chose SFO over LAX

[@tally1604]

What was the immigration debacle? They refused you entry into the country?

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

It was too long of a story for this video but included issues with my visa and the least helpful immigration staff I’ve ever encountered

[@EpicThe112]

In the United States VN98/99 feed to DL flights that go to SFO. However rival Asian carriers BR🇹🇼CA🇨🇳 OZ🇰🇷NH🇯🇵 SQ end up benefiting in San Francisco because of United Airlines having a Hub there. VN Needs to fly directly into a DL🇺🇲 Hub just like Skyteam Partners KE🇰🇷 CI🇹🇼 MF MU🇨🇳 do. The airport you left from Vietnam used to be a u.s. Air Force Base provided you were able to meet veterans in San Francisco who served in that base. I'm wondering if you have a SkyTeam Alliance membership since that works well with VN. Same way as AA Advantage AS Mileage Plan Oneworld emerald members walk straight onto JL🇯🇵 and CX🇭🇰 lounges. VN Business class seat Safran Cirrus like CX

[@mikelsales3599]

Atlanta perhaps connect Vietnam to the east coast seems plausible to me

[@EpicThe112]

@@mikelsales3599 The problem is that VN A359s can't make North Vietnam Hanoi Noi Bai and South Vietnam Than Son Nut to Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson non stop therefore they need ULRs to make it to Hartsfield Jackson Airport from South Vietnam Than son Nhut AFB and North Vietnam Hanoi Noi Bai Airport. On the Westcoast Oneworld Alliance hubs are LAX AA Seattle Tacoma AS Star Alliance YVR AC🇨🇦 LAX SFO GUM🇺🇲 Skyteam DL LAX SLC

[@JeanClaudeCOCO]

@@mikelsales3599they could just do Los Angeles. They’ll have so much more west bound passengers who would love to fly to Vietnam via Delta to LAX from their many hubs in the east and central parts of the country. That will also help to lower the prices and connect them to other countries in the region than the longer route of the North Eastern Asian carriers from Japan and Korea. Currently they’re mostly depending on Visiting family and friends travelers and not the wider public hence the higher prices at one airport which isn’t an Alliance hub causing infrequent scheduling and lower business class passengers.

[@PatrickSheaAviation]

Possibly, but their decision to SFO isn’t because of Delta connections, it’s because of the large viet population in the Bay Area. Largest in the world. Most people on this flight aren’t even connecting except for maybe LA

[@EpicThe112]

@@PatrickSheaAviation Thanks for the answer. I wonder why VN fellow Asian Skyteam partners like MF MU CI KE just route their US routes from their hubs to DL hubs in the US

[@UncleHoCM]

😀