Premium economy pricing has crept up across the industry, but Vietnam Airlines remains one of the few carriers where the upgrade still feels like genuinely good value rather than a marginal step above regular economy.
AirlineRatings has specifically called out Vietnam Airlines as a strong contender for the best value premium economy in the air right now, and after digging through current seat specs, cabin configurations, and passenger reviews, it's easy to see why.
Here's what the cabin actually looks like across Vietnam Airlines' widebody fleet, and where it falls short of the very top of the category.
Seat Specs: What You're Actually Getting
Vietnam Airlines' premium economy specs vary depending on which aircraft you end up on, since the airline runs the product across both its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and its Airbus A350-900s.
Because seat dimensions and cabin layouts can vary by aircraft configuration, the IATA passenger travel standards provide industry standards covering passenger experience, airport processes, and the delivery of airline services.
| Aircraft | Configuration | Seat Pitch | Recline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 787-9 | 2-3-2 | Around 37 to 38 inches | Roughly 5.9 inches (15 cm) |
| Airbus A350-900 | 2-4-2 (some), 2-3-2 on select cabins | 36 inches | Roughly 6 inches (15 cm) |
On the 787, the seat pitch has been measured at close to 38 inches by multiple reviewers, with one flight reviewer specifically noting nearly 4 feet of distance between rows and enough room for a 6-foot-2 passenger to stretch out comfortably.
That's a meaningful jump over the roughly 32-inch pitch in Vietnam Airlines' regular economy cabin, and it puts the airline's premium economy pitch ahead of several competitors that top out closer to 38 inches at best.
The 2-3-2 configuration on the 787, in particular, is a favorite among reviewers because it avoids stranding a passenger in a middle seat between two strangers, a common complaint about tighter premium economy layouts on other airlines.
Each seat includes an adjustable headrest, a raisable footrest, and a stowable tray table tucked into the armrest, along with a dedicated coat hook and a larger storage pocket than what you'd find in economy.
Comfort and Onboard Extras
Passengers consistently describe the seat cushioning itself as a standout, with some reviewers calling it among the most comfortable premium economy seats they've flown, closer in feel to a cozy armchair than a typical airline seat.
Pillows and blankets are waiting at your seat before boarding, and slippers are provided as well, with eye masks, earplugs, and socks available on request.
Vietnam Airlines also highlights several dedicated Premium Economy benefits, including priority check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage handling, and additional seat amenities, as outlined in its Premium Economy service information.
Vietnam Airlines' cabin design has a distinct retro aesthetic, heavy on beige, turquoise, and gold tones, which some travelers find charmingly dated and others find simply dated, but it doesn't affect the actual comfort of the seat.
Dining is another area where Vietnam Airlines punches above its price point.
Reviewers highlight the food quality specifically in premium economy, served on proper tableware with real cutlery rather than the disposable trays used further back in the cabin, though drinks are still served in paper cups.
In-flight entertainment runs on the same system across all cabins, with a strong selection of Vietnamese and broader Asian content alongside a smaller lineup of Western titles.
Wi-Fi is now available on Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A350 fleet, including a free 15-minute messaging package before charges kick in, a recent addition that wasn't available on all routes as recently as a couple of years ago.
How It Compares to the Rest of the Premium Economy Field
Vietnam Airlines doesn't try to compete with the true top tier of premium economy products.
According to AirlineRatings, Singapore Airlines currently sets the gold standard for the category, with a multi-course plated dining service on porcelain tableware and a seat experience that borders on a scaled-down business class rather than a slightly nicer economy seat.
Airlines like Emirates, Air New Zealand, and Qantas are grouped in that same elevated tier, delivering what amounts to a mini-business-class experience at premium economy prices.
Vietnam Airlines sits a clear notch below that group on polish and refined extras, but it wins decisively on value.
Fares for Vietnam Airlines premium economy are frequently only modestly higher than economy on the same route, and substantially cheaper than the premium economy fares charged by the airlines setting the top-tier benchmark.
If your priority is maximum comfort at the lowest realistic premium economy price, rather than the absolute best product money can buy, Vietnam Airlines is genuinely hard to beat on that specific tradeoff.
Before booking, it's worth checking what other travelers have experienced most recently on your specific route and aircraft, since cabin configuration and service can vary noticeably between the 787 and A350 fleets.
A current roundup of Vietnam Airlines reviews is a useful gut check to run before committing to a long-haul booking, particularly if you're flying a route you haven't taken with the airline before.
Loyalty Program and Booking Notes
Vietnam Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, and premium economy fares earn Lotusmiles points that can also be redeemed with SkyTeam partners including Air France, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic.
That alliance membership gives premium economy passengers a reasonable amount of flexibility if they're already accumulating miles with a partner carrier rather than starting a Lotusmiles balance from scratch.
Given how competitively priced Vietnam Airlines premium economy already tends to be, it's still worth checking for an active discount before booking directly, since a promo code stacked on top of an already reasonable fare can push the value proposition even further.
Checking for a current Vietnam Airlines promo code before finalizing your booking takes only a minute and can shave a meaningful amount off long-haul fares, particularly during seasonal sales.
Quick Reference: Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy at a Glance
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Seat pitch | 36 to 38 inches depending on aircraft |
| Configuration | 2-3-2 on most 787s; some A350 cabins run 2-4-2 |
| Recline | Roughly 6 inches |
| Dining | Multi-course meals on real tableware |
| Wi-Fi | Available on A350 fleet, free 15-minute messaging included |
| Best for | Long-haul comfort on a budget, not top-tier luxury extras |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam Airlines' premium economy worth the upgrade over economy?
For most long-haul routes, yes. The jump from roughly 32 inches of pitch in economy to 36 to 38 inches in premium economy is substantial, and the price difference is typically smaller than what competing airlines charge for a similar upgrade.
Which aircraft has the better premium economy seat, the 787 or the A350?
Both are solid, but the 787's 2-3-2 layout is generally preferred by reviewers over configurations that place passengers in a group of four, since it avoids a stranger seated directly between two other passengers.
Does Vietnam Airlines premium economy include lie-flat seating?
No. Like nearly all airlines' premium economy products, the seat reclines significantly, roughly 6 inches, but it does not lie flat. That feature remains reserved for business and first class cabins.
How does Vietnam Airlines premium economy compare to Singapore Airlines?
Singapore Airlines offers a more elevated, business-class-adjacent experience with plated multi-course dining and a more polished cabin overall, but it also charges accordingly. Vietnam Airlines trades some of that polish for a meaningfully lower price, which is why it's frequently cited as the stronger value option of the two.
Is Wi-Fi available on all Vietnam Airlines premium economy flights?
Not yet across the entire fleet. Wi-Fi is currently available specifically on Airbus A350 aircraft, with a free short messaging window before paid tiers apply, so it's worth checking your specific aircraft type before counting on connectivity.
The Bottom Line
Vietnam Airlines' premium economy won't out-luxury Singapore Airlines or Emirates, and it isn't trying to.
What it delivers instead is a genuinely comfortable long-haul seat, decent food, and a meaningful comfort upgrade over economy, all at a price that undercuts most of the competition.
If you're booking a long Vietnam or Southeast Asia route and want real extra room without paying for the industry's most elaborate premium economy product, this is one of the better value trades currently available in the sky.