Bamboo Airways Business Class review
The Vietnamese carrier is tapping into the Western market and is expected to grab attention with some generous perks.
The Vietnamese carrier is tapping into the Western market and is expected to grab attention with incredible airfares and generous luggage allowances.
Take a seat
There are 36 pods in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every seat aisle access. The business class cabin has bright interiors of white and grey panelling and the airline’s signature navy blue for the seat upholstery. The pod is spacious and clean, a clear reminder of the short span the carrier has been in operation, taking to the air in 2019 before being grounded during the pandemic. The seat is 52cm wide, converting into a 198cm flat-lay bed. There is a reading light, charging area with a USB plug and a small bench to keep essential items close. Good-quality headphones, a pair of slippers and a warm, soft blanket are waiting on my arrival, along with a unisex amenities bag that includes an eye mask, ear plugs, a dental kit, hand sanitiser, razor and shaving cream, and a body lotion by luxury Swiss brand Chopard. An easy-to-operate panel shows seat positions, and a small compartment space is located next to the armrest on the aisle-side. A button operates the other armrest, which is stowed away when I arrive, which I only realise after my arm awkwardly slumps to my side. When seated upright, the pod is huge, so the tray-table is quite far away during service times. In the lie-flat position, there is an unexpected lump that sticks into my ribs. I get around this by shimmying my 1.6m body around and placing the plush pillow on the bump, an option that wouldn’t work for most average-sized adults.
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That’s entertainment
There’s a handset and a large, responsive touchscreen, which swings out by pulling a small lever. Choose from a mix of Vietnamese and English-language movies, TV and music options. The selection is small compared with many other airlines, with about 20 or so feature movies, ranging from some newish Hollywood releases, such as Don’t Worry Darling, Elvis, Dune and The Batman, to classic genres including comedy, action and drama. Friends, Mr Bean and Young Shelden are included in the TV series selection.
On the menu
The Asian-Western fusion menu is presented by crew on an iPad. For appetisers, barbecue duck with prawns and cucumber is delicious; the other option of seared scallops appears to be a hit with fellow passengers. For mains, there’s steamed barramundi with chilli sauce; grilled beef with potato, carrots and snow peas and a rich jus; or a classic banh mi. The variety of beers, and red or white wine is limited; the dessert cart features an array of cheese, fresh fruit and a rich chocolate cake.
Tech talk
Bamboo Sky internet access is presently unavailable, but a number of services, including a choice of basic or premium internet, are coming soon.
At your service
All cabin crew are incredibly attentive and polite. The flight begins with the usual safety procedures, followed by a deep bow. I only need to press the call-button once to ask for another bottle of water, which promptly arrives.
In the know
Two carry-on bags up to 7kg each are permitted for business class passengers. Checked luggage can be up to a whopping 65kg per passenger.
The verdict
The relatively unknown airline should become a trusted player in the Western market, especially for travellers looking for a reasonably priced, top-tier experience with good food, plenty of space and attentive crew. A return business class ticket from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City costs $3593.
Imogen Reid was a guest of Bamboo Airways.