Vietnam Airlines Business Class: Nonstop from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City - A Personal Experience Report

Nonstop from Los Angeles to Vietnam. Since Vietnam Airlines added the direct connection from the California city to Ho Chi Minh City, it has been possible again - without annoying, time-consuming layovers. And if you can fly in Business Class, the 11-hour flight becomes almost a little getaway in the clouds.

On the nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City, I had the chance to experience Vietnam Airlines' Business Class - and find out if it can compete with the well-known Gulf airlines. So much in advance: it was a wonderfully relaxing journey.

Even at the gate in Los Angeles, it was clear that Vietnam Airlines takes the direct connection seriously: punctual boarding, attentive ground staff, and hardly any waiting time until I could make myself comfortable in my seat.

The Business Class in the Boeing 787-9 is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, and my first impression of the seat was very positive: plenty of storage space, a good-sized screen, and a comfy seat with multiple settings, which typically can also be converted into a bed.

As I started to rummage through my carry-on bag for my laptop and travel items, and took my time to set up my space for the next eleven hours, I suddenly noticed someone waiting behind me.

The Vietnamese service culture is polite, almost touchingly attentive, and shows itself in such moments: the flight attendant patiently waited until I was finished instead of just walking past me. Feeling slightly embarrassed, I looked at him, and he just smiled, took my luggage from my hands, and stowed it in the overhead compartment. He would take care of me throughout the flight, and I can reveal this much: he was wonderfully friendly, accommodating, and never pushy.

How is the comfort in Vietnam Airlines' Business Class? The seat could be easily transformed into a completely flat bed, nearly two meters long, wide enough, and there's even a mattress pad! Anyone like me who occasionally flies Business Class knows that this is not standard. Together with a cozy blanket and a really comfortable pillow, nothing stood in the way of a little nap.

Each seat has easily accessible storage spaces and compartments where you can stow your laptop, book, or water bottle without constantly rummaging in the overhead bin. Another plus was the noise-canceling headphones: they effectively filter out outside noise and make in-flight entertainment even more enjoyable.

A small highlight was also the amenity kit, presented in a practical bag by Samsonite. It contained all the essential items for a relaxing long-distance flight: eye mask, socks, a toothbrush, earplugs, and high-quality skincare products. The bag itself is perfect for reusing later - I now use it as an organizer in my backpack.

During the flight, I wondered if the seat could be a bit softer - it is rather firm, which I personally like. The cabin felt modern and well-maintained.

Barely had the seatbelt sign been turned off after reaching cruising altitude, the aperitif cart rolled up to my seat. Staying true to its homeland, Vietnam Airlines offers typical Vietnamese options in addition to international wines, including a refreshing lime-mint juice or cocktails specially created by mixologist Vo Tan Si with quirky names like Phan Thiet Pink Sand or Gong Dance.

The menu itself was a successful blend of Western and Vietnamese cuisine. I chose a tender beef filet with quiche and vegetables. For dessert, there was a mango cake with coconut milk sauce. The portions were generous, each course beautifully presented, and flavorfully satisfying. The service was attentive yet pleasantly unobtrusive, always with a smile.

In terms of in-flight entertainment, Vietnam Airlines did a solid job: a large touchscreen, noise-canceling headphones, USB ports, and power outlets can be found at every seat. The selection of movies and series covers both Western blockbusters and Vietnamese productions. In my opinion, the selection could have been a bit larger, but since I always download movies to my tablet beforehand, this was manageable.

On the outbound flight, I was able to board the plane early and take a closer look at both Economy and Premium Economy. The Economy Class feels modern and tidy, but of course, tighter: three seats per row with an 81 cm seat pitch. The seats themselves are sufficiently cushioned, and each seat is equipped with its own screen.

The Premium Economy is an attractive middle ground for many travelers. Compared to regular Economy, it offers noticeably more legroom, wider seats, and a roomier recline, allowing for a significantly more relaxed seating experience. A dedicated cabin with fewer rows enhances comfort as well. Additionally, the more generous baggage allowance is practical: in Premium Economy, you can bring up to two carry-on bags (maximum 40 lbs) into the cabin.

Vietnam Airlines flies nonstop between Los Angeles and Ho Chi Minh City, which is a huge relief for anyone who doesn't want the hassle of layovers. After more than eleven hours on the Dreamliner, I can only say: Vietnam Airlines' Business Class may not be as glamorous as that of the big Gulf airlines, but it is filled with a lot of Vietnamese warmth and is absolutely recommended for your trip to Vietnam.

This journey was made possible through the kind support of Vietnam Airlines.