Ho Chi Minh City – Beijing flight review with Air China in Business Class

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Note
8/10
IMG 6664
Flight Carrier Air China
Departing Airport Ho Chi Minh International Airport
Arrival Airport Beijing International Airport
Aircraft Boeing 737
Cabin Class Business Class
Tutorial Guide: How can I save on plane tickets with points?
To the point Discover our photo report of the Apricot Lounge and the Air China flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing in Business Class.

We begin the return journey towards Montreal with this regional flight between Saigon and Beijing.

It is very early this Sunday morning when we take a cab to go to the airport. On the way there we took an Uber because it is easier to avoid problems with fraudulent cabs. On the way back the hotel booked us a cab.

img 0991
cab to Ho Chi Minh City airport

We present ourselves to the counter for the recording, few people at this hour, our flight being at 5:40 am the terminal is almost deserted.

img 0992
not many stores open at this time

We head to the back of the terminal to access the Apricot Lounge, an independent lounge accessible to Star Alliance airlines.

img 0993
the big Sunday morning crowd

I admit that I was not expecting a great experience but I was pleasantly surprised. The lounge has a nice view of the tarmac, a decent offer and a pleasant setting.

img 0994
view of the apricot lounge at Ho Chi Minh City airport
img 0995
buffet
img 0999
the restaurant area with tables
img 0997
buffet
img 0996
buffet
img 1001
a simple breakfast for me
img 0998
the lounge area

In the meantime our boarding gate has changed and we have to join the other end of the terminal, a little sport before spending the day in plane.

img 1002
boarding room
img 1003
our plane, an Air China 737-800
img 1004
boarding gate

The flight is on time, we embark in this rather old aircraft, the cabin makes think of the Airbus A320 of Air Canada with seats with the limited inclination.

img 1005
seat in the Air China Boeing 737
img 1006
Business class cabin in Air China’s Boeing 737
img 1007
a blanket and slippers are distributed
img 1008
the seat is not very young anymore …
img 1009
limited comfort
img 1010
hot towel distributed before takeoff
img 1011
no personal IFE in this plane 🙁
img 1012
breakfast is served
img 1013
limited spotting

The flight lasts a little less than 5 hours with a lot of turbulences because of the mountainous reliefs overflown according to the co-pilot crossed at the exit of the toilets. We arrive at the end of the morning in Beijing.

img 1014
Beijing suburb
img 1015
buildings in the suburbs of Beijing

Bottom line

My first flight with Air China. Despite the limited comfort, I would have preferred a Boeing 777-200 which is operated on other regional routes but it was not a disaster as the service was good. The continuation with the Air China lounge in Beijing and the flight to Montreal.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc

Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc

Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc
Matthieu, a luxury travel enthusiast with a deep love for Asia, is an expert in the Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and Marriott Bonvoy programs. Originally from France and residing in Canada for over 20 years, he shares insights for high-end stays and unique experiences, helping travelers make the most of their points and perks.
All posts by Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc
Flights
Region
Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
4.0 Milesopedia Rating

Suggested Reading

Receive our newsletter every week!

Savings are here:

Milesopedia