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Took them last year Los Angeles to Shanghai business class and I must say it was far below average. Seats were dirty among other things..Flight attendants were largely "kids" who didn't see providing service was primary task. Had to ask for everything, I don't remember 1 time they came to anyone and asked if we wanted anything between the meal services.

Having said that, they got me there in 1 piece and their flight attendants were nicer to look at than the grandmas that are at the American carriers.

Have a good trip!

Danny

I have used Korean Air the last 6 times I've traveled between the US and VN.  I go in coach but the service is great.  They serve red and white wines with meals.  Come around about every hour with juice and water for those not sleeping.  As part of the Skypass system they are affiliated with VN Air.

AIR Crap CANADA, lousy airline and high priced.

AMERICAN AIRLINES, in bankruptcy, unions are fighting it and pilots are on a work to rule which makes scheduling totally unreliable. Very ancient aircraft fleet.

ASEAN, good all round with good prices.

CATHAY, from HongKong, is a classy airline with higher prices. They have power outlets in Economy!

EVA AIR, from TaiWan, never killed anyone in their many years of operating, is a classy airline with low prices. They have power outlets in Economy!

KOREAN, cheap flights but have a poor safety record - a  US carrier was going to code-share with them but backed out after a few test runs.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES, Good all round except for fares.

UNITED, an other sub-par airline with an OK safety history but rough on PAX. Like most American international carriers female cabin crew look as if they have been flying since the aircraft entered service.

AVOID any airline with China in the name, even that one from TaiWan.

ONLY USE a real, live travel agent, preferably from the Asian communities (Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese) as they get airline 'contracts' which are, in effect, discount fares. Give the travel agent your e-mail and redit card details. If there are problems they can help you out.

NEVER, EVER USE an on-line booker, they offer zero service in times of trouble, make money from selling the last few seats in garbage locations on the aircraft.

BUY A RETURN TICKET, in case you have to return, if you don't need it return for a refund BEFORE the 360th day anniversary of issue. The cost to you is the loss of use / interest on the money.

NO AIRLINE flies direct to VietNam, they all stop off at hubs - usually in their base country.

UNDERSTAND TERMINOLOGY. Non-stop is NOT the same as Direct, ask about code-shares (right flight name, wrong name on the aircraft), etc.

HAVE E-TICKETS e-mailed to you, then you can leave a copy in your inbox and not forget about it. Airlines are making a FORTUNE from forgotten about e-tickets.

EXCESS BAGGAGE. Cathay and Eva allow you to buy a third or forth checked bag for under USD$200. Handy for Chinese (ever seen them travel?) and immigrants.

BUY A BAGGAGE SCALE - USD$10 from pharmacies and travel stores. In Canada they are sold by Shoppers Drug Mart.

IMO, EVA followed by Cathay are the best. Both, also, have non-stop snacks FREE on the flights. You look as if you might be interested.

I got spoiled flying front of the bus for several years as I criss-crossed the US for work.  Now I've used up all my miles and have lost my elite status.  Not looking forward to the long haul coach trip.  The top deck of the 747 across the Pacific was always nice.  Row 50 something isn't going to be quite the same.

I'm leaning toward EVA.  Reviews of China Eastern are too scary.

If you are traveling from the east-coast of the US then don't forget about Emirates and Qatar Airways (Doha, UAE) . Emirates started service to Vietnam last june. Connects in Dubai, of course.

East bound travel is sooo hard on the body.

Besides, the Eastern seaboard is EXACTLY the opposite side of the world from VN!

I came from Ireland via Dubai on Emirates, no complaints. Plus having TV's in the back of the seats with a load of movies/TV shows/Monty Python documentaries was great (I always have trouble sleeping on flights). Food wasn't half bad either for plane food.

Jaitch wrote:

East bound travel is sooo hard on the body.

Besides, the Eastern seaboard is EXACTLY the opposite side of the world from VN!

Amen!

I used to coordinate my work travel to be on the west coast before hopping over to VN to cut down the trip a bit.