By Sharon Petersen
Published Tue Nov 18 2025
Premium Economy has become a popular middle ground for travellers who want more comfort and priority perks without paying business-class prices. But among all the airlines offering the product, Vietnam Airlines is making a strong case for being one of the best-value Premium Economy options in the air today.
While carriers such as Air New Zealand, Emirates, Qantas and Singapore Airlines offer truly premium products — the kind often described as “business class without the bed” — Vietnam Airlines sits in a more affordable tier. The key difference between premium Premium Economy and value Premium Economy largely comes down to which cabin the service flows from.
On airlines like Emirates, Air New Zealand, Singapore and Qantas, Premium Economy passengers are served from the business-class galley, giving them access to the business drinks menu and a noticeably more elevated dining experience.
Vietnam Airlines, however — with its significantly cheaper fares — serves Premium Economy from the economy galley. This means the meal and beverage service is similar to economy, but passengers still benefit from far more space, comfort and priority perks.
What You Get on Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy
Despite its competitive fares, Vietnam Airlines hasn’t skimped on the fundamentals. Passengers can expect a noticeably more spacious and comfortable experience versus standard economy, especially on medium- and long-haul flights. Key features include:
Priority check-in, boarding and baggage
A comfortable 2–3–2 cabin layout vs the 3-3-3 in Economy
107 cm seat pitch on the Boeing 787 and 96 cm on the Airbus A350
18 cm recline on the 787 and 15 cm on the A350
Leg rests and footrests onboard both aircraft types
Noise-cancelling headphones
10.6-inch personal entertainment screens
USB charging and a 110V power outlet
Amenity kit with eye mask, earplugs, socks, slippers, toothbrush/paste, mouthwash, moisturiser and lip balm
Pillow and blanket
Meals are essentially the same as those served in Economy, and depending on the route, upgraded drinkware may or may not be used.
The drinks menu is also the same as that offered in Economy class.
READ: Our Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy Review
How It Compares: Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qantas & Air New Zealand
To understand why Vietnam Airlines stands out for value, it helps to look at what the “top-tier” Premium Economy airlines offer.
Singapore Airlines offers what many consider the gold standard — a Premium Economy seat and service that borders on business class minus the lie-flat bed. These features include:
Priority check-in, boarding and baggage
Seats with a 38-inch seat pitch, plus leg and calf rests
Two USB ports, a full power outlet and a personal reading light
Noise-cancelling headphones
13.3-inch HD touchscreen
Blanket and pillow
A full multi-course plated dining experience including a seasonal appetiser, main, bread, dessert and cheese, served on porcelain tableware
Expanded food options through Book the Cook
Champagne, premium wines and cocktails
Exclusive amenities like slippers, blackout eyeshades and lip balm (on flights over seven hours)
It’s a polished, premium-heavy product — and fares are typically priced accordingly.
The Bottom Line: Is Vietnam Airlines the Best Value?
If your priority is maximum comfort at the lowest possible Premium Economy price, Vietnam Airlines is hard to beat.
No, it doesn’t match the premium touches, elevated dining or refined cabin experience of Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air New Zealand or Qantas. These airlines deliver something closer to a mini–business class experience.
But Vietnam Airlines nails the essentials:
Significant extra space
Priority ground services
Useful amenities
Modern aircraft
And importantly — fares that are often far lower than the competition
So while it may not be the most luxurious Premium Economy in the sky, we think it is one of the best-value Premium Economy products available today.
