With the upturn of international travel, Japan’s newest low-cost international airline is set to take its maiden voyage to Manila starting July 1, 2023. ZIPAIR (ZG) is a subsidiary of Japan Air Lines (JAL), Japan`s flag carrier and consistently one of the world`s best airlines through the years. This is JAL`s latest venture into the international low-cost market.

Launched at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the skies are looking clear for ZIPAIR as it now flies to 8 international hubs. It has scheduled flights from Tokyo`s Narita International Airport to Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore, and Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose in the U.S. Tokyo-Manila-Tokyo is its latest addition commencing July 1st. Flights land and depart at NAIA Terminal 1.

Currently, it has a fleet of six Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with another one under acquisition.  

From our quick search around the web for reviews, it appears that ZIPAIR offers some promising options for the many budget tourists and migrant workers alike. A sample booking using their easy-to-navigate website shows that airfares starts around Php 8,000 to Php 10,000 and comes with a reserved seat, 23kg. check-in baggage, and in-flight meal. (Update: Someone close to us just booked a roundtrip NRT-MNL-NRT flight for August 31 and September 11 for only ~US$300 all-in (~Php16,000.)

This is pretty close to Cebu Pacific or Air Asia seat sale fares if add-on costs are added. The big difference is that it offers more comfy seats with bigger leg room, head rest and consistent on-time departure and arrival ratings. It`s also equipped with USB/charging ports and phone/tablet holders.

Unlike other established low-cost carriers, ZIPAIR`s prominent feature is its premium full flat seats for a relatively lower price than its full-services counterparts. This is particularly suitable for long-haul flights.

They also offer a variety of inflight services such as light meals and amenities for a fee and orders can be made using an app for convenience. You just need to scan the QR code to access the app and place your orders.

Surprisingly, WIFI onboard is also free so you can send mails or access your SNS accounts while on board. Based on a friend’s experience, the Wi-Fi was working fine and he actually sent some videos thru Messenger midair. Perhaps not so many people are aware that there is free Wi-Fi onboard.

They also introduced their ZIPAIR Point Club, a two-tier loyalty program that gives passengers chance to accumulate points and or enjoy discounts in some services. The ZIPAIR Point Club is open to all passengers upon registration for free and qualifies you to earn and spend points. The ZIPAIR Point Club Plus is a paid version that allows you to earn and spend points and avail 30% on baggage cost, which is perfect for frequent fliers like workers and residents. Moreover, you can convert and redeem points from ZIPAIR Point Club to JAL Miles and vice versa.

Another cool feature of its service is that it allows pre-booking of Lounge Access at Narita Airport Paid Lounge.

Interestingly, we found this baggage-related notice in their website as proof of their quality service. For damages or delays or error in your baggage handling, compensation are in place for legitimate claims.

In the end, we cant`t really judge first hand ZIPAIR`s performance so far but we hope that it will live up to its big brother`s (JAL) world-class quality. [TBC]

For complete details and bookings, visit their website at https://www.zipair.net/en.