Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into my recent experience flying ZIPAIR from San Jose (SJC) to Tokyo (NRT). I'm going to break down everything, from the booking process and airport experience to the cabin comfort, in-flight entertainment, food, and service. So, if you're considering this route, buckle up because I'm giving you the full scoop. This review is based on my personal experience, and I'll be as objective as possible, highlighting both the good and the areas where ZIPAIR could improve. My goal is to equip you with all the information you need to decide if this budget airline is the right choice for your trip to Japan. We'll be covering a lot of ground, so grab a coffee, and let's get started!

Booking and Pre-Flight Experience

Alright, let's talk about the initial steps: booking the flight and navigating the pre-flight procedures. The ZIPAIR website is generally user-friendly, but like any budget airline, you'll encounter a few extra steps and add-ons. The booking process itself is pretty straightforward. You'll enter your travel dates, select your flights, and then the fun begins: choosing your seat, baggage allowance, and any additional services like meals. One thing to keep in mind is that everything costs extra, and I mean everything. You have to pay for checked baggage, seat selection (unless you're okay with the random assignment, which I was not!), and even meals. I would suggest you to book your seat because it's a long flight and the price is not bad. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the add-ons, so take your time and carefully consider what you really need. I recommend adding baggage in the booking process because it's usually cheaper that way. Don't worry, you can always add it later. Another tip is to pay attention to the total cost. I always double-check the final price before confirming. Remember, those little extras can quickly add up, so factor them into your budget.

Airport Experience: The San Jose airport is not a very big airport and it's nice and easy. The check-in process was pretty smooth. The ZIPAIR counter was efficient, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Security was also a breeze. However, there were a few things I would like to improve. First, make sure you arrive early, especially during peak travel times. Second, plan ahead and pack wisely to avoid any issues with baggage restrictions. Third, keep all your documents handy, including your passport, visa (if required), and flight confirmation.

Cabin and Seat Comfort

Let's get into the heart of the matter: cabin comfort and seat experience. ZIPAIR operates a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on this route, which is a modern and generally comfortable aircraft. The cabin layout is fairly standard for a long-haul flight, with a 3-3-3 configuration in economy class.

Seats: Now, for the most important part! The seats themselves are comfortable for a budget airline. They are made of leather and have a good amount of legroom, which is a HUGE plus. However, they are not reclinable. It's an important factor to consider if you're planning to sleep during the flight. The seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the one in front) is around 31 inches, which is decent for economy. I felt comfortable and had no issues. I would suggest upgrading to the ZIP Full Flat seat if you want to have a completely flat bed. Overall, the seats provided a decent level of comfort. I was able to relax and enjoy the flight without feeling cramped, though a pillow and blanket would've helped to sleep. Don't worry, you can always buy a pillow and blanket at the airport or bring your own.

The cabin environment was well-maintained and clean, but the lack of in-flight entertainment and the need to purchase amenities like pillows and blankets are aspects where ZIPAIR could enhance the overall comfort. If comfort is a top priority for you, it's worth considering the upgrade to the ZIP Full Flat seat or preparing your own comfort kit with a pillow, blanket, and other essentials.

In-Flight Entertainment and Amenities

Alright, let's talk about entertainment and what you can expect on board. ZIPAIR takes a more minimalist approach to in-flight entertainment. There are no individual screens on the seats, which is a common feature on many budget airlines. Instead, you'll need to use your own device (phone, tablet, etc.) and connect to the in-flight Wi-Fi to access the entertainment. It is very important to download movies, shows or music before the flight to enjoy the flight. I found it a bit inconvenient because I was not able to access entertainment. I really recommend you to buy a tablet and download your favorite movies and shows before the flight to enjoy it.

Wi-Fi: The Wi-Fi is available for purchase, and the speed can vary depending on the number of users. I had a little trouble staying connected throughout the flight. Keep in mind that streaming high-quality video can be challenging. So, if you're relying on the Wi-Fi for entertainment, I highly recommend downloading content beforehand.

Other Amenities: ZIPAIR offers very limited amenities. There are no free pillows or blankets. This means you will need to bring your own or buy it. The lack of these amenities is something to keep in mind when packing. Consider bringing a travel pillow and blanket to enhance your comfort. Another option is to bring an external charger to make sure your devices stay powered up throughout the flight. Overall, the entertainment and amenities on ZIPAIR are basic, but the Wi-Fi is good and the cabin is clean.

Food and Beverages

Food, glorious food! Let's get into the culinary experience on this flight. ZIPAIR offers a selection of meals and snacks for purchase. You can pre-order your meals when you book your flight, which I highly recommend. I did not pre-order, and the options were a bit limited during the flight. The menu includes a variety of options, from Japanese-style meals to Western-style dishes. I chose the Japanese meal. The quality was pretty good for an airplane meal, and it was tasty and filling. The presentation was also nice.

Beverages: There is a range of beverages available for purchase, including soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. The prices were reasonable, so it won't break the bank. You can pay with credit card or cash.

Snacks: In addition to meals, there are snacks available, such as chips, crackers, and sweets. These are perfect for satisfying any mid-flight cravings. The prices are also reasonable. Overall, the food and beverage options on ZIPAIR are satisfactory. The quality is pretty good and the prices are reasonable.

Service and Staff

Let's talk about the service. The ZIPAIR staff was friendly, efficient, and professional. The cabin crew members were attentive and responsive to passenger needs. I did not have any negative experiences. The flight attendants were always willing to help. They were polite and helpful. They spoke English and Japanese, which is very useful for international travelers. Overall, the service I received was satisfactory and I have nothing to complain about. The crew made the flight experience pleasant and comfortable. The crew handled all issues efficiently.

Cost and Value for Money

Now, let's talk about the most important factor: cost and value. ZIPAIR is a budget airline. The prices are usually lower than other airlines, but it depends on the season, the day of the week, and how far in advance you book your flight. I booked my flight several months in advance, and the price was very good. Compared to other airlines, the cost was significantly lower, especially for a non-stop flight. However, remember the extra costs for baggage, seat selection, and meals. When you book your flight, make sure you factor in all the extra costs to get a true picture of the total price. Considering all factors, the value for money is good, especially if you're traveling light and don't need any extra services. It's a great option for budget travelers. Overall, ZIPAIR offers a good value for money. The low fares and comfortable seats make it a good option for travelers who are on a budget. However, be aware of the extra costs.

Pros and Cons of Flying ZIPAIR

Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons of flying ZIPAIR:

Pros:

• Affordable fares: Offers competitive prices, especially for non-stop flights.
• Comfortable seats: Even in economy, the seats have a good amount of legroom.
• Good service: The staff is friendly and efficient.
• Modern aircraft: Uses Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Cons:

• Extra fees: Everything is extra (baggage, seat selection, meals, etc.).
• Limited amenities: No free pillows, blankets, or in-flight entertainment screens.
• Wi-Fi: It is not the best. You need to purchase and it can be slow.

Final Verdict

So, would I recommend flying ZIPAIR from San Jose to Tokyo? Overall, yes, I would! If you are on a budget, and if you are looking for an affordable flight, it's a great option. However, if you're someone who values included amenities and a more luxurious experience, you might want to consider other airlines, but they are more expensive.

Here are my final tips:

• Book in advance: Prices tend to be lower the earlier you book.
• Pack light: Avoid baggage fees if possible.
• Bring your own entertainment: Download movies and shows before your flight.
• Consider your priorities: Think about what's most important to you (comfort, cost, etc.).

I hope this review helps you make an informed decision about flying ZIPAIR. Safe travels and enjoy your trip to Japan!