Vietnam Airlines Makes Travel Easy with Direct Flights from San Francisco

As the flag carrier of Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines operates more than 98 routes to 22 domestic destinations and 28 international destinations. Since 2021, the airline has offered non-stop service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, carrying passengers across the Pacific Ocean. 

At the time, it was the first non-stop service between Vietnam and the United States, offering two flights a week. To date, it is still the only airline offering direct flights between the two countries. But due to the rising demand to connect cultures, families and business, the airline expanded its flight offerings. 

In its first year of operation, Vietnam Airlines said it carried more than 60,000 passengers and grew in its second year, while also poised for more growth in 2024. 

Flights are operated using the Airbus A350 with 29 business-class seats, 36 premium-economy seats and 240 economy seats. The nonstop journey from SFO to SGN takes approximately 16 hours ,50 mins in the winter season (and as low as 13 hours, 30 mins in the summer with calmer head winds), while the return leg takes approximately 13–14 hours. Passengers can choose their choice of seat along with fare, which adds additional amenities like extra baggage, priority boarding and Lotus lounge accessibility. 

Business-class seats are in a reverse herringbone in a one-two-one configuration and feature direct-aisle access. Business-class seats are quite spacious and lie fully flat and, upon boarding, passengers are presented with Champagne and a light pillow and blanket, along with slippers and an amenity kit at their seat. The business-class menu lets passengers pick between Vietnamese- and Western-style courses.

Explore all destinations beyond Ho Chi Minh City on its website, where you can easily book your flight and pay for any extras. It is important to note American citizens holding U.S. passports must apply for a visa for entry into Vietnam.