Harveynics

We are planning on going from HAN to SGN on an upcoming trip and wanted to see if it is worth going business. We are looking at VN261 which is operated by a B777. Not sure what to expect, if anything. Thanks

creampuff

Unless things have changed dramatically since I was living in Vietnam, up until 2010, the cost of VN Airlines biz class over economy is peanuts. Really peanuts, eg a flight which costs $150 in econo would be $200 in business.

It's a no brainer unless you are really, really stuck for cash.

fourspoons

I flew several flights in business on Vietnam airlines in 2011 and it was a terrific service, and as said, the price difference was tiny. Absolutely worth it.

The lounges were small but well stocked, you were personally greeted and escorted to the plane by an agent when it was your time to board, straight past all queues. Food on board was excellent as well.

creampuff

One flight I took ex-Hanoi on VN Airlines in business, I was seated next to one of VN Airlines' off-duty check captains. He used to fly fighters for North Vietnam during the Vietnam war. We had a good talk on that flight

as219

If it's a 777, then sure. It will almost certainly be their internationally-configured biz class product.

We flew HAN-DAD and a week later DAD-SGN, both times in business. The HAN lounge was pretty abysmal. DAD was slightly better (Birds' Nest Soda!), but not by much. Food was nice, but meager (and, frankly, strange), though the flights were short. No, the real reason to fly J is the ability to get through check-in in 5 minutes flat vs. the line out the door we would have otherwise had to deal with. That, and we got our bags pretty much instantly on landing. This was more of a deal in HAN than DAD, but still, we're glad we didn't have to deal with the long lines. I think the price differential for both flights, for two people, was something like $100. Totally worth it.

LHR/MEL/Europe FF

+1 for the 'it's worth it' camp.

priority check-in, lounges, separate bus to and from the plane, more overhead space.

Harveynics

Thanks....going with the majority and taking the business ticket!!

Captain Schmidt

I booked an upcoming HAN-SGN flight in Y and then after reading this thread went back to see about upgrading to J. VN uses a company called Option Town that allows you to bid for upgrades. You pay in advance and then if for any reason the upgrade isn't cleared then you get the money refunded. It was $50 each so I've gone ahead and done it and am now waiting to hear if we've been successful.
Was wondering if anyone here has any experiences with doing this?

tmac100

I have successfully used the Option Town service in booking Premium seats with Air Asia X. I also lost out other times I tried - thus, it is always a gamble.

This time in flying Air Asia X I just paid full price for the Premium seat because I wanted it for sure and was NOT willing to NOT get it.

I don't know about how it will work with Air Vietnam (which I DO like), but it worked fine with Air Asia X. Naturally, YMMV

AddictedTraveller

Definately in the worth it camp for me

Goldorak

You should read this
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...g-dont-do.html

tmac100

Like I said in my post: YMMV. The emphasis seems to be on the "Option" aspect of the reservation/search for better seats

cph_flyer

I´ve used Option Town on Vietnam Airlines two times on HAN-DAD and on DAD-SGN. Definitely worth the 20$ to upgrade to business, but keep in mind that an Option Town upgrade will only grant you a better seat on the plane. You will NOT have access to use the business class check lines nor have lounge access.

NW-A332

This is interesting because the rules state that you should have lounge access and everything. Check out the following:

2) In the event Optiontown upgrades you to any of the selected UTo Class,
a) You will be served all onboard services of the corresponding new class of service and priority boarding only, other services as per original class of service, including mile earning of the frequent flyer program;
b) all passengers in a booking reference number (PNR) shall be upgraded together
c) you will be entitled to access Business Lounges (if applicable at the airport)

nanyang

I have certainly paid for J on VN SGN-HAN route. Totally worth it.

I recall the walk-up fares were reasonable also, so not sure if it's worth bothering with optiontown.

Priority boarding etc., nice meal on the flight and I managed to take a nap.

--> Certainly worth paying for J on this route (assuming no spike in fares)