It goes without saying that airlines can make or break an international trip. Not only does an airline need to be comfortable and safe but should also be good enough to pit against the biggest competitors.
While the most prominent airlines traveling to and from Japan include Delta, ANA, United, and many others, one newer airline has entered the race: ZIPAIR.
However, is ZIPAIR any good? What even is this airline? In this article, we will be telling you everything you need to know about this airline.
From its brief history to the flight cost and the various things that the airline has to offer travelers.
By the end of this article, you will know everything there is to know, so that you can make an informed decision the next time you fly to Japan.
About ZIPAIR
ZIPAIR is a Japanese airline that was initially founded in July 2018 and commenced operations in June 2020.
It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines and is based in Tokyo to make travel easy and affordable around the country and internationally.
The company has a fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and was initially a cargo-only operation during the pandemic.
However, as travel rules and regulations changed over the following years, the airline is now widely used to get passengers from one location to the next.
How Much Do Flights Cost?
Prices vary greatly depending on routes. At the time of writing this article, the fares are accurate.
However, they are subject to change as time goes on, so if you do plan on using this airline, make sure to check the official ZIPAIR website for up-to-date details.
We can offer you some information regarding the fare. These prices reflect the base fare, as well as taxes and carrier-imposed fees. Information on this can be seen below:
Tokyo to Seoul – prices from ¥33,600/₩388,000 (full flat); ¥11,660/₩124,000 (standard); ¥5,600/₩64,000 (U6 standard)
Tokyo to Bangkok – prices from ¥53,000/฿15,750 (full flat); ¥17,000/฿4,950 (standard) ¥8,000/฿2,350 (U6 standard)
Tokyo to Singapore – prices from ¥53,660/S$701 (full flat); ¥18,660/S$247.30 (standard); ¥7,600/S$117 (U6 standard)
Tokyo to Honolulu – prices from ¥69,000/US $573.20 (full flat); ¥29,000/US 209.20 (standard); ¥15,000/US 93.20 (U6 standard)
Tokyo to San Francisco – prices from ¥99,000/US916.20 (full flat); ¥44,000/US 356.20 (standard); ¥18,000/US 122.20 (U6 standard)
Tokyo to San Jose – prices from ¥99,000/US 914.80 (full flat); ¥42,000/US 334.80 (standard); ¥18,000/US 120.80 (U6 standard)
Tokyo to Los Angeles – prices from ¥97,000/US 904.20 (full flat); ¥37,000/US 284.20 (standard); ¥18,000/US 120.20 (U6 standard)
What Does The Airline Offer?
Seating And Classes
Seating is simple and much like any other airline for economy class. As this is a new airline little to no damage is yet visible on the seats, so travelers can enjoy the fresh space.
Seats are 17 inches wide and 31 inches from front to back. All seats have USB ports and universal sockets, as well as holders for electronic devices such as phones and tablets.
There are no TVs, but we will discuss that in the section below.
The business class offers incredible “lie flat” seats, which allow travelers to lie down and get some rest on their long flights. While you do pay extra for this, it is a small price compared to many other business-class airlines.
In-Flight Entertainment
There are no TV screens or anything like it on ZIPAIR flights. However, there is no need for such things because the planes have free Wi-Fi that you can connect to on the flight.
This means that you can use your own devices to connect to the online flight entertainment system and get access to what you might expect. This will include music and movies, just like you would see in a different airline.
It’s worth pointing out that there is no extra charge for accessing the airline’s entertainment system. So, you can rest easy and watch all your favorites and not pay any more money.
Food And Drink
Although the food offered on airplanes is not usually something we gravitate towards, you should have no problems eating the food offered by ZIPAIR.
There are a variety of pasta dishes and sandwiches for those who want to play it safe, and dishes like eel rice bowls or wagyu beef for those who want to try something different.
While you do need to pay extra for the food, prices are reasonable and typically range from ¥1,000–¥2,500. Feel free to take a look at the airline’s full in-flight menu on their website if you want to find out more.
It should be noted that you can order food online through ZIPAIR’s online entertainment system, too. The flight attendants do not take cash, so always make sure you have the means via your card or another payment system.
You should also take special care to order any specific meals you will want in advance – at least 72 hours beforehand.
This will allow the airline enough time to accommodate you, as they always have a limited amount of food onboard to reduce waste. If you don’t order ahead of time, the food you want might not be there when the time comes.
Amenities On ZIPAIR Airlines
For an additional fee, you can get amenities such as earplugs, slippers, and blankets. There are two sets to choose from – A (¥2,500) or B (¥3,000), with each offering different things.
You should order these things ahead of time to ensure that the items are there when the time comes. If you do not, there is a possibility of the items not being available.
For flights within Japan, you will need to give 24 hours notice, and for flights out, 48 hours is required.
Paid Lounge Access
Any ZIPAIR passenger can access the Narita TraveLounge for ¥1,600 once they get through passport control. There, you can enjoy soft drinks and coffee at no additional fee.
However, if you wish to indulge in alcoholic drinks, you can expect to purchase those independently.
On-Time Arrival Rate
While it’s difficult to make a comment on this since the airline is still so young, ZIPAIR seems to be doing well for itself. They have an on-time arrival rate of over 90%, which is impressive for any budget airline.
So, while things could change in the future, for now, you shouldn’t worry too much about being late!
What Sets ZIPAIR Apart From Other Airlines?
There are a number of things that will draw customers in with ZIPAIR. Here are some of the takeaway points to consider when thinking about what sets this budget airline apart from other airlines:
Reasonable and attractive prices
Impressive on-time arrival rate (so far)
Pleasant food options for passengers
In-flight entertainment system
Final Thoughts
ZIPAIR, while new to the world of airlines, is an impressive option when deciding on how to travel.
While the airline does not have roots all over the world and has an extensive list of locations like more established ones do, it is doing well for itself.
So, if you were looking for a budget airline that could take you to Japan for a fraction of the price it usually would, ZIPAIR could be a great option!
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
