Vietnam Airlines or China Southern from AUS to Europe! (Business Class)

Hi, Invited to wedding in September in France and can't justify at this stage the extra $3-5k for the 2 of us to do EK/QF/SQ/AY to Europe. Any insight into both Vietnam or China Southern Business would be great. My wife is Gluten Free so any insight there too on the meals would be great. Thanks!

Both are no frills 'full service'. China Southern is considered 2nd best in China after Hainan. I wouldn't fly either personally that far. That said VN use the A350 and 787 extensively. If you can score the China Southern A380 that would be the best for flying that far. As for delays food quality lounges I only have feedback from colleagues and neither carrier do anything great. I'd still hunt around for a QF/AY option if you wanted value, lounges, food and overall experience.

I recently flew China Southern Business from Adelaide to Delhi via Guangzhou. All flights arrived early which is nice.

Both ways had the a330 so choose the aisle seat for ease to get in and out. 2 x 2 x 2 config is annoying.

Food service was very good I pre ordered Western and Chinese dishes both very nice. There is Gluten free options available on preorder via the website.

Transfer had a line for business class but they also use for wheelchairs so was a bit tardy.

Lounge is acceptable but definitely not QF 1st Class standard by a long shot. If you want a shower goto the reception to help you organise as usually quite a wait.

Overall experience was value for money in my eyes

Have friends who flew to Europe on VN in J and loved it. Brand new A350 to CDG, 1-2-1 cabin, great food and service on board. I'd definitely go VN.

Vietnam Airlines Business all the way!

I would have a look at the prices of Oman air, often around the 5k mark from Australia to Europe. I am QF Platinum and usually fly with Oneworld mostly but and see real value for money with Oman air with great lounges, nice champagne and a good onboard product.

My wife and I fly to London every year in business on Vietnam Airlines for as little as $4000 return. However, there are long layovers, especially on the way back. In these cases, Vietnam Airlines pay for a visa, provide a free hotel room and limo (basic car) transport as well as free meals in the hotel's dining room. There are also options for a free tour of Saigon which we took on our first trip. All that is free for business class passengers. The A330s are gone and it's now A350s and B787s. It's a no brainer if you are happy to spend a free day or half evening in SGN.

I'd go Vietnam Airlines over China Southern any day. Their long-haul fleet is modern and the service is friendly - I consistently find that the onboard service delivered by VN to be excellent. Are they on par with CX, JL and NH, no, but for the low fares that you can score with them you can't complain really. In comparison with mainland Chinese carriers, I wouldn't even consider them when VN is a choice to be honest.

From a mile accrual perspective, VN and CZ are both SkyTeam so there isn't much of a difference.

Hi we flew China Airlines Business Class in 2018 Return To FRA from Syd via Taipei 8000 for 2. New a350 , excellent service. The only bad thing was 20hr layover. Went on their Website yesterday and at Moment can fly in May return From Syd 7800 for 2. We will be using them again

May I ask what Months you fly To Europe.

Mickhenny, we usually go in early December for 5-6 weeks.

Thai also have fares around the $5.5k mark & out of Melb you get the new A350 which is great.

I know brisbane and Sydney receive older dated business class.