The seats in this premium economy cabin need urgent maintenance

CHECKING IN: I have checked in online but with priority check-in I am called straight to the front of the staff-led bag-drop line. I have a 32kg checked baggage allowance with 12kg carry-on (one bag and one accessory). It takes me an hour and a half to get through a busy customs line, then there is another security guard-led bag check to get to my gate.

THE FLIGHT: After entering the plane with priority boarding, I have four seats to myself but am disappointed to discover the tray tables are in the arm rests so I can't raise them up and lie across the seats. It's a 2-4-2 configuration, and there are 36 premium economy seats with a 97cm seat pitch and 20cm recline. I'm in 15G, an aisle seat, but move one seat in after takeoff. We receive cool towels and take off 12 minutes late. I sleep for about four hours.

THE CLASS: I've flown economy recently so I notice this seat is roomier, however, strangely, the cushion on the seat I've moved to is shorter than the one on my original seat and I suspect it might have been replaced with an economy cushion. I have a pull down foot rest that gets stuck and I have to use force to push it back up again. There is a leg rest and pillow and blanket which add to the comfort. Two loos are five seats away. The attendants hand around eye masks, earplugs and socks, but no toothbrush kits (luckily I have brought my own). Then the commotion begins. A woman a few rows away can't get her seat to recline. Then a little later, it is discovered another passenger can't recline hers. The flight attendants inspect them and can't get them working either. Later, my headrest flops down and my touchscreen stops working so I use the remote instead.

FOOD AND DRINKS: Paper cups of juice and water are offered before take off. About 40 minutes into the flight we are served supper. I choose a lovely Vietnamese salad and an acceptable braised pork dish. The cutlery is metal. I have trouble pushing the tray table back into my arm rest. The flight attendant gives me an apologetic look, as though she knows my struggle only too well. Four hours after dinner, breakfast is served, because of the time difference. Hot towels help wake us up and I enjoy my frittata, fruit, plain yoghurt and extra croissants.

ENTERTAINMENT: The 26cm seat-back entertainment screen looks almost new, so it's a shame when the touchscreen stops working. There are some decent new movies including Perfect Days and some bingeworthy series including Succession.

THE SERVICE: The service is polite and friendly and everything runs smoothly in this department.

IN A NUTSHELL: A pleasant flight and I was comfortable but the seats in this plane really need some maintenance - and some just need to be replaced.

The writer flew courtesy of Vietnam Airlines