Flight Review: Vietjet's Airbus A321 'SkyBoss' Premium Economy
Having recently inaugurated its third Indonesian route – Ho Chi Minh to Jakarta – this August, I had the chance to fly with Vietjet from Ho Chi Minh to Denpasar in ‘SkyBoss’ class – Vietjet’s concept of premium economy.
Check-in, lounge and boarding
I arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) during the peak morning rush, and things were rather busy. I was able to use Vietjet’s priority check-in lane on a SkyBoss ticket, which only took around five minutes – I was then ushered towards an expedited security and immigration lane, getting through in around ten minutes. This is definitely an underrated perk of the premium fare experience, as queues were pretty bad at that time, likely saving me upwards of an hour.
Photo: Luke Bodell / Simple Flying
After this, I headed to the airport lounge – as I was traveling with Muslim friends, we were granted access to the Jasmine Halal Lounge, the only halal airport lounge in Vietnam. Located on the 2nd floor and open 24 hours a day, the lounge was peaceful at this time of morning.
The halal food was tasty with a good range of options, including meat and vegetable dishes, fresh fruit, desserts, and hot drinks. After a couple of hours relaxing in a window spot with a vista of the runway, it was time to board.
Photo: Luke Bodell / Simple Flying
SkyBoss seat
The airline reserves the first three rows of its Airbus A321s to SkyBoss passengers, with seats in a 3-3 configuration. SkyBoss seats are identical in width (18 inches) and pitch (29 inches) to economy seats – however, I sat in the front row (seat 1F), so I got a lot more legroom than a regular seat.
Photo: Luke Bodell / Simple Flying
This was a return flight – on the outbound flight, I sat in seat 2A, which offered ample legroom for my long legs and 6″1 frame. A curtain separates the SkyBoss section from the rest of economy, giving a sense of privacy and quietness. I was served a welcome drink and a towel to freshen up before it was time to take off – the seat also comes with a blanket, which I found came in handy as a pillow.
Meal service, flight experience
Vietjet offers an in-flight menu for all customers – on a Skyboss fare, you get your pick of the menu free of charge. I picked the nasi lemak, a classic Malaysian dish, and was pleasantly surprised at the quality – not too hot or salty.
Photo: Luke Bodell / Simple Flying
As a longer flight of over three hours, I was entitled to a second meal, but declined as I’d already eaten plenty. Instead, I snacked on a second pack of macadamia nuts and raisins, along with a fresh cup of coffee.
Photo: Luke Bodell / Simple Flying
Around 30 minutes before landing, the flight attendant offered me a final snack or drink – I opted for a hot chocolate, which turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever had, without exaggeration! The level of attentiveness and treatment from the cabin crew was impeccable throughout the flight, so you definitely get what you pay for in this respect.
What is SkyBoss?
SkyBoss is Vietjet’s version of premium economy and was launched by the airline in 2015. So, what do you actually get as part of your SkyBoss experience?
- 10 kg to 14 kg carry-on baggage
- 30 kg to 50 kg checked baggage, and a set of golf clubs
- Priority check-in, boarding and security
- Private shuttle between aircraft and gate (if applicable)
- Airport lounge access
- Priority seat selection
- Complimentary meals, snacks and drinks onboard
- Amenity pack
- SkyCare insurance
The airline also has a ‘SkyBoss Business’ class onboard its Airbus A330s, featuring lie-flat seats and more. Vietjet has offered multiple 50% off discount periods on SkyBoss fares this year, along with plenty of other promotional fares in recent months to encourage more visitors to Vietnam, so keep your eyes peeled for future promotions.
Photo: Luke Bodell / Simple Flying
In conclusion, a SkyBoss fare is worth it if you value a premium travel experience. While the seat itself (unless sat in Row 1) is no different from economy, you get plenty of perks, including airport lounge access and VIP treatment all the way from check-in to disembarkation.
Have you had the chance to fly SkyBoss class with Vietjet? How often have you flown with the Vietnamese carrier? Let us know your experiences in the comments.
