BACKGROUND
Vietnam Airlines received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2015, and now has 11 in the fleet, along with four Boeing 787-10s. The three-class configuration offers 28 seats in business, 35 in premium economy and 211 in economy. Vietnam Airlines is part of the SkyTeam alliance.
CHECK-IN
I arrived at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International airport at 2238 for flight VN51 to London at 0005.
Vietnam Airlines check-in counters are in C/D, with dedicated SkyPriority and business class lanes. It was quiet when I got there and with fast-track security I was through by 2250.
THE LOUNGE
There are two Lotus Lounge options. The larger option, which I visited, is on Level 3 above duty free. The smaller one is on Level 2 near Gate 18.
Facilities include showers, information screens, a pet area (sadly empty on my visit) computer and printing facilities, and plenty of seating and charging ports.
Food was weirdly breakfast-focused, with cereal and cold-cut offerings, along with some hot dishes including stir-fried pork in lo mein sauce.
BOARDING
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