Nice video, very informative!! FYI, on international flights, you need to check in at the ticket counter. They need to verify that you have a valid passport that is good for at least 6 months, or you will be denied boarding. Take care everyone!
What I do (because I’m cheap): I always carry an empty plastic soft drink bottle in my backpack. If on a long flight, I bring a larger empty plastic bottle (bring a small cup in case filling the plastic water bottle is impossible at the water fountain). After going thru security, I fill the water bottle with water before boarding. You can stick the water bottle in the pocket behind the seat in front of you during the flight. If You're still thirsty after drinking all your water, then buy a bottle. I also bring a small empty thermos (keep hot water hot for 5+ hours… can buy at Don Quijote) in my backpack... and when in the terminal, buy coffee from a terminal eatery like Starbucks then fill the thermos before boarding. I also bring a nice cushiony $8 neck pillow which I bought at Ross and sit on it during the flight to keep my butt from getting sore. Because many airlines today don’t provide an entertainment monitor on the seat in front of you, for my in-flight entertainment, I just bring a soft-covered book to read and a journal notebook to write in. When flying to the mainland, we bring over a dozen sushi in a plastic container. and/or a plastic container of Spam Musubi, But I think worth buying the meals on ZipAir flight to Narita… I heard ZipAir meals are pretty good. Make sure you buy your meals when you make your reservations… to preclude not getting one on the flight cause they ran out. A plastic zip-lock bag of cookies (Oreos) will satisfr your munchy cravings during the flight.. I always bring a warm jacket to use as my blanket. Me, no need buy blanket. Also, I wear a long sleeve t-shirt on the flight... And long athletic socks to keep the feet warm. Bring a portable digital scale to measure the weight of your luggage when flying back. Precludes over-weight-limit luggage. We also bring a couple of plastic hangers and a plastic bag of clothes pins so we can wash our undies and t-shirts during showers and hang up. Hopefully clothes will dry overnite. Don't wash undies and t-shirts the night before you check out of your hotel as you want a day for all to dry. Happy travels!
Thanks for the informative video man! im looking to go for a month between January and February and a round trip ticket (with the first bundle each way) is about $600 bucks (:
My flight is JFK to Hanoi with stop over in Japan and return from Jakarta to EWR, total $1160 with ANA (3 segments) and UA (1 segment). My main destination is Japan, but tickets are cheaper to Hanoi or Jakarta with stopover in Japan (I mean JFK-HAN roundtrip is more expensive).
Thank you for your video & insight! I'm planning a trip with my mom and am considering Zipair. Question - did you have any difficult finding the check in booth at both SJ and Narita airport? And did your ticket show your gate information? I read a review where someone mentioned they didn't have that and am worried about getting lost 🥲
@Venue, no I did not have any difficulty finding check in counters at SJC and NRT. At SJC the counter location is clearly labeled outside and inside the airport. Yes boarding passes did show the gate and seat information; same as any other airlines. No need to worry. You will be glad you chose zipair. Let me know if you have any other questions. 😊
@@vlithium23 You are welcome! If you need to exchange some Japanese yen cash, check out my other video. 7-11 gives you the best exchanges rate. ruclips.net/video/KWyH015_Q4s/видео.html
@Lino Lantin, for SJC departure it was terminal B. At Narita it was terminal 1. Arrival at SJC, I can’t remember for sure but it’s probably terminal B also.
Thank you so much for making this video! I wanted to try this budget airline to Japan to save money! This is off topic, was it easy to do laundry in Japan different city? For Thailand, it was super convenient, laundry shops was everywhere and open 24hrs and feels very safe. While Vietnam , I didn’t see any and it has a sketchy vibe lol. Asking because I want to know how much to pack! Thanks you so much!
@Dao Dao, in Japan if you stay at 5 or 6 star hotels like Hyatt, as usual they provide laundry services but charges an arm and a leg. For the more budget friendly hotels on Agoda.com, most of them have on-site coin laundry inside the building, so it’s easier than doing laundry in Thailand.
@@INeedToTravel I hope it’s okay I ask a following question on zipair! There’s different packages… but I just want to pay for carryon (backpack) and a checked in luggage… there’s no option to choose these two on zipair? Am I forced to go with the most expensive option that includes everything? The premium?
@@daodao1059 totally ok to ask questions. I will try my best to help. One carry on is free although they have a weight limit. So you can buy the value package that lets you choose a seat, check in 23kg, and get a meal.
@@INeedToTravel that make so much sense! Tysm! I got confused because no where on their website or the ticket says you’re allow a FREE carryon! Thank for clary!
@Julia Guan, good questions! Flight was full. I don’t recall seeing a single empty seat. They didn’t check carry on luggage weight both ways. Carry on bins were not full. Perhaps that’s because lots of people buy stuff in Japan and most check in their luggages.
@@juliaguan2438 no I don’t think so. Flight attendants did not serve a single round of water. The only water we’ve got is the bottle water that comes with that pre ordered meal.
Were you able to select seats to be able to sit with your family or friends? How far in advance can you do it if you pay? Also do the seats recline and were you able to sleep?
@lazidude999, yes I paid to select the seats when I booked the ticket to sit together. When you book the flight, you either choose to pay to select a seat or don’t pay to let them randomly assign you. My seat recline. There is a few seats that don’t recline. So definitely pay to pick a seat. I recall non recline seat was 2000 yen. Middle seat was around 2700 yen. Don’t pick the non recline seat. It’s not worth saving $5 usd to torture for 10 hours. Hope this helps.
Thank you for the video. My wife and I are flying on ZIPAIR in March after a long 3-years break. We plan to bring food on board but do you know if they sell meals to those that did not pre-pay?
@NATE SH F, I am not 100% sure but when they serve meals, they only give out food to those who pre-ordered. There wasn’t an announcement or time slot when they let you order meals in flight. The in flight menu doesn’t offer meals. They did announce in flight snacks and drinks are available to order. So I highly doubt they sell meals in flight but I didn’t try. They don’t mind you bringing your own food. We brought tons of snacks with us to the airplane.
@Heavy inthe City, a few months back Japan gave us 2 options, if one is vaccinated upload record online and PCR/antigen testing is not needed for entry; the other case is if one is not vaccinated they will test one at the airport on arrival.
Thank you for the thorough review for economy. I feel like a lot of reviews for Zip are for business, so it's nice to know what economy is like.
If you have any questions please feel free to comment below, I will try my best to help 👍
I used your video to convince my wife to go with Zipair. We are a party of 5, this will save us $$$! Thank you for this post.
@EchoSigma6, that’s so cool!!! You could show your thanks by subscribing! Glad you saved so much money! Congrats!
Nice video, very informative!! FYI, on international flights, you need to check in at the ticket counter. They need to verify that you have a valid passport that is good for at least 6 months, or you will be denied boarding. Take care everyone!
@Dennis Tani, thanks for sharing! Didn’t know they will literally deny boarding if passport is less than 6 months! Good to know
the 6 month rule is no longer true. as of this year, japan is only requiring your passport be valid thru your stay in japan
@@paulasu1972 Thanks! That’s wonderful news.
What I do (because I’m cheap): I always carry an empty plastic soft drink bottle in my backpack. If on a long flight, I bring a larger empty plastic bottle (bring a small cup in case filling the plastic water bottle is impossible at the water fountain). After going thru security, I fill the water bottle with water before boarding. You can stick the water bottle in the pocket behind the seat in front of you during the flight. If You're still thirsty after drinking all your water, then buy a bottle.
I also bring a small empty thermos (keep hot water hot for 5+ hours… can buy at Don Quijote) in my backpack... and when in the terminal, buy coffee from a terminal eatery like Starbucks then fill the thermos before boarding.
I also bring a nice cushiony $8 neck pillow which I bought at Ross and sit on it during the flight to keep my butt from getting sore.
Because many airlines today don’t provide an entertainment monitor on the seat in front of you, for my in-flight entertainment, I just bring a soft-covered book to read and a journal notebook to write in.
When flying to the mainland, we bring over a dozen sushi in a plastic container. and/or a plastic container of Spam Musubi, But I think worth buying the meals on ZipAir flight to Narita… I heard ZipAir meals are pretty good. Make sure you buy your meals when you make your reservations… to preclude not getting one on the flight cause they ran out.
A plastic zip-lock bag of cookies (Oreos) will satisfr your munchy cravings during the flight..
I always bring a warm jacket to use as my blanket. Me, no need buy blanket. Also, I wear a long sleeve t-shirt on the flight... And long athletic socks to keep the feet warm.
Bring a portable digital scale to measure the weight of your luggage when flying back. Precludes over-weight-limit luggage.
We also bring a couple of plastic hangers and a plastic bag of clothes pins so we can wash our undies and t-shirts during showers and hang up. Hopefully clothes will dry overnite. Don't wash undies and t-shirts the night before you check out of your hotel as you want a day for all to dry.
Happy travels!
Great job! Thank you for this video. We are flying out of LAX next week and there are some differences, but not much.
@RayVal53, thanks for sharing LAX to Narita 👍🏻
how was it? im debating flying zip air from LAX this summer
@@wizirbyman Super good deal. Book it while it’s still cheap. Highly recommend.
Your video answered all my questions.. Thanks dude😎
@b k, you are very welcome! Glad you like it.
Thanks for the informative video man! im looking to go for a month between January and February and a round trip ticket (with the first bundle each way) is about $600 bucks (:
You are welcome! Yes it’s a good deal!!! Have fun in Japan! Check out my ATM video to save some money too
@@INeedToTravel will do! Just booked! I'm so hyped. It'll be my first time visiting as well
Congrats!!! 🎉 First time will be super fun! Especially when the exchange rate is extremely good
My flight is JFK to Hanoi with stop over in Japan and return from Jakarta to EWR, total $1160 with ANA (3 segments) and UA (1 segment). My main destination is Japan, but tickets are cheaper to Hanoi or Jakarta with stopover in Japan (I mean JFK-HAN roundtrip is more expensive).
Baggage allowance is 2 pieces, max each 50lbs for entire journey, food is included, seat selection is free (only middle seats)
@piano etudes, o wow that looks like a good deal. So you don’t fly to Hanoi after Japan?
Thank you for your video & insight! I'm planning a trip with my mom and am considering Zipair. Question - did you have any difficult finding the check in booth at both SJ and Narita airport? And did your ticket show your gate information? I read a review where someone mentioned they didn't have that and am worried about getting lost 🥲
@Venue, no I did not have any difficulty finding check in counters at SJC and NRT. At SJC the counter location is clearly labeled outside and inside the airport. Yes boarding passes did show the gate and seat information; same as any other airlines.
No need to worry. You will be glad you chose zipair.
Let me know if you have any other questions. 😊
@@INeedToTravel Thank you! You've been so helpful :)
@@vlithium23 You are welcome! If you need to exchange some Japanese yen cash, check out my other video. 7-11 gives you the best exchanges rate. ruclips.net/video/KWyH015_Q4s/видео.html
Thanks for this information.
Keep in mind Zip air does not offer round trip discounts so do your compare shop!
An outstanding and very informative video. Which terminal will ZIPAIR arrive coming from SJC? Thank you.
@Lino Lantin, for SJC departure it was terminal B. At Narita it was terminal 1. Arrival at SJC, I can’t remember for sure but it’s probably terminal B also.
Thank you so much for making this video! I wanted to try this budget airline to Japan to save money!
This is off topic, was it easy to do laundry in Japan different city? For Thailand, it was super convenient, laundry shops was everywhere and open 24hrs and feels very safe. While Vietnam , I didn’t see any and it has a sketchy vibe lol.
Asking because I want to know how much to pack! Thanks you so much!
@Dao Dao, in Japan if you stay at 5 or 6 star hotels like Hyatt, as usual they provide laundry services but charges an arm and a leg. For the more budget friendly hotels on Agoda.com, most of them have on-site coin laundry inside the building, so it’s easier than doing laundry in Thailand.
@@INeedToTravel I hope it’s okay I ask a following question on zipair!
There’s different packages… but I just want to pay for carryon (backpack) and a checked in luggage… there’s no option to choose these two on zipair? Am I forced to go with the most expensive option that includes everything? The premium?
@@daodao1059 totally ok to ask questions. I will try my best to help. One carry on is free although they have a weight limit. So you can buy the value package that lets you choose a seat, check in 23kg, and get a meal.
@@INeedToTravel that make so much sense! Tysm! I got confused because no where on their website or the ticket says you’re allow a FREE carryon! Thank for clary!
@@daodao1059 you are welcome!
Hello.
Thanks for review. Is there no internet to purchase on flight?
@Anabellyloves, there is but didn’t work on mine.
Hi were the outlets on board able to take three prong plug ins or was it only usb?
@Dogeo, it was a 3 prong plug
@@INeedToTravel awesome. Also ty for responding :o
Nice Review! Thanks and quick question. Was the flight full? And were they very picky about carry-on luggage?
@Julia Guan, good questions! Flight was full. I don’t recall seeing a single empty seat. They didn’t check carry on luggage weight both ways. Carry on bins were not full. Perhaps that’s because lots of people buy stuff in Japan and most check in their luggages.
Is drinking water provided free of charge? hot water for example
@@juliaguan2438 no I don’t think so. Flight attendants did not serve a single round of water. The only water we’ve got is the bottle water that comes with that pre ordered meal.
@@juliaguan2438 to get water, need to order through the QR code to buy a bottled water.
If I don't pre pay for the seat, do they just give me random seat assignment on flight day?
Randomize for sure but not sure if they tell you the day of the flight or not. Highly recommend buying a seat as there are seats that do not recline.
Hi is there a personal item allowed? Planning to bring two backpacks as a carry on and personal item which is what I usually do.
@Emotegi, per their website it says two items in total for carry on like a backpack + carry on. www.zipair.net/en/service/baggage
thanks i have a ticket june, and so you said i have to get at airport counter. sure? you answered my question.
@Elena Bit, yup. I had to pick up my boarding pass at the airport counter. Let’s see if they will improve and email boarding pass in June.
Were you able to select seats to be able to sit with your family or friends? How far in advance can you do it if you pay? Also do the seats recline and were you able to sleep?
@lazidude999, yes I paid to select the seats when I booked the ticket to sit together. When you book the flight, you either choose to pay to select a seat or don’t pay to let them randomly assign you. My seat recline. There is a few seats that don’t recline. So definitely pay to pick a seat. I recall non recline seat was 2000 yen. Middle seat was around 2700 yen. Don’t pick the non recline seat. It’s not worth saving $5 usd to torture for 10 hours. Hope this helps.
Good video. Did they weigh your carry-on bag?
@BonjourTwice, Thanks! No they did not
@I Need to Travel thanks. I was worried I had to limit my Carryon to 15 pounds
I have to travel to Japan from San Jose next month. I don't know the difference between value and premium?
@thy tran, premium gets you 5kg more for carry on luggage and a courtesy set. I think value package is enough unless you want the courtesy set.
Do you know the size for bagged or have a picture? Thank you so much.
@@thytran3180 here you go www.zipair.net/en/service/baggage
For value package that mean we just only bring 23kg. Can't bring something else?
@thy Tran, you can bring a carry on luggage which has weight limit and another bag like a backpack.
Did they weigh the carry-on luggage?
@Holly C, no they did not.
Thank you for the video. My wife and I are flying on ZIPAIR in March after a long 3-years break. We plan to bring food on board but do you know if they sell meals to those that did not pre-pay?
@NATE SH F, I am not 100% sure but when they serve meals, they only give out food to those who pre-ordered. There wasn’t an announcement or time slot when they let you order meals in flight. The in flight menu doesn’t offer meals. They did announce in flight snacks and drinks are available to order. So I highly doubt they sell meals in flight but I didn’t try. They don’t mind you bringing your own food. We brought tons of snacks with us to the airplane.
@@INeedToTravel Just returned from Japan. Bought bunch of food in Tokyo before boarding and had a great experience on ZIPAIR.
@@nateshf9303 awesome! Thanks for sharing!
What about if the vaccine is needed ? Or PCR TEST
@Heavy inthe City, a few months back Japan gave us 2 options, if one is vaccinated upload record online and PCR/antigen testing is not needed for entry; the other case is if one is not vaccinated they will test one at the airport on arrival.
@@INeedToTravel thank you !
You have to pay for everything! Even a cup! The baggage requirements are completely ridiculous. Don’t fly!!
@paulfernandez1486, agreed they charge everything. The total price is still much cheaper than other airlines though.