Review Zipair, the low-cost airline that lets you fly even in business class
I have no idea if you have ever heard of Zipair, probably not. It's a Japanese low-cost airline, one of many. [...]
NRT
South Korea
I have no idea if you have ever heard of Zipair, probably not. It is a Japanese low-cost company, one of many.
In this article:
- Specifications
- Aircraft:
- B787/8
- Class:
- Business
- Treat:
- NRT - ICN
- Price:
- 220€
- Book
While low-cost companies in Europe do not have, at exclusion of Norse Atlantic, wide-body aircraft, is a very popular thing in Asia. There are many carriers that operate flights with classic A320/B737s and then have a fleet of larger planes for longer routes.
In this case, however Zipair has only dual-aisle aircraft, to be precise they are Boeing's Dreamliners. The Japanese company has a Fleet consisting of only 787/8, the smaller variant set up in two cabins.
A Small business class with 20 seats, spread over 5 rows. This results in a 1-2-1 layout, where all passengers have direct access to the aisle.
The seat used is the classic one found on premium airlines; it becomes a bed and allows passengers to have direct access to the aisle. The rest of the plane is configured with the usual 3-3-3.
Reservation
This note is part of my world tour, obviously I couldn't book using points, but no big deal because. to fly the shortest route in Zipair's network, I spent just over €200.
The booking cost was as follows: 25k yen ticket cost to which I added 6k yen for the premium package that included lunch, choice of seat and luggage and 2,500 yen for the amenity kit. A total of 37,510 yen, or just over 220€.
Of course, I could have also flown with dozens of other airlines, but I am always looking for new experiences, and the idea of adding an airline to my list was the motivation that made me buy this ticket.
Being low-cost, the rules are the same, even if you fly long-haul and business class: all extras are charged.
At the airport
Zipair flies from Tokyo Narita Terminal 1, this is also where the old Alitalia used to fly, but so many companies still fly from here since Haneda slots are valuable and not all companies have this privilege.
I arrived by shuttle from theHilton Tokyo Narita, a free service offered by a great many hotels located near airports. For me, in this case, it was the best solution so that I would not have to get up too early and accumulate a tiny bit of points, as well as a qualifying stay useful for renewing my Diamond status.
Really packed terminal and lots of queues at various check-in counters.
Zipper Air divides the operations: on one side are those who have not checked in online, and on the other side are those who just need to board their suitcases.
I used to travel only with my backpack/office and my trusty aluminum trolley from Level8, (ps if you like it using TFC10 you can have it discounted). Low-costs are strict on carry-on baggage, and Zipair does not stand out. Scales everywhere and they weigh everything, even handbags where an Iphone (non-pro) barely fits.
Labeling my backpack, which weighed 9kg (2 more than allowed) I was invited to send the trolley that weighed only a few more grams. I expected to have to pay instead it is included for those traveling in Zipfullflat, as business class is renamed.
No fast track, but very fast operations even though the queues could be scary.
Arriving at the gate and again several announcements for passengers who did not have tags on their carry-on luggage. Scales and screening, really strict
On board
Boarding by rows with priority given to those traveling in the first 5 and after row 45.
The cabin is as I expected, the chair is a very common model and is manufactured by JAMCO, only. is the low-cost version, it's like when you get a luxury car, but you don't spend on optional extras.
As soon as I was seated, an attendant came to my seat and explained to me, that since I am in the front row in case of emergency I will have to help the crew and stop the other passengers before the evacuation of the plane arrives. All the info is clearly explained in the card she handed me that also explained the use of electronics on board.
Very strict boarding procedures. A couple of announcements in which the crew invited people to sit in their assigned seats, and several times I was reprimanded by the stewardess for how I had placed all my electronics.
The chair
The first thing you notice is that IFE screen is missing. Instead of the classic TV, there is a containing net with the emergency instruction card inside.
There are no classic compartments inside the console where to store personal items, the coffee table does not come out from under the front, but from the side console.
The only storage space is the side structure in relation to the seat and a small space in front, below where the TV should be.
The chair becomes a bed and is controlled with the hand control on the console, a very convenient position to reach and one that does not disturb you when you remain seated, since there is no risk of accidentally pressing it.
Service
Departing on time (we'd better be in Japan) in the rain and once at altitude the service, or rather the deliveries, began.
As soon as the seatbelt sign went off, an assistant arrived at my seat and, after checking my boarding pass, handed me my first order. Since everything is chargeable, I decided to pay to get the night kit. And what a kit! Blanket, slippers, eye mask and inflatable neck pillow with built-in pump.
Soon after came the second delivery: lunch. Again I paid to eat on board. Of course I could have survived for a 2-hour flight, but if I'm going to review I have to try everything.
Finally the third (and last delivery) from the onboard portal I ordered a Coke Zero and a packet of banana KitKat, one of those things you can only find (I think) in Japan.
Food & Beverage
As mentioned everything is chargeable. I ordered the bento box of sushi. Maybe a tad dry (and cold) but definitely edible. Also included in the price is a small bottle of water.
From the portal I also ordered drinks and it took less than 60 seconds from payment to delivery. I then asked for a glass to drink my Cocacola and was told it was chargeable.
IFE
As mentioned, there is no screen, but there is an on-board portal and free wi-fi for everyone throughout the flight. Getting connected is super easy, you start from the on-board portal and access the internet, no need to log in or anything else, a couple of clicks and you are online.
The speed was more than sufficient for browsing and downloading mail and considering it was the only free thing on board this 787 it wasn't bad at all. I couldn't see what the entertainment offered, I have no idea if it was my fault or the fault of the system.
A multiple power outlet, and a traditional USB outlet are available.
In conclusion
Do I feel like recommending this solution? for travel to/from Japan, given that it flies from Southeast Asia to Tokyo and from Japan's capital to Hawaii and the East Coast of the United States can be a viable solution For those who need to move with one-way tickets without too many frills, in case remember to bring a glass from home.
Pro
- The booth
- The price
Against
- You pay for everything, even too much