Since the pandemic, the majority of the world has seen prices increase. That inflation has also hit Japan and that includes airline tickets to Japan. ZIPAIR is a low-cost airline based in Japan that was established as a subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL) in 2018. The airline officially began its operations in 2020, amidst the challenging circumstances of the global pandemic.
ZIPAIR ‘s business model revolves around offering low-cost fares while maintaining high-quality service, a balance that is crucial in the competitive budget airline market. The airline has rapidly become a popular choice for travelers seeking affordable options without compromising on comfort and service quality. As it continues to grow, ZIPAIR plans to continually expand their network, connecting more destinations and serving an increasing number of passengers.
Zipair Reviews
ZIPAIR has garnered mixed reviews from travelers. Not unexpectedly, if you’ve flown a budget airline; the complaints are similar with the one big benefit being that prices are 30-60% cheaper than what you would normally pay with Japan Airlines, United or other traditional carriers . Various aspects of ZIPAIR ‘s service highlighted in online resources and user experiences. Looking at Skytrax reviews, TripAdvisor and several personal experiences from several online sources including dozen from Reddit threads, we were able to extract some common experiences from passengers.
ZIPAIR Positive Aspects and Benefits (Spoiler: Price)
The fleet primarily consists of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, chosen for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. These aircraft are outfitted with both economy and premium class seating, offering various amenities to enhance the travel experience. In economy class, passengers can expect features like ample legroom and reclining seats, while the premium class offers “lie flat” seats, a luxury often reserved for more expensive carriers.
Affordability The biggest reason to fly ZIPAIR Is the airline’s affordability, offering low prices with moderate-quality service. As we mentioned earlier, the price can be 50-60% off. A recent look at one-way non-stop flight from SFO to NRT in March saw ZIPAIR’s price somewhere between $357-$500 while United, ANA and JAL flights were at least $892+. This makes ZIPAIR an attractive option for both international and domestic travelers. The airline has an excellent arrival time rate and offers pay-per-use lounge access at some airports. Payment methods are diverse and user-friendly, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Tokyo ZIPAIR chose Tokyo Narita International Airport, a move that strategically places ZIPAIR in one of Asia’s busiest and most connected airports. As their main hub, this location allows ZIPAIR to cater to a wide range of passengers, both domestic and international, business and pleasure. The airline initially focused on medium to long-haul routes, aiming to provide affordable yet comfortable travel options. To and from Tokyo, their website offers direct flights to the West Coast of the United States and a handful of destinations in Asia:
- Honolulu
- Seoul
- Manila
- Bangkok
- Singapore
- Vancouver
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Los Angeles
Comfort and Amenities ZIPAIR ‘s economy class offers a comfortable experience with okay legroom and reclining seats as long as you’re not too tall. While not as luxurious as other airlines, the budget airlines’ seats are noted for their relative comfort. The airline also features a unique “lie flat” business class option, which is very affordable compared to other carriers. The in-flight entertainment options are extensive, including movies, TV shows, music, and games. Additionally, ZIPAIR provides various amenities like blankets, pillows, eye masks, and earplugs, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Shockingly, free WiFi is available, although it might be spotty. It is airline WIFI after all. We thought this reddit user’s experience was positive take of some of the amenities and lack of amenities.
Tbh it was overall a pretty good experience. You get free WiFi and a few films to watch on your device of choice. If you wanna sleep then Zipair is kinda ideal because food is optional so they won’t disturb you and I thought the seats were actually very comfy and modern.
ZIPAIR Criticisms and Areas of Concern
Seat Allocation and Extra Charges: Some passengers have experienced issues with seat allocation, particularly when they did not pay for seat reservations. There have been instances where despite a partially empty flight, passengers were not allowed to shift to free seats, leading to discomfort. Additionally, there have been complaints about extra charges, such as for additional luggage, which could add to the overall cost of travel.
Inconsistencies in Service: Experiences with ZIPAIR seem to vary greatly among passengers. While some find the staff to be friendly and helpful, others have had less favorable interactions. Complaints include perceived rudeness and lack of responsiveness from the airline’s staff. These inconsistencies might affect the overall travel experience.
Onboard Food and Entertainment: While the onboard menu is praised for its reasonable pricing, the options may not be to everyone’s taste, especially for younger travelers. It’s worth noting that there is no dedicated screen for in-flight entertainment; passengers must use their own devices. The range of entertainment options might be limited, so bringing your own entertainment is advisable.
It’s a Budget Airline
The establishment of ZIPAIR was part of JAL’s broader strategy to expand its network and market presence, especially in the budget airline sector which has been growing rapidly in Asia and especially with airline ticket prices increasing across the board to Japan. ZIPAIR is a viable option for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfortable and affordable flights.
As ScarandStripes put it on Reddit:
ZipAir offers a modestly comfortable flight to Japan for nearly half the cost of a standard airline, assuming you don’t mind bare-bones travel and difficult customer service. And don’t be tall.
The airline offers a range of amenities and services that are competitive for a low-cost carrier. However, potential passengers should be aware of the extra costs for certain services and the possibility of inconsistent experiences with staff and seating arrangements.
Overall, ZIPAIR is worth considering if you’re looking for a budget-friendly airline for travel to and from Japan. As with any airline, it’s beneficial to weigh the pros and cons based on individual travel needs and preferences.
