Vietnam Airlines Airbus and 787 Business Class - Not What I Had Planned

Vietnam Airlines’ Long-Haul Business Class has been high on my list to fly for a long time. Vietnam Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, but that was about all I knew about Vietnam Airlines.
So, when I recently needed to travel from Shanghai to Frankfurt, I discovered the perfect itinerary with Vietnam Airlines with a layover in Ho Chi Minh City. The first leg, from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City, would be operated by one of Vietnam Airlines’ A350’s (my favorite airplane!). The second, from Ho Chi Minh City to Frankfurt, would involve a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787. What a great comparison of two rival aircraft, both operated by the same carrier - Vietnam Airlines.
Unfortunately, Vietnam Airlines had something else in store for me…
In the end, thanks to an unexpected Equipment Swap, I got the chance to try out Vietnam Airlines’ Airbus A321 Business Class on the first leg as well as Vietnam Airlines 787 Business Class on the second one.
Join me on this review of Vietnam Airlines’ long-haul business class. We’ll explore Vietnam Airlines’ lounge, Vietnam Airlines’ business class seat, Vietnam Airlines inflight entertainment, Vietnam Airlines’ food, and Vietnam Airlines’ crew! I’ll even give Vietnam Airlines a “JebScore!”
I can’t wait to return to Vietnam and try Vietnam Airlines again. What do you think? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on Vietnam Airlines!
Here's a link to the unedited take-off and landing footage:
• Full Take-off and Land...
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Rise of the Red Sun - Mandala Dreams

[@thomas9374]

That LATAM plane flies for Qatar airways :)

[@sant340]

Thomas oh really? I didn’t know

[@srilankanflyer1527]

Thomas they fly to Munich and Colombo too

[@thomas9374]

@@sant340 Yes they used to lease four of the planes to Qatar in 2017, but I belive they reduced the amount, must be pretty dissapointing if you expect a QSuite and get the 2-2-2 Latam Business class :D. For quite some time the Doha-Munich flight was only operated by the Latam plane.

[@sant340]

Thomas Intresting!

[@jancarlosreymundi-pabon4611]

Goddamn how many time do I gotta say ur annoying as heck u should stop making annoying viedos 😡😡

[@YeuMayBay]

Hello from Vietnam! Nice video. It’s good to know you enjoyed the food. ;)

[@pddung93]

Anh travip cũng lưu lạc qua bên này à kaka

[@minhleplaysprodigyvn4831]

I'm a huge fan btw I'm Vietnamese too

[@erichoang883]

Chào anh

[@edogawaconan2891]

Có khi cònn qua sam chui

[@phamnamkhanhfschool_cg1381]

@@edogawaconan2891 nếu sam chui review vietnam airlines :)))

[@AllyssaButhmann]

I love your channel. I have a genetic, degenerative health disorder. Your videos make my three IV infusions, that are five hours each, seem so much shorter. I am able to fly and see the world, in a way I can protect my health. Keep up the amazing travels!!

[@chauscott2755]

As one of your Vietnamese subscribers, I'm very flattered and to see such a well-made review of our national airlines' Business class products. I hope I could provide additional informations about Vietnam Airlines' Business class products. They have two versions of business on the A350, the first batch (first 6) features 29 seats in staggered 1-2-1 config like those on Iberia A350s and is mostly used for East Asian routes. The second batch (the remaining 8) features 28 seats with similar products found on the 787 and is usually deployed on the European routes albeit with Vietnam Airlines notorious unannounced equipment swap (if you fly with them domestically on their SGN-HAN route, you'll get what I mean), it could either be a miss or hit, just like what you've experienced with the carrier. The first batch was rushed by Vietnam Airlines so that they could become the 1st airline in East Asia to deploy the A350 and become the 2nd carrier in the world to deploy both the A350 and the B787 (after Qatar) back in 2015, therefore the Business class seats are very similar to products on Airbus' standard cabin. It's far less superior than the reverse herringbones that the airline offers on the 787 and the second batch of A350: firmer seating, less storage space, a bit worn less private and the table was folded upward to the sides (which I find to be funny). The worst part is you don't even know which config will you be on, because the seat maps on the website is similar for both configs. So, Jeb, I think that you're very lucky to fly the 787 with the consistent good business (and premium economy) hard products. Cheers, and hope that you could visit our beautiful country soon!

[@bradmack8953]

Mate you missed the best part of Vietnam Airline - the country. It's an amazing place to visit.

[@Eyefillet1969]

Right on Brad ..my wife and i have totally fallen for it . we have had 5 holidays in 3 years there . hoping to spend a large part of retirement in Danang.

[@minhtrungle9117]

Eyefillet1969 Da Nang is absolutely gorgeous and insanely clean even for most Vietnamese, top notch beaches and nice locals.

[@bnv8514]

Lovely 😁

[@hangnguyen-iq7ib]

Brad MacK i Vietnamese people thank you

[@Mis-fe9fc]

Went there 5 years ago. Absolutely stunning country.

[@shoe_s]

Wait are jeb Brooks fans now called jebsetters? If so I think it's a great name!

[@byebye006]

Less jetsetters, more Jebsetters!

[@shoe_s]

Oh! I’ll make sure to edit the comment, thanks for letting me know

[@lvthud]

I love that

[@joshuajoe1419]

I agree

[@pauljordan4452]

His name probably is Jeffrey E. Brooks, according to a boarding pass in one of his videos. Hence JEB.

[@nocoaviation8353]

😂😂😂😭 am I just jet lagged or does this A350, look like an A321

[@nannanzhai1549]

NoCoAviation LOL

[@pham3383]

Its easy to mistake because you cam only go on a321,b787 or a350 for domestic and international flights,even in domestic 90% chances you will fly on a321 ,10% left is a350 or b787

[@ducmkie]

Lol 😂😂😂

[@tavita8699]

Vietnam is famous for it's friendly people and delicious food. Vietnam airlines did not fail to disappoint. Excellent vlog that showcased the very best of Vietnam Airlines. Lich an toàn...Safe travels in Vietnamese

[@seth556]

I flew a relatively short Hong Kong to Hanoi flight with them in economy a few years back and the service was absolutely fantastic. Although that seems to be how service is in Vietnam, above and beyond anywhere else.

[@huynguyen4456]

Stunning video Jeb! I would be mad if my flight was changed to A321 from A350! By the way, that Latam A350 was dry-leased by Qatar Airways. Stunning video btw

[@loveaodai100]

My first trip to Vietnam was in 1988. You will find that the friendly nature and warm smiles of the cabin attendants can be found all over Vietnam even without paying for anything. My early experiences in Vietnam led me to move to the country in 1995. Still here enjoying those smiles!

[@nycflyertravel]

Too bad you didn’t get to fly on the A350. It’ll be interesting to see what their service will be like if they end up flying to LA.

[@craigwillis3372]

Welcome back Jeb...great review and honest as always ! As you probably know Vietnam is high on the list for Australians and quite a few friends have flown with Vietnam Airways in most classes and the general opinion is they are "ok".One of the gripes I often hear about are delayed flights (mostly internal) and the cabin crew not speaking a lot of English.A friend of mine recently flew with them from Melbourne in Business Class and he said the "safety demonstration" could not be heard in the cabin and the crew spent more time talking to each other than serving the passengers !! The price they charge for Business Class is very competitive..especially to Europe but on many flights to Europe you land in Ho Chi Minh City...then fly to Hanoi and then onwards. And sometimes there are long lay-over times!! Enjoyed flying with you again mate and keep those nuts warm !!!

[@pahanin2480]

Jeb is always so polite even when people around him are less than considerate.

[@heympj]

Thanks for being so grateful

[@jeffwilson9114]

Jeb..... I really enjoy your reviews. Your voice is also very therapeutic!

[@msquaredmedia8717]

Dreamliner windows are the best!!! So awesome to be able to watch the outside without being blinded! 😍😍😍 Hate the shades on every other plane, all or nothing!

[@timduvall4910]

I think everyone will find that the Vietnamese people are some of the warmest and kindest people on this earth. I say this from experience. I have many Vietnamese friends and there has never been a time where I wasn't treated as family. Even their relatives, who have never met me before, treated me like a family member. Jeb, you need to go back to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city... the locals pretty much refuse to call it HCM city) and immerse yourself in the culture. I think you will thoroughly enjoy it, as I did. Oh and get some street food... the Phở is usually awesome.

[@DallasThompson]

Congrats on 100,000 I was on social blade watching u hit the milestone! I’ve been subbed since 3k! Congrats 🎉🎊🍾🎈

[@Gaylord69420]

Dallas Thompson! Nobody cares

[@jeanetteperlick5787]

No one cares about you

[@justanotherasian4395]

Jesus the 2 people above me are assholes

[@Gaylord69420]

Amateur Asian the one person above me is an asshole

[@joshuajoe1419]

Every in this tread including me is an asshole.

[@hilmartertius]

I honour and respect the fact that you are humble and grateful for your flights and trips. Well done Jeb :) That is an outstanding quality often lacking these days.

[@gregorybaker330]

My original flying instructor went to Ansett and now a captain on A350 with VN ..very meticulous aviator and taught me well

[@jbloom4172]

So glad you tried VN airline. I have flown them quite a few times on shorter routes from HKG or MNL and I have always found them to be great. Next time make sure you stop in Vietnam. It is such a great place and you will have a great time if you have a few days there. The views are usually great flying in and out of Ho Chi Minh city. The airport is so old and they aren't doing much as they are working on the new airport which will be ready in the next couple years. I still love the 787 windows :)

[@GREMLINZ10000WON]

I see a jeb brooks video I click

[@mixxy3807]

Carter Steele Carter that’s always me

[@georgeconway7722]

I fly to Vietnam on business several times a year and avoid Vietnam like the plague. It's a dump of old aircraft. Glad you liked it

[@mrmanchu7701]

To be honest I prefer the 787s Windows over most others because the shading still allows for the same great view with out the sun in your eyes whereas you would either have to wear sunglasses on a plane or just shutter it all together. Love the vids jeb

[@PaulStewartAviation]

I think the Latam A350 is leased to Qatar. Quite frustrating with the equipment swap! Quite unusual to swap to a much smaller aircraft as that usually causes issues with far less business seats and no premium economy. Safe travels!

[@vietmbui81]

dude the plain design is our type of design. The Vietnamese design because these colors are natural colors that give you a relaxing tone of colors. lol

[@afcgeo882]

Just a small technical point... ALL 3-3-3 787s have at most 17.25” wide seats in economy. It’s as wide as they can get in that configuration. Vietnam’s seats are 17” wide.

[@Tommy-fd2rs]

5:11 love em or hate em, Jeb is spitting fax

[@ChrisHockman]

Love that you’re adventurous with your eating

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Love the video Jeb as always such a great video, I’m rewatch all your videos of the “good old days of flying” (pre- COVID) and I just love this review of Vietnam Airlines can’t wait to try them! Sorry about the A350 mishap( love the A350) but you at least got it try Vietnam Airlines’ long-haul 787 Dreamliner. Love the video by the way!!🥂👍😎❤️

[@andrewtaco]

Vietnam does fly to Narita in an A321 along with their wide-bodies so be aware of what aircraft you're flying on from japan to Saigon or Hanoi with Vietnam because the A321's don't have personal IFE screens. It's also a 6-hour flight from Japan to Vietnam.

[@turk223]

Yet another excellent video!

[@ATLOffroad]

The one and only time I flew Vietnam Airlines I was upgraded to business class from economy by the ticket agent in Saigon. She just said, “I upgraded your ticket because you are so tall!” It was on an A330 and the service was excellent.

[@btfo420]

ATLOffroad lol lucky u

[@chiennguyen5782]

ATLOffoad@ that was your most luckiest day🎉

[@judysebold1436]

I like it better when you ride the trains!!

[@DeltaBravoTango]

What a great review Jeb! Definitely wanna eat that Pho you got during breakfast on the dreamliner haha looked absolutely sublime. Cheers!

[@zhaogao9186]

So good to see you at my hometown airport PVG. I just left there 2 days ago and was surprised to see Vietnam’ airlines switching to a A321 usually it had been a B788 for the longest time

[@inouelenhatduy]

Vietnam don't have b788 , we only have b789 and 787-10 ( for both national carrier and bamboo airlines ) it pretty normal to get swap , if the a350 are late and not ready a a321 will replace it , my dad used to fly to japan and from time to time will get a a321 fly , but now day with more b787 and a350 variant deliver those issue will become less common .

[@phunkmandeluxe]

Excellent video, as always! Would be great at the end when you have given the final star rating to see a league table of those you have already reviewed and the latest video slotting in at its appropriate rank. With or without that, your reviews are excellent - keep it up!

[@williammodlin2621]

I really agree with you about the 787 windows, but for a different reason: they don’t get DARK! On a daylight flight from BOS to NRT on JAL, it was too bright for sleeping and also hot even at the darkest setting. Kudos for a great review as always. Too bad about the sub on PDG SGN.

[@iitbftw]

Shouting out Dennis with the 'middle seats are best for couples' I see

[@ravicullop3151]

He always sounds so excited to say his name😂

[@Dragflyer9669]

Tried their regional flights 321 to Da Nang and mid haul flights with 787 to Seoul Incheon and long haul with 350 to Moscow in 2019, their services are above par, nothing major to complain except once crew made a very deadly mistake on my flight, which no safety video nor crew performed safety demo. The rest, its good. Crew are gentle and friendly, except for some. By the way, a great trip report :)

[@vanhuong16]

Videos very nice bro, I from Vietnam.

[@nickmyatt]

How did you get into traveling like this. Flying is my passion but I can't afford to do it much. Wish I got paid to travel. Do you have a regular job that you travel for or is traveling for your KZbin channel your main job? I'm super jealous

[@kennethhu2299]

You finally went to Shanghai!

[@alxz3707]

My seat 6k was located towards the back of the business cabin. *man thanks for flexing on us*

[@minhnhutnguyen7621]

The video is fantastic. I thought there should be some nicer lounges at SGN than the one in the video.

[@RecordsTravels]

Bummer you didn't get to fly on the A350 again! I really like that you were able to try the local cuisine on the flight......Vietnamese food is so good! A fine choice

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Right on point again mate - well done. Pity about the A350 - reason to fly them again. cheers D

[@aidanlelliott2180]

I'm early! I can't stop watching your videos!

[@totallybtm]

The fabric of the seat looks kinda cheap and old. The lounge at the HCM airport looks so old fashioned. They even have wooden arm rest for their sofa.

[@tthub08]

Love your videos jeb keep up the good work

[@sunrayz81]

The LATAM is flying for Qatar on the latter's DOH-PNH-SGN routing. 😎

[@quen4747]

Hi Sunrayz81, as i remember that the route should be DOH-SGN-PNH

[@sunrayz81]

@@quen4747 Yes. You are right. I mixed the two up. Tks for highlighting! 👍

[@ngockhanhpham1779]

2 flights: DOH-SGN (afternoon) and DOH-PNH-SGN (evening)

[@quen4747]

Pham Ngoc Khanh I booked DOH-SGN last month and both flights are DOH-SGN now. I just checked the website again. Is one of them used to be DOH-PNH-SGN?

[@finleyhart9883]

This video is amazing thank you for making great videos keep it up

[@johndornoff]

The middle seats are best for couples...except when one of the couple loves sitting at a window seat!

[@wizardmix]

@Jeb Brooks You know, that reverse herring config you see on AA, Cathay and a few others might not be anything special, but it's functional and you don't have to step over any seat mates to go use the lav. I'm glad they still exist.

[@tristanturner7208]

Sorry it took me a bit. I was watching another one of your videos... lol. And you are alway in Atlanta so do you live their or something? I love in Atlanta and I want to be a pilot when I grown up.

[@gabrieljohnjuele4290]

Hmmm that was kinda similar to the Philippine Airlines vid the lounge was awful but the crew was amazing maybe a trend for these two neighbors?

[@jadenlaurent]

Great vid man, love the videos Also congrats on 100k

[@bry268]

Vietnam Airline is the best airline in Vietnam. I glad you enjoyed it. That was spectacular video, from personal experience to rating for each category. Congratulations for 100k subscribers. From Vietnam 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳

[@dailyflightvideos2732]

Hi Jeb! Im a kid so my father and me LOVE the A350. My favourite varient is the A350-1000 XWB (Extra wide body) but my fathers is A350-900 ULR (Ultra Long Range).

[@conorruss]

Anyone part of the greener grass squad

[@flyingdentist]

Brilliant review Jeb.Many airlines change equipments.It has happened to me many times.Especially with Qatar airways.

[@FlyArn1233]

Hey! That A350 was being operated by qatar airways but it has not been painted in the qatar airways colors! It operates Doha-Ho Chi Mihn- Phnom Pehn. Thanks for the review man!

[@redsbricks5993]

Lufthansa just changed me from an A320 S to an A320 neo! That was an upgrade! I’ll be flying it on some hours. Just flew an A319.

[@fabiansantaniello6253]

Finally!!! I’ve been waiting for ages for a new video!! glad you’re back!!😭

[@SomethingSomethingg]

I love your voice, Jeb! It's so calming.

[@nhathoang9862]

The only reason that VNA does a config change on the PVG-SGN route is the lack of passenger. Sure they advertise the route being served by the 350, but sometimes there are like 70 pax to PVG and 170 on the way back, obviously the 321 suits better than the 350. But this config change rarely happens, maybe once or twice in a few months time. So probably it wasn’t your day haha. Anyway, great review. It’s always good to see a positive review on the company I’m working for. Hope to welcome you again soon on my 350, the aircraft I’m flying for VNA. Cheers!

[@quan-oh-re2258]

My fav Jeb vid

[@TripReportaviation]

Great trip report! It's nice to hear that you had a good experience with the crew. The crew of VNA aren't usually good as on your flights

[@michaelpanzarella7490]

another great review ! now I want to go get Pho !

[@marterair551]

I haven't been disappointed like that 😂 was travelling to Antalya and was going to be on a A321 turns out I was on a A330

[@namdang509]

Great video but you've missed the signature cocktail during your flight to FRA, they are very worth to mention!

[@BillLund]

I understand why you would travel business class or first class if you could. Your videos would be more interesting to me if you covered economy, or even premium economy sometimes.

[@quasarsavage]

The 787 looks old and wornout... needs a refresh interior and cleaning 4 sure. The a350 may be better since its abt 3-5 yrs newer

[@NIKKG]

Great review as usual. Also please do more regular class seating trips for people with families. Typically first/business class are usually nice, but how is the seating for the back of the plane where the majority use.

[@nicholahines1711]

Hello Jeb Brooks hope you have a good day

[@Windows11Official]

1:09 As a Vietnamese, I'm very sorry about it

[@kyubinpark6526]

Windows 10 yeah, I bet he didn't pay that money to take a a321 business...

[@ikellay]

love your channel, you're so much better than Sam Chui. that guy is just cringe.

[@intlsubband]

Thanks for that review Jeb! I am exactly one month away from my first journey with Vietnam Airlines, going from Melbourne to Frankfurt return on their A350 and 787 business class products. Have been looking forward to it for ages! just a small correction, the business class is not identical across their long-haul fleet, as some of their A350 planes have their older, staggered business class seats (still 1-2-1 fully flat, but seats alternate between 'true window' and 'isle side'). Really looking forward to the flights!

[@seanbrosnan2074]

Great trip report jeb. Would love to see you review aer lingus on their new A321neo LR.

[@RSBellach]

I completely agree with your review. Vietnam air has fantastic service and food to make up for their rather mediocre Lounge in Hanoi. Since its government owned I have also noticed that they rarely fill their planes and often fly them half empty

[@nordqvistschwedischebonbon2709]

Love it Man....

[@michaelfrugtniet6685]

i flew Vietnam airlines twice with 787 from Paris to Ho Chi Minh and to Hanoi. I thought they were excellent for the price.

[@KingMfCh]

I had a very similar experience on Vietnam Airlines because I was meant to have an A350 but got changed to an A321, which like you I was really disappointed, although this was a shorter flight (I think) from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh.

[@hkhiew]

I love flying with Vietnam Airlines.

[@MileHigh_Aviation]

Awesome video man liked

[@alexmcleod9997]

The Jeb score sounds like you’re taking a page out of Doug demuro’s playbook

[@mohamedfaisal4069]

Hi Jeb, When are you planning to go onboard and review long haul AIR ASIA X ? Hope it can be done soon 🙂 - from Malaysia from love 😍😍 -

[@matze3925]

Hey Jeb , so LATAM has leased some of their A350s to Qatar airways as one can see on the planes registration (A7-XXX) .They normally use them on the route to LEBL so they are a pretty common sight down here

[@riyadmoussaid3891]

I was flying to Antigua from London on Virgin Atlantic A330-200 but last minute they changed it to a A330-300 and me and my parents were separated due to the change. However at check in we spoke to a member of staff and got a free upgrade to Premium Economy. Not much but so much better than usual economy.

[@tanletran7270]

You got rip off by Vietnam Airlines like myself 2 years ago when we flew from SGN to Pudong . The cabin manger lied to you They pulled out the A350 not due to mechanical fault but due to low passenger load. You are right the lounge in Saigon is mediocre comparing to that of Changi or Bangkok

[@PeeDeePalms]

We are getting ready to fly from Los Angeles to Atlanta. Supposed to have been a 767 but an email update says it has been changed to a 737-900. We are a bit disappointed as we have never flown on a 767 🙁

[@samuelselvarajselladurai2960]

I flew in the same type of aircraft from Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chih Minh and back by the same aircraft. I flew in economy. Not bad. Good legroom.

[@AllenAbbott]

When you are in Tallinn, make sure to check out the Beer Hall! It’s a truly amazing place. I love that city, so few people travel to it and the old town is truly unbeatable. If you’re staying at the Hilton, they are very nice about complimentary upgrades (assuming you have status); their suites are very nice. Also make sure to try the local liquor, Vana Tallinn! Hope you’re able to see a Nordica CRJ with one of the world’s prettiest liveries!

[@haku8645]

Completely agree. I visited Tallinn last year and absolutely fell in love. Truly a forgotten gem in a wonderful country. I can't wait to go back next time!

[@Gorantaylis]

The 787 windows are good, but the fact the crew can control them isn't. It's why I prefer the A35... A321

[@thetravelmanusa360]

The Latam a350 was operating for Qatar it also goes to Sri Lanka. If it operated for latam I would see it in Miami.

[@TomGD]

Well, I tried on Premium Economy for A350-900 SGN-MEL and its awesomem

[@Eyefillet1969]

i have had numerous equipment changes with Vietnam airlines . I recently scored an A321 neo from danang to ho chi ming.it was fresh and still had a new plane smell. our next leg also A321 to KL was the extreme opposite ,i would be guessing that we went from their newest to thier oldest ,the contrast was huge. Equipment changes on 2 occasions were 330 to 321.

[@dillonlexington]

Love the enthusiasm you have for flying, and how you showed a "slight disappointment" with the equipment change, but you were able to shrug it off because of your love for aviation. And I love how you asked "am i see this right" very comical. Great video. Have you ever thought of reviewing your hotels as well?