For the past couple of years, Vietnam Airlines has repeatedly expressed interest in launching flights to the US. The route that I’ve heard floated most often is a nonstop flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Los Angeles, which should easily be within range for both their A350-900s and 787-9s.
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If they can solve the issue of corrupt officials who make extra money by charging an extra $20 USD fees (cash only) for taking a digital image for the VOA - then they may be able to expand their connecting traffic.
Vietnamese immigration officials are some of the most unfriendly and corrupt I have ever seen.
I don't believe we will see nonstop to Vietnam until 2020. Vietnam's economy is growing rapidly and I think eventually nonstop flights will make sense for business travelers. However nonstop will not be economically viable and most leisure travelers will search for cheaper tickets. This will definitely be a pride route for Vietnam if they decide to open it.
There is a huge expat community in California and a direct flight will knock of 2-3 hours on the route. Often fly them to Paris.
I think this should be a slam-dunk. Massive demand and the value proposition of saving several hours and hassle of transfer. If only a small fraction of the people traveling this route are willing to pay a 10% premium for it, it can't but be successful.
Not everyone prefers a non stop, specially in economy. When it comes to ultra long haul flights, I much rather divide it in 2 legs even if it takes me 3 ou 4 hours more or even better, if possible, spend the night somewhere in between.
Of course, for people travel in business, it's a different story.
They are actually a great airline. Good Business class seats, at accessible prices, with acceptable service. Flew them from Sydney via HCMC to London. Long layover was the only downside, oh, and the return to HCMC for a medical emergency. The lounge in HCMC was pretty dire, but I think they have upgraded since our visit. There are a few reviews, but here is the return London to HCMC route on 787
https://www.2paxfly.com/2016/08/09/vietnam-airlines-london-to-ho-chi-minh-city-for-some-r-n-r-and-an-urban-break/
Vietnam has some of the worst immigration officials I've encountered in my flying career. Unfriendly, rude, hostile even. I'm not one to pick fights but after seeing how they treated us and others in the line I came close. Shall never return - who cares about their routes if they treat you like a second class citizen.
Why did you use the UA LAX-SIN flight as an example for the 787-9 capabilities? Qantas' PER-LHR flight is still operating and lis onger anyway.
If they offer good fares, then this could be a very good choice. Because let’s be sincere, most people flying in Economy they look at the price, then they decide depending on how many stops and then, perhaps, airline.
Never had a problem with the immigration officers in Vietnam. Maybe they just don't like Americans? Might have something to do with historical events?
I’m Vietnamese, and I have to accept the truth that there are many problems with the immigration officers, even with VNmese citizens. If you don’t have any problems with them, you must be lucky that day. @TSL they just don’t like human beings, not only Americans lol
Vietnamese American will definitely not choose Vietnam Airlines as their first choice, given the widespread corruption rude services they provide to their own people, even to foreigners at the airport and on board. Only people who are after award seats would be so eager to fly with Vietnam Airlines as a last option. Other Asian carriers are still my top choice!
Rude nasty corrupt immigration officials who charge bribes??? What do you expect from a utopian socialist country
I am an American married to a Viet Kieu. We may fly this in the future. Never had a problem with VN immigration.