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On a recent trip between Tokyo and the US west coast, I tried ZIPAIR for the first time. The airline is a low-cost carrier owned by Japan Airlines (JAL). However, what makes ZIPAIR extra interesting (compared to other LCCs) is that they offer premium seating options with full-flat “Business class” seats.
In This Article
Book Early!
Be aware that ZIPAIR full-flat is really popular, so book your tickets well in advance. On the NRT-SFO route, most full-flat seats are sold out up to 2 months ahead!
Flight Summary
Booking
This is not a real Business class product like you’d expect on a full-service carrier. On ZIPAIR, you are only paying for the upgraded seat, and many of the things you’d usually take for granted are not included in a ZIPAIR ticket.
Key Takeaways: The ZIPAIR Model
- Unbundled Fare: The base fare only includes the seat.
- Paid Add-ons: Seat selection, in-flight meals, checked baggage, lounge access, and even pillows/blankets are all extra costs.
- Service Packages: You can purchase packages to bundle some of these extras, which can offer better value.
When booking your ticket with ZIPAIR, you have the flexibility to add on any extra services that suit your needs. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the service packages. I chose the Premium package (which was around US$100). This decision proved to be a good one, as the amenity set included a cozy blanket (which I kept as a souvenir) and a surprisingly comfortable inflatable pillow.
Given that ZIPAIR prices are much cheaper than the competition (in some cases half the price), it’s a great option if you just want a good night’s sleep on a red-eye or long-haul flight.
Check-In
ZIPAIR check-in is available at T1 North Wing at Narita. The first step was to print my boarding pass in the automated machine. Then, the staff swiftly directed me to the Self Bag Drop area, which had a very short queue. Be sure to adhere to the bag count and weight limits since all bags were thoroughly checked before entering the bag drop area. Once at the front, checking in my bag was an easy and efficient.
Security and immigration were, as usual, very efficient, so I was through to the airside within a couple of minutes.
Lounge
While the ZIPAIR tickets or service packages don’t automatically include lounge access, they do offer it as an add-on for 5,700 JPY for the NARITA PREMIER LOUNGE. This additional service, though not included, could be a valuable option for those seeking a more comfortable pre-flight experience.
Pro Tip: Lounge Alternatives
Instead of paying for lounge access, consider using a Priority Pass lounge if you have one. The NOA lounge was basic, so I opted for a delicious and far more satisfying pre-flight meal at the airside IPPUDO ramen restaurant. Narita’s public dining options are excellent!
Instead, I decided to try the NOA lounge, which I could access with my Priority Pass. The lounge experience could have been better, as it offered only a very limited set of drinks and small snacks. Even the cups were paper, which felt very basic. Since it was approaching dinner time, I left the lounge and went to the airside IPPUDO ramen restaurant instead, which was definitely worth the money.
Boarding
I spent the rest of the time hanging out near the gate. Boarding started with pre-boarding for anyone needing assistance, followed by priority boarding for “Full-Flat” passengers, although this doesn’t seem to be an official “perk.”
Cabin & Seat
The cabin looks great. I really like the black-and-white color scheme. Of course, the highlight is the 1-2-1 full-flat seating, with every seat having direct aisle access.
Even though this, at first glance, looks like an actual Business class seat, it is not. The most significant difference you’ll notice is the lack of any IFE screen. Instead, you’ll have to rely on bringing your own entertainment or stream from the inflight WiFi.
However, the seat felt premium and was just as comfortable as any of the best Business class products I’ve tried. It also comes with a power outlet, a USB charging port, and all the controls you need to adjust the seat and lighting.
Heads Up: Avoid the Last Row
The last row of Full-Flat seats (Row 5) is situated right in front of a block of four lavatories. These lavatories are shared by all passengers on the plane, which could lead to increased foot traffic and noise. It might be best to select a seat further forward if possible.
Service
As you’d expect with any Low-Cost Carrier, the service is polite but minimal, even for Full-Flat passengers. They were available to call if you needed anything, but other than that, they stayed in the galley. I don’t necessarily view this as bad, though, since sometimes you want to keep to yourself without distractions or interruptions, especially on a night flight.
IFE and WiFi
As mentioned, there is no IFE screen at your seat. Instead, you’ll have to connect to the inflight WiFi service, which gives you internet access (for free), shopping, and (some) entertainment.
I rarely use the IFE anyway, but I like it for viewing the map. Fortunately, a map is available on the inflight WiFi.
Admittedly, the movie selection was on the smaller side, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were some fairly recent options available for streaming.
Amazing Perk: Free WiFi
Internet access on ZIPAIR is completely free for all passengers! It was easy to connect to and worked well for messaging and light browsing. This is a fantastic perk that many full-service carriers still charge a premium for.
As mentioned, internet access is free, which is a fantastic perk. It was easy to connect to and worked well for messaging.
Amenities
It’s important to note that there is no complimentary amenity kit or standard pillow and blanket provided with the seat. However, you have the option to purchase a blanket, pillow, and other amenities to suit your needs.
Since I pre-purchased the Premium package, I received a ZIPAIR-branded blanket, which was very soft and something I’ve kept and still use! I also received slippers, earplugs, and a blow-up pillow.
Hidden Gem: The Inflatable Pillow
The inflatable pillow included in the amenity kit was surprisingly comfortable. Thanks to its donut-shaped design, it worked amazingly well for me as a side sleeper wearing headphones. I’m not sure if this was intentional, but it was a very welcome discovery!
The pillow was surprisingly comfortable and worked amazingly well if you’re a side sleeper wearing headphones, thanks to the donut-shaped design. I don’t know if that was the intention.
Food, Drinks, and Shopping
No complimentary food or drink is offered onboard. Instead, you’ll have to pre-order your meal when booking your ticket, bring your own food, or buy onboard. One important thing to be aware of is that the buy-onboard service is only available during certain hours, so if you need to purchase anything, make sure to do so when the service is open!
You’ll also see that if you need a cup, that’s something you’ll have to pay for, albeit very cheap (10 JPY = $0,06).
The premium package included a meal, and I chose the Gyudon (beef rice bowl). It was served around 1.5 hours into the flight. Overall, it was “ok” but nothing special.
Pro Tip: Bring Your Own Food
The best recommendation is to bring your own food and drinks onboard. There is a 7-11 convenience store airside at Narita Terminal 1 where you can stock up on high-quality sandwiches, onigiri, snacks, and drinks before your flight.
ZIPAIR Point Club
ZIPAIR has its own loyalty program called “Point Club.” You earn points by booking ZIPAIR flights, and you can redeem points when making purchases.
Point Club Highlights
- Earning & Redeeming: Earn points on flights and spend them on future purchases.
- Value: 1 ZIPAIR Point = 1 JPY.
- JAL Mileage Bank Transfers: You can convert points to/from JAL Miles.
- 2 ZIPAIR Points → 1 JAL Mile
- 1 JAL Mile → 1-1.5 ZIPAIR Points (better rate for larger transfers)
I earned 100 ZIPAIR Points for my NRT-SFO flight. It’s not much, but better than nothing, I guess!
Final Verdict
Overall, I really enjoyed my ZIPAIR Full-Flat flight. I really love the idea of Low Cost Carriers offering premium seating options. Sometimes you just want a comfortable seat, at a lower cost, and you’re willing to forego all the bells and whistles of a traditional Business class flight. The cabin was a haven of comfort, and the seat was a dream to recline in. I was able to enjoy a restful sleep during the flight.
ZIPAIR NRT-SFO: Pros & Cons
- The Good: A true lie-flat seat for a fraction of the price of legacy carriers. Comfortable, modern cabin. Free inflight WiFi is a huge plus.
- The Bad: Everything is extra (food, baggage, amenities). No built-in IFE screen. Service is minimal. Pre-ordered food is just okay.
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