ZIPAIR – Japanese budget airline
If you’re in the market for a Japan getaway but can’t afford the hefty airfare, let us introduce you to a travel saviour: ZIPAIR.
The Japan budget airline, which is a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, sells flights from Singapore to Tokyo for as low as S$212. Prices are for one-way tickets, but still, they’re probably the cheapest direct flights to Tokyo to be advertised. There’s 1 flight per day, 7 days a week, and passengers can choose to either travel on the cheap with a standard seat or splurge on a lie-flat business class seat.
The current exchange rate is ¥100= ~S$0.87 as of 9th November 2024.
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ZIPAIR carry-on & checked baggage allowance
Carry-on baggage on ZIPAIR
If you’re not too keen on waiting around for your check-in luggage at the conveyor belt, you’re allowed up to 2 carry-on bags at a total max weight of 15kg. The maximum dimensions of each should not exceed 40cm x 25cm x 55cm for the first piece, and 35cm x 25cm x 45cm for the second piece.
You can pay for extra carry-on weight, up to 15kg in total for 2 bags. The additional charges are as follows:
- Singapore to Tokyo: S$31
- Tokyo to Singapore: ¥3,000 (~S26.05)
Checked baggage on ZIPAIR
Standard flight tickets do not allow for checked baggage, and check-in baggage on ZIPAIR is charged per piece of luggage. The maximum weight for each check-in baggage cannot exceed 30kg, and the sum total of the length, breadth, and height of the luggage cannot exceed 203cm. Each passenger is also entitled to check in up to 5 pieces of luggage.
The cost per piece of check-in baggage is as follows:
- Singapore to Tokyo: S$51
- Tokyo to Singapore: ¥5,000 (~S$43.42)
Which countries does ZIPAIR fly to?
- Japan (Tokyo – Narita International Airport)
- South Korea (Seoul – Incheon International Airport)
- Philippines (Manila – Ninoy Aquino International Airport)
- Thailand (Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi International Airport)
- Singapore (Singapore – Changi International Airport)
- Canada (Vancouver – Vancouver International Airport)
U.S. states that ZIPAIR currently flies to include:
- Honolulu (Honolulu – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport)
- Los Angeles (Los Angeles International Airport)
- San Francisco (San Francisco International Airport)
- San Jose (San Jose International Airport)
Do note that passengers flying out of Singapore can currently only fly to Tokyo on ZIPAIR. All other destinations are accessible from Tokyo only.
ZIPAIR’S direct flights from Singapore to Tokyo start from S$212
On average, one-way ZIPAIR flights from Singapore to Tokyo cost between S$212-S$426. In order to nab the cheapest fare, think about flying out between Monday and Thursday.
Image credit: @yu_aviation via Instagram
There are 2 classes available onboard: standard and premium. Standard seats are similar to those you’d find in any full-service airline’s economy class. These are the ones that’ll be as cheap as chips. However, travellers looking for more comfort will have the option of booking a flatbed seat in the premium class.
Image credit: @limey_dan via Instagram
Keep in mind, though, that the fares reflected for both classes will only cover the seat itself. Everything else, from food and water to check-in luggage, will cost you extra. Budget travellers tend to pack snacks from home to keep costs low.
Image credit: @foodrainbow7 via Instagram
That said, you’ll still have the option of signing up for an in-flight package. S$71 will get you either the Flex Biz or Value package, while S$128 gets you a Premium package.
- Flex Biz: Seat selection, ticket change options (either refund in voucher for cancelled flights or change in date at no extra charge), and up to 15kg for carry-on baggage.
- Value: Seat selection, standard in-flight meal, and up to 30kg of single check-in baggage.
- Premium: Seat selection, standard in-flight meal, amenity set, up to 30kg of single check-in baggage, and up to 15kg of carry-on baggage.
Free Wi-Fi onboard & travel perks for kids
The lack of in-flight entertainment on a ZIPAIR flight is made up for by the unlimited free Wi-Fi onboard.
Image credit: @akishikama via Instagram
Regardless of the class, passengers will be able to freely stream shows and scroll through social media on their devices during the 7-hour flight. There are also charging outlets and a tablet holder to perch your iPad on.
How to connect to ZIPAIR Wi-Fi
Image credit: ZIPAIR
Here are the steps to connect to the free in-flight Wi-Fi on ZIPAIR:
- Turn on airplane mode on your smart device, then enable Wi-Fi.
- Select wireless network: “ZIPAIR_passenger”.
- You should immediately be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi on your screen by accepting the privacy policy terms.
- If that does not work, open your internet browser to any webpage and you’ll be redirected to the correct page to use the Wi-FI.
Do note that ZIPAIR’s in-flight Wi-Fi may be affected by a number of factors, such as weather and flight conditions. Webpages or apps that require a large amount of data to be downloaded, such as YouTube or Netflix, may not work or will take a long time to download fully. You’re advised to download any shows you may want to watch before boarding your flight.
ZIPAIR Child seat guidelines & requirements
ZIPAIR also provides dozens of kid-friendly travel perks for families travelling with young children. If your little one is tagging along with you for your trip, ZIPAIR offers a U6 ticket fare, providing more affordable prices for children below the age of 6.
There’ll be complimentary seat selection for 1 accompanying adult and free infant seats provided for those below 2 years old. Baby strollers cannot be brought up the plane, but you can check them in for free.
Do note that reservations for infants below 9kg need to be made via the ZIPAIR contact centre as the option is not available through their booking platform currently.
Travel to Japan for cheap with ZIPAIR
With airfares this cheap, travellers won’t have to worry about burdening their bank accounts with another much-needed vacay in Japan.
As usual, plan your trip in advance, avoid departing on the weekend, and pack light to save some dollar bills. Keep your travel cost low so you can hopefully have excess funds to spend on your shopping spree around Tokyo instead.
For more things to do in Tokyo:
Check out cheap flights to Japan on ZIPAIR
Cover image adapted from: @planepicsbyjmc & @limey_dan via Instagram
Last updated by Mae-Z Fam and Raewyn Koh on 9th November 2024.