Asia - experiences on Vietnam Airlines

I'll be flying on Vietnam Airlines from HKG to HAN, and from HAN to REP. I have read in other forums that Vietnam Air suffers from constant delays, usually 1-2 hours. A bigger concern for me is stories of corruption, for example the gate agent (and supervisor) wouldn't let a passenger board because of a defective boarding pass but with $35 (in cash), they will fix it. Or the ticketing office will charge to hold a ticket, again in cash, even though there shouldn't be a charge. So I am just wondering if anyone here has experiences, positive or negative, with the airline? I know I don't have much of a choice since they have a monopoly.

Those horror stories are about 15 years old. You will find that the fleet now are usually more modern than the one that you have in North America. The service attitudes are certainly not to the like of Singapore but decent enough. I think you will likely find the experience more pleasing than what you have heard (and you are hearing it from someone who swore not to fly with them again 10 years ago).

I've flown VN numerous times over the past 18 months both domestically and on short haul int'l flights like the ones you're planning. The service has been fine. No serious delays or bribery demands. I wouldn't hesitate to fly with them again.

Agree with the posts so far.

Certainly at the level of FAs, check-in staff, ticket office staff, corruption shouldn't be a problem. But no shortage of foreigners who, assuming VNA staff are desperate for cash, will readily offer bribes only to be disappointed when it gets them nowhere.

Don't think delays are a particular problem, though it maybe on particular routes. I've used them for Paris/Saigon, Taipei/Hanoi, Taipei/Saigon, Bangkok/Saigon, Bangkok/Hanoi and internally. The only consistent delays out of those routings I've found have been on the late night domestic flights.

Service is honest - usually good. But when its not, they don't see the need to give a fake smile. Sometimes they go out of their way to sort things out in a way most "normal" airlines wouldn't.

What you may not like is that they have the typical seats of an asian airline -- less width and seat pitch than you are used to in the US. Keep the flights short.

What you may not like is that they have the typical seats of an asian airline -- less width and seat pitch than you are used to in the US. Keep the flights short.

I completely disagree about the seat pitch, unless you're used to UA's E+. VN's pitch is definitely better than the 31" on CO and some other US carriers. This chart of Asian airline seat pitch lists it at 33".

http://www.airlinequality.com/Product/seats_asia.htm

I was pretty impressed with them. If you're concerned about seat size/pitch, inquire about upgrading. Within Vietnam I only paid about $80 more to upgrade on a two-class 777.

Read the caveat at the top of the page:

Dimensions represent typical seat pitch offered by an airline on international flights - this may NOT be available on all of an airline's fleet of aircraft, and in some cases the dimensions shown illustrate the latest seat introductions by each airline.

The key is international flights -- if you're on a 777 -- you may get these kinds seat pitches. In my experience flying intra-asia you will not see these seat pitches unless you upgrade.

What you may not like is that they have the typical seats of an asian airline -- less width and seat pitch than you are used to in the US. Keep the flights short.

Hmmm not sure what the "typical seat of an asian airline" is. The EVA flights I use Saigon/Taipei have Y as 3-4-3 on a 747. 34" pitch - pretty much as good as it gets. Cathay/SQ often use 777s, even on short routings. Even the TPE/HKG hop is usually a 747 or 777. And of course VNA often run 777s domestically between Hanoi and Saigon (2 hours).

But you are right in respect of Hanoi. Airlines often put smaller planes on Hanoi. VNA are showing A321 for HAN/HKG. I've only used this plane elsewhere with VNA. It was OK in Economy but nothing special. I'm guessing it was 32". Business class was a little better.

A Taiwanese friend used this flight a year ago. (TPE/HKG with Cathay, then HKG/HAN with VNA.) They remarked the food and service was very good on the VNA flight. And they won't even think about charging you for booze.

I recently flew VN domestic on 2 routes, both were delayed by 1 - 2 hours for no apparent reason. It pays to double check just before you head to the airport. On domestic - upgrading from Y to F (2 classes on domestic) only costs $20 per sector - well worth it. Airports (check-in and arrival) seemed a chaotic but in the end worked OK. In my experience VN has a modern fleet - and service etc is very western (eg meals on these 1-2 hour flights were sandwiches not bowls of noodles).

I flew them from Siem Reap to Hanoi and Hanoi to Ho Chi Min City in 2005. I must confess the thought that came to mind was why cant US carriers be this pleasant to fly on. One of the flights was delayed but that isnt exactly limited to VN, if you have been flying much in the States this summer. Enjoy.

On domestic - upgrading from Y to F (2 classes on domestic) only costs $20 per sector -

My math must be really bad ...

What you may not like is that they have the typical seats of an asian airline -- less width and seat pitch than you are used to in the US. Keep the flights short.In late 1995, I flew a very new Airbus on a VN domestic flight from SGN to HAN. I was sitting in the back with two colleagues from SGN. When it came time for the snack and beverage service, I attempted to open the tray table and it hit me in the sternum. Now, I will admit that I am slightly larger than the average person, but I'm much larger than the average Vietnamese. The seat pitch leaves a bit to be desired. Hopefully things have improved since my last visit.
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13F

thanks everyone. Your responses were definitely helpful and put me at ease. Just one more question: would it be cheaper if I purchase my ticket in HKG/HAN vs in the US by going through their SFO branch?

you may find better pricing via zuji.com

For flying intra-china buying from a chinese travel agent will save you a fortune vs. purchasing in the US. I haven't had as much luck elsewhere in asia.

I completely disagree about the seat pitch, unless you're used to UA's E+. VN's pitch is definitely better than the 31" on CO and some other US carriers. This chart of Asian airline seat pitch lists it at 33".

Likewise, on four flights in July 2007 -- two on A321, one A330 and one B777 -- the seats were more comfortable than those of most carriers in North America. Maybe I just got lucky.

The only flight that was delayed was my initial HKG-HAN flight, and that was to wait for a bunch of connecting passengers who were on a delayed flight.

The service blows North American service away. I counted nine or 10 FAs on an A321 flight from SGN-HKG. When was the last time you saw that many on any US carrier?

The main issue I have with them is that they disarm the door slides before you're parked at the gate. This has happened on every flight with them. If there is a problem and you need to evacuate the plane while they are taxiing, you'll be jumping to the ground instead of sliding down a slide.

So far I have had two flights on VN one coming up and not looking forward to it.
1) SGN to Han,,, 777 in J, 5 hour delay no reasons given and not weather related. Lounge is fair at best. When finally got on plane it was ok 1 1/2 hr flight old J seats but short flight anyway.
2) Han to REP two twenty minute delays then one trip out to the plane and then cancellation,, mechanical.. but we were lucky able to get on later flight last two seats. Other passengers very upset and stranded for the night. When we left they were arguing with GA, about what they were going to do.

added.. now three for three
Last flight rep-sgn, when we arrived at airport at 4 for 5:20 flight told that flight was cancelled and that we were booked on 9:30 flight. When we explained that we would then miss connection a supervisor found places for us on 6:40pm flight. ( all times are changes from printed sched)

Many people at airport unhappily waiting until 9:30 flight hoping that it will go.

Bottom line. make sure you book earliest flights avail so that if cancellation that can accomodate you later.

Good part. Planes fairly new, flights comfortable and crews great.

I'll be flying VN NHA-SGN to connect to a UA flight. I'm tentatively planning to take the last flight of the evening (7:20pm) to catch the 7am UA flight the next morning. I should be covered for a long delay, but probably not a cancellation. Is this a Bad Idea? (I'll see if my TA can put the VN flight on the same 016 PNR as my UA flights.)

I'll be flying VN NHA-SGN to connect to a UA flight. I'm tentatively planning to take the last flight of the evening (7:20pm) to catch the 7am UA flight the next morning. I should be covered for a long delay, but probably not a cancellation. Is this a Bad Idea? (I'll see if my TA can put the VN flight on the same 016 PNR as my UA flights.)

Pacific Airlines has a 5:10 PM flight from Nha Trang which you could probably book for under $50. You might consider booking both this and the VN flight. Alternatively your back-up could be driving. I think you could make it to SGN in about 7 hours.