Vietnam Airlines’ A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route
Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - A350 Seat Configuration on Vietnam Airlines Hanoi Paris Route
Vietnam Airlines utilizes the Airbus A350-900 for its long-haul trip from Hanoi to Paris, providing a total of 305 seats. This includes 29 Business Class seats that are set up in a 1-2-1 formation, designed for enhanced privacy. The Business Class seats feature a spacious design with 42 inches of pitch and 21 inches in width. Those looking for something in between can look at Premium Economy seats which provide 38 inches of pitch. Economy seats provide a pretty standard 32-inch pitch. Though the crew receives praise for their attentiveness, some travelers have remarked on the less desirable location of certain seats near the restrooms, which makes seat selection important. Ultimately, the A350-900 contributes to the flight’s quality with its contemporary design, helping improve the lengthy travel time between these two destinations.
The Airbus A350-900 deployed by Vietnam Airlines on the Hanoi to Paris route is fitted with 305 total seats. Of those, 29 are designated as Business Class, 36 as Premium Economy and the bulk, 240, are configured as standard Economy seats. Business Class provides ample legroom with a 42-inch pitch, and seats with a width of 21 inches, while Premium Economy offers a slightly less generous 38-inch pitch at an 18-inch width. Economy is a bit cramped with just a 32-inch pitch and also 18-inch width. This 6,374-mile hop takes roughly 13 hours and one minute from Hanoi (Noi Bai) to Paris (Charles de Gaulle). Passengers in Business class receive better dining choices and upgraded inflight entertainment, all managed by attentive staff. However, some seat positions have a potential to be affected by proximity to the lavatories and galleys, which I feel could be an oversight in planning. The business class seating arrangement is 1-2-1, and this appears to favour lone travelers looking for solitude if they manage to nab one of the even numbered seats. Vietnam Airlines is known for operating what’s seen as comfortable and current aircraft and they did not delay to add this new-gen bird to their fleet. In-flight entertainment and amentities are key to a overall acceptable experience, particularly on these really long routes. This A350 features a 1-2-1 layout in business class which is welcome for aisle access for every traveler which should translate to better privacy and less hassle during the long flights from Hanoi to Paris. Typically, the cabin altitude of the A350-900 is kept at about 6,500 feet, much lower compared to older models, likely resulting in reduced traveler fatigue and greater overall comfort on the long 13-hour trip to Paris. The onboard entertainment options are impressive, with some 1,000+ hours of content such as movies, shows, and documentaries in a variety of languages, which should appeal to many during this time. The A350 aircraft uses technology meant to reduce noise, which brings cabin sound levels down compared to older aircraft; this could help in increasing general traveler comfort on such a long trip. A bonus is that the A350’s cabin environment management is good with elevated humidity over what’s on older planes. This should make a difference on how you feel, especially when it comes to reducing dehydration on longer trips. For Business Class guests, bags allowances on this flight are two pieces at 32kg, which could be necessary for passengers going from Hanoi to Paris. Fuel use is another factor, with the plane offering a solid 25% decrease in fuel consumption compared to prior models of similar dimensions, which matters greatly for cost management. The Hanoi to Paris route being a long one means flight planning is critical and must have complex flight management to maximize efficiency and ensure arrivals that are on time. Passengers in business class will be treated to some unique dining with menus built around both Vietnamese and French food made by top chefs which should help create a richer overall travel adventure. Business Class travellers on the A350 also get flat lie seats that are quite extensive and make a flat surface, all important for rest on trips such as this long overnight flight to Paris.
What else is in this post?
- Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - A350 Seat Configuration on Vietnam Airlines Hanoi Paris Route
- Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - The Strange Layout of Odd Numbered Business Class Rows
- Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Dining Above the Clouds Vietnam Airlines Style Menu
- Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Entertainment System and Lounge Access at Hanoi International
- Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Aircraft Sleep Quality and Cabin Temperature Control
- Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Flight Timing and Connection Options at Paris CDG
Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - The Strange Layout of Odd Numbered Business Class Rows
The Business Class cabin on Vietnam Airlines' A350 presents an interesting quirk with its odd-numbered rows. While offering direct aisle access, a desirable feature for some, they place the seat much closer to the walkway. This can leave passengers feeling a bit exposed, and perhaps a little less secluded. This proximity means potential for more interaction with other travelers or being more aware of noise coming from the lavatories and other cabin activity. On the flip side, the even-numbered rows provide the coveted "true window seat", which will likely be seen as the preferred choice by those who value personal space and wish to get away from the traffic in the aisle. With such a long flight, choosing where to sit can significantly impact the experience as those wanting a quiet flight should avoid the seats in odd rows.
The specific placement of odd-numbered business class rows on Vietnam Airlines' A350 can be quite beneficial for solo passengers who want a secluded experience, since they aren't situated adjacent to a travel partner. This detail can have a marked impact on how a trip feels especially on a long flight of 13 hours. Generally, airlines try to place restrooms and galleys away from seating to not disturb passengers; it seems those seated in the odd rows might get some protection from these areas as they appear to be further removed, aiding in a more relaxed cabin enviroment. Accessing the aisle is made easy from all seats, adding more to the sensation of personal space which is important for comfort and satisfaction during such lengthy travel. The A350 is notable in that it sustains a lower cabin pressure altitude of 6,500 feet, unlike the higher 8,000 feet of earlier planes which can help blood oxygen levels, vital to counter jetlag on these trips. Furthermore, those in business class on the A350 should have noticeably lower noise levels in the cabin because of better insulation and materials leading to enhanced sleep quality which is paramount for rest and rejuvenation after flying. The A350’s structure uses new materials to lower its overall weight, this helps to cut down on fuel costs by about 25% in comparison to older planes, making it a win for airline operational efficiency. For faster boarding and disembarking, the placement of Vietnam Airline's business class at the front of the A350 makes access quick for everyone. In the 1-2-1 set up there are not many middle seats, avoiding that sense of awkwardness of being between strangers; a nice bonus for general mental ease. The in-flight dining is noteworthy with its mix of Vietnamese and French options—food and its preparation have been known to improve connection to local culture during your trip. Finally, humidity in the cabin of the A350 is also better, and this should help travelers stay less dehydrated than on older aircraft, making for a more comfortable journey.
Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Dining Above the Clouds Vietnam Airlines Style Menu
Dining above the clouds with Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class is presented as a culinary exploration, mixing modern Vietnamese tastes with broader international cooking. The menu, supposedly created by accomplished chefs, makes use of both local treats and French influenced dishes. This promises a special in-flight dining event for the 13-hour journey connecting Hanoi and Paris. Flyers can anticipate a variety of meal choices and the wait staff aims for a good experience. The airline suggests regular menu upgrades, intended to keep choices new for travelers, as well as a focus on pleasing customers through higher quality in-flight dining.
The inflight meal service on Vietnam Airlines’ A350 seems to be designed as a fusion of both Vietnamese and French culinary styles, given the strong link between the countries. The intent is to provide meals curated by chefs who are aiming for a sophisticated yet authentic experience, especially needed on long duration trips of 13-hours.
Timing meals can be key on flights like these and there appears to be an effort to use a meal schedule which respects and lines up with the passenger's body clock which, in theory, could translate to a better in flight journey and better overall satisfaction.
The emphasis appears to be on utilizing fresh and local ingredients from Vietnam in many meals, which helps to promote both the flavor of the region and to aid domestic agriculture. It seems that diners can get a taste of the country while they are soaring above the earth, and a nice change from your typical airline fare.
At the altitude that the plane flies at, tastebuds can be affected making foods taste a little dull, as much as 30% I've heard; so Vietnam Airlines compensates with enhanced seasonings to make sure meals taste great even high in the sky.
The culinary staff appear to want to present narratives with many of the dishes and talk about where the food originates from, adding layers to the experience by encouraging travelers to learn more about Vietnamese and French cultures through food.
Their wine choices are from well-regarded French vineyards; sommeliers guide passengers in choosing the perfect wine to accompany their meal to elevate their dining journey on this flight.
If you have specific needs, custom meals are available by request for special dietary requirements, everything from vegetarian to gluten free, which is probably essential for most people nowadays; and it’s a good practice to promote health and comfort for all passengers.
The menus reflect the long history between Vietnam and France; the menu also tries to incorporate influences of traditional Vietnamese dishes, like pho, or banh mi, using techniques brought from France such as baking.
They like to do seasonal menu themes, often times they coincide with holidays or events that happen in Vietnam or France so you may experience specialty items in honor of Tet, or maybe Bastille Day, bringing celebration to the flight.
The flight also has adopted modern cooking and serving practices, like sous-vide, even in the sky, to guarantee quality is kept and flavors remain for each dish at 35,000 feet.
Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Entertainment System and Lounge Access at Hanoi International
Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class passengers enjoy a premium inflight experience, highlighted by the 15.4-inch high-definition touchscreen entertainment system featuring extensive options through the LOTUSTAR platform. The selection spans numerous films and shows in various languages, catering to a diverse audience during the lengthy 13-hour journey from Hanoi to Paris. Before boarding, travelers can relax in the Lotus Lounge at Noi Bai International Airport, which offers elevated dining options and comfortable seating, ensuring a pleasant start to their journey. With dedicated lavatories for Business Class guests and attentive service, the overall travel experience is enhanced, though it's essential to choose seating wisely to maximize comfort, particularly on a long-haul flight.
The A350 aircraft's entertainment system provides passengers with a broad selection, boasting over 1,000 hours of content through a 15.4-inch screen, including international movies. This setup attempts to make long flights more manageable, although the user interface appears somewhat dated to this observer. The cabin environment appears better designed, with reduced cabin pressure equal to about 6,500 feet, compared to a higher 8,000 feet on many older models; this may reduce fatigue while the improved humidity should reduce dehydration and provide a better flight experience.
The 1-2-1 seating layout in Business Class ensures direct access to the aisle for all travelers, although this layout has its downsides, namely the odd numbered rows where being closer to the aisle means less seclusion. Noise is another factor on planes, the A350 uses new materials to dampen sound, improving conditions for sleep on long overnight trips.
Vietnam Airlines seems to understand that food is not simply fuel on a flight but an experience, and has a focus on varied dining with custom meal options available for those with special dietary needs which is good to see. Their strategy seems to be to blend Vietnamese cuisine with French influences, incorporating fresh, local ingredients. The use of enhanced seasoning is designed to compensate for taste bud dulling at high altitudes. The wine program, with onboard sommeliers providing guidance, suggests a careful attention to passenger enjoyment. The special menu themes linked to Vietnamese and French holidays suggests an attempt to connect passengers to the culture of the countries they are traveling between. The airline’s approach may be a bit too corporate however for some travelers, myself included.
Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Aircraft Sleep Quality and Cabin Temperature Control
Sleep quality is really important on long flights, and cabin temperature is a big factor. Some people on Vietnam Airlines’ A350 flight from Hanoi to Paris have mentioned that the temperature is a bit too warm, making it harder to sleep well. While the plane is built to be more comfortable, with lower cabin pressure and more humidity, the feedback about temperature isn't great. These factors really make a difference in how comfortable a flight is. If they can get the temperature right, it will help people get more rest on these really long trips.
The effects of cabin temperature on sleep during air travel is notable, research indicates an optimal sleep environment of around 15°C to 19°C (60°F to 67°F). Airlines frequently grapple with the problem of striking a balance to suit everyone which can be a challenge. Vietnam Airlines’ A350 does seem to have some issues with this. It's a balancing act that remains elusive for airlines even with all the technology at hand. The A350’s elevated humidity, which hovers at around 20% relative humidity, is much improved over older aircraft that have about 5-10%. Better humidity on planes is significant since it lessens dehydration and this will help reduce the instances of dry skin and respiratory issues, meaning better sleep too which is welcomed. Noise is another key thing that affects sleep, and the A350 appears to have lower noise levels compared to older aircraft models, reports suggesting up to a 50% noise reduction, which is probably a key factor in improving passenger rest on such long journeys. Cabin altitude also plays a role in how tired people feel after a long flight; the A350 is set to a 6,500-foot cabin, lower than older planes that usually maintain the equivalent of 8,000 feet. This can enhance oxygen levels in the blood and will almost certainly help in getting a decent rest. Meal timing can even assist in adapting to time zone changes, which would make adjusting to Paris after such a lengthy trip a bit easier. The schedule of onboard meals if synched up to one’s home time might help with minimizing the disruption to one's body clock during long haul trips. It has also been noted that about 30% of us have some alteration to our taste buds at altitude, and so Vietnam Airlines, like many airlines, try and account for this with extra spices and seasoning which should prevent in-flight meals from tasting bland. Furthermore, though many people feel better in the dark when sleeping, airlines usually dim lights during night trips; however not all like this since some prefer natural light at their windows as it’s thought that it assists their circadian rhythm. Vietnam Airlines attempts to solve this on the A350 with lights that mimic the day and night light cycle, and slowly lower the intensity which assists passengers in winding down. Pressure changes during travel can cause pain and discomfort, but the A350 does manage this pressure better which reduces issues with your ears so that passengers can relax on flights. A flat bed also is key to more restful sleep and studies suggest up to a 15% improvement in sleep with this seat design, the A350 Business Class offering these sorts of seats which should promote a more rested feel.
Vietnam Airlines' A350 Business Class A Detailed Look at the 13-Hour Hanoi-Paris Route - Flight Timing and Connection Options at Paris CDG
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is a major factor in how enjoyable a trip on Vietnam Airlines might be, particularly if you are connecting to a flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. A direct flight from Paris to Hanoi takes just over 10 hours, with departures planned for the afternoon which translates to arrivals in Vietnam early the next day. CDG acts as a central hub for travelers from all over the globe, and there are many options for connections. However, this airport can be a bit tricky to navigate and tight connections can feel rushed, meaning you should pay close attention to flight schedules so you make your connections. For long journeys between continents having a clear picture of what to expect in terms of timing and connections can be the key to how well you overall journey goes.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), a major European aviation hub, sees significant traffic fluctuations. The busiest times, June to August, make flights expensive, with savings potentially available when flying very late or early. The airport's infrastructure allows for quick connections between its terminals using the CDGVAL shuttle train system, helpful when transferring onto a lengthy long-haul flight from places such as Hanoi. Be aware that CDG is made of three separate terminals—1, 2 and 3—with Terminal 2 having several sub-halls (2A, 2B etc) which add extra time when moving around this place. Vietnam Airlines allows Business Class guests a generous two bags of up to 32kg each, and this generous luggage plan mirrors overall airline sector standard for premium travelers. There are lots of shops and places to eat at CDG airport which is useful for passing the time, particularly with long flight connection periods. Vietnam Airlines’ premium guests will enjoy their dedicated airport lounges both at Hanoi (Lotus Lounge) and some selected locations at CDG providing seats and refreshments which should aid in improving the general feel of the overall journey. France’s aviation regulator, the DGAC, tries hard to promote punctuality, and airlines must factor this when designing flight schedules, which means on-time connections are something most travellers can benefit from. Vietnam Airlines is a part of the SkyTeam alliance and there are benefits to leveraging their partnerships. The approach taken by Vietnam Airlines with their inflight meal timing is intended to minimise jet lag by aligning meals with destination times which will impact how one feels after their journey, showing it isn’t just about taste but about a passengers health while travelling. The flight loads can fluctuate depending on the time of year and one should take this into consideration when planning their flight schedule.