Traveling to Hanoi, Viet Nam and returning from Bangkok. Air Canada, Asiana and Eva all have decent Bus. Class prices and schedules. Air Canada uses Airbuses which aren't my favorite aircraft in Economy, which is the only class I've flown on them. Any thoughts from you Asian travelers regarding the comfort of Business class on any or all of these three airlines? Thank you.

charli, Air Canada flies to neither Viet Nam nor Thailand. Assuming you were starting in Canada, you would switch to one of their partners somewhere along the way. (Alternatively, you could be looking at a partner's flight that is an AC code share?)

I have flown AC business class on the non-stop between Toronto and Hong Kong. This flight is usually run on an Airbus A340-500, with the "lie-flat" seats (that don't actually recline to a fully horizontal position) and personal video-on-demand. Ample space, good service, good food, and I was able to sleep a significant amount both ways. My return trip was on an A340-300, a similar aircraft, but with a different type of seats. Given the choice, I prefer the business class seating on the A340-330s.

I have also flown quite a bit of AC business class between Canada and France on A330s and B767s and would say that AC's business class product is good. Consistency might be their achille's heel, however.

When you say AC uses Airbus aircraft, I'd just like to point out that there are some routes from Canada to Asia that are flown with AC's older B767s. They show their age, but I find the business class seats quite comfortable.

Just as a matter of interest, where are you starting from and where would you be looking at connecting en route to Viet Nam?

I can't comment on either Asiana or Eva, although I have read positive things about business class cabin service on those airlines.


Anselm

Hi Anselm - thanks for your prompt reply. If we fly AC it would be Boston/Toronto/Hong Kong and then Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi. The return from Bangkok routes us via Beijing to Toronto/Boston using Air China to Beijing. AC lists A319 and A340 on their segments. If we decide on EVA or Asiana, it would be out of SF or LA with origination in Boston. It is less to have a separate ticket between Boston & West Coast in that case and we would probably stay overnight there both ways to break up the trip. We are going in November so we have time to "play with it" and see what comes along. Thanks again.

charli, one last comment on AC ... you can tell the difference between the two A340s by looking at the timetable or flight listings. The A340-500 (usually assigned between Toronto and HK) shows as a "345", while the A340-300 (usually assigned between Beijing and Toronto) will show as a "343."

Have a good trip.

Anselm

I flew Asiana business class but only between Japan and Seoul. The Tokyo to Seoul flight was a 747 and my seat was upstairs. Lots of room, good food, good service. The return, to Toyama, was on a smaller aircraft. I'll be happy to fly Asiana again.

The Asiana club at ICN has computers hooked up to the internet available for free, good snacks and drinks. If you have a Star Alliance Gold card or Red Carpet Club card then you can use the Asiana club.

Now that the holiday season is over, is there anyone out there with knowledge of Business Class on either Asiana or EVA? Thanks

Here's a trip report from flyertalk.com on a business class trip on Asiana last year - http://web2.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=403299

And one from EVA...
http://web2.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=460406

A friend rode Asiana J a couple of months ago and thought it was fine but not earth-shatteringly great (i.e. no Singapore or Cathay Pacific experience.) Beats the h3ll out of coach, though.