Airline review: Great VIP perks in premium economy, but a spacious, comfy seat isn’t one of them
The flight
Vietjet flight VJ086 from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh aboard an A330. Skyboss (Vietjet’s premium economy), seat 7G. Flight time is nine hours, 15 minutes. Departs at 10.45am (35 minutes behind schedule).
Frequency
Vietjet’s Sydney route will increase from three to four return flights weekly from September 18, 2023.
The Skyboss seats are identical in width and recline to economy.
The loyalty scheme
Vietjet SkyJoy. It replaces the Vietjet SkyClub program.
Carbon emissions
1.1 tonnes for flying Skyboss (premium economy). The airline doesn’t currently offer an offset program.
Checking in
Skyboss, the airline’s version of premium economy, comes with some business-like perks including priority check-in, seat selection and access to the swish and spacious SkyTeam Lounge opposite gates 25-26.
The seat
I’m in 7G, a bulkhead, aisle seat. It’s a 3-3-3 configuration; seats are identical to economy, with 16-inch width (40cm), 33-inch pitch (83cm) and a recline of 10.3 degrees. The front row has extra legroom, but seats are notably narrower due to tray tables being stored in the armrests. It can feel a little squeezy. An amenity kit includes a blanket, felt inflatable neck pillow and eye mask, though the blanket doesn’t get much use as the older A330 aircraft is swelteringly hot.
Beware: The older A330 aircraft run hot, temperature-wise.
Baggage
A generous 14kg carry-on allowance, and up to 50kg in checked baggage.
Entertainment
With no onboard Wi-Fi or inflight entertainment, come prepared with pre-downloaded movies, shows or a good book.
Service
From check-in to flight service, staff are exceedingly friendly and eager to please. They offer to stow our carry-ons upon boarding. Disappointingly, a welcome drink isn’t among the Skyboss benefits.
Food
Food and beverages are included. I’m talked into the xôi mặn, a savoury sticky rice with various mystery deli meats, pate and chopped hard-boiled egg. It falls short of the crew member’s rave reviews, but those soy and chilli condiments are a godsend. My second meal, a Thai fried rice with chilli-laced chicken and strands of pickled ginger, is much better. Wine options are red or white, so a no-name Portuguese red it is. Tea drinkers beware; the herbal teas are pure lolly water. Instant Nescafe coffee gets the same sweet treatment unless you request sugar-free.
One more thing
Vietjet just launched a new Brisbane route on June 16, joining new Melbourne and Sydney routes. It means travellers can still take advantage of some impressive launch deals. Currently, that includes free same-day domestic connections for eligible passengers departing Australia until October 25, 2023, which is astonishing value.
The verdict
Vietjet’s premium economy ticket gets you some great VIP-style perks, but a spacious, comfy seat isn’t one of them. If you were paying full-price (about $1222), would the perks be worth the nearly $1000 you’re paying above economy? Probably not. Though free domestic connections sure do sweeten the deal.
Our rating out of five
★★★
The writer flew as a guest of Vietjet. See vietjetair.com/en
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