The first four minutes cracked me up, To visualize the Flip Flop Traveller with two pairs of jeans sweating it out in an endless check in and security line just made me laugh out loud😂 That blocking of the aisle during an actual evacuation is hands down the weirdest thing and as you mention potentially risky situation I have ever heard of, can’t wrap my head around what the reason behind it could be 🤔 Anywho….thanks for the entertaining and informative video, loved it 🙏🏼
I even flew on Zip Air! The report will be released soon on my channel. I must say that all in all it's not bad at all being a low cost airline! Nice video!
After taking zipair many time between Korea and Japan I can say it’s the best price cost for regional travel flight attendants really nice and comfortable seat
Kevin, you had me laughing out loud and crying when you described the cluster F*** at the airport in terms of clearing security and check in (3 hours plus?). I am reminded of a KAL flight from Inchon to ORD and when we disembarked it looked like a 4 hour wait because USA customs had 1 desk operating....after the passengers threatened to burn down the terminal, more customs officers arrived to help speed up processing us passengers. So instead of 4 hours it was only 2.....i felt your pain.
I must have been lucky, I was through immigration within 30 seconds. Zero wait. No more hassle filling a tiny form on the plane who you are and where yu stay! The same goes for leaving Bangkok last week. Almost zero waiting 😅. But I have seen the long lines, thankfully not experienced.
It is standard procedure for a planned evacuation (ie the flight attendants have time to prepare the cabin for landing) to find able bodied passengers who will help block. The reason being that an exit might not be safe to open and it gives the FA's time to assess and open them. Or, if it's unsafe get the blockers to send passengers to another exit. That being said, I've never heard of passengers briefed on this before anything happens. Kind of a neat idea honestly, if an unplanned evacuation were to be required (like a rejected takeoff for a fire).
Flew Zip Air from NRT-LAX and it was great. I paid for the full carry on allowance also and no one checked my 12kg roller bag or large back pack. Also the free wifi can be used for any type of browsing or social media, just not the portal!
Ah I love how detailed your posts are in one of the FB groups I’m in- not sure which one off the top of my head. Wish I had as much time to explore each destination as you have! Are you planning to dive into your channel?
I remember seeing those exact landing views crossing the coastline, on a flight from PER-NRT last year. Will be on the same flight at the end of the year, on the left side this time!
The problem with zipair from Bkk to Tokyo is there are usually full service business class fares available only for a $100+ more than zip and you get all the extra perks like expedited check in and security lines… the US to Japan flights are far less expensive than full service competitors, when available
@@tfft with all the perks on zip from food and seat selection it comes out to 675$ pre tax, tg is 790$ pre tax, 115$ more. With lounge access and expedited lines it’s simply not worth the savings. 1500$ from sfo vs 4600$ is definitely worth the savings
Thanks Kevin for another great video and for going through (unnecessary) hell entering and leaving BKK for our viewing pleasure! Interesting concept of an airline.
At BKK, did you check if other security entrances had a lower wait time? Sometimes there can be significant differences, as most pax only go to the nearest one.
Crazy! I self transmitted Bangkok last month at 5pm and there were no immigration, customs or security lines whatsoever. From disembarking to boarding again was 45minutes!
Part of the problem (I think) is that with the new satellite terminal, BKK is operating well under capacity, so they are quite fast and loose with the airline schedules. This leads to a quiet evening on Wednesday at 20:00 and absolute chaos 24 hours later because by chance there were 9 wide body Chinese flights leaving at the same time (for example...).
Seems that Zipair operates a lot like Spirit in the seating regard. The premium seats at the front aren't treated a separate class of service, just a better seat in their one single cabin, kind of like how most airlines treat their extra legroom economy seats.
Tbh your comment about BKK is the reason why I never recommend a short transit in BKK, even on the same airline lol. Walking between gates is just....sometimes too far. That being said, reverse herringbone on an LCC definitely looked something different. And yeah, that extra safety briefing sounded strange. Not sure if JAL also has similar strange briefing, but I suspect not because I have never heard of it. Nice as always!
Thanks very much! A very intriguing product. The economics of current seat configs mean that this idea is certainly worth a punt. I think there's a reinvention of medium haul economy and premium economy to be had, and this could be part of it. I think a lot of economy/premium/business flyers could be tempted by this sort of offering. Whether anyone other than the Japanese can do a good enough job...that's maybe the biggest question...they're so good at this.
35 seconds in and I’m wondering if Zip is a British Airways owned, trained, and managed airline, or if they both attended a course called “Melting Passenger Sanity”. But row 1’s human sacrifice angle aside (btw were they drunk when they came up with the idea, watch this - hold my beer kind of thing?), three hours of airport bureaucracy can and does happen. And let’s face it, the only surprising thing about the late start was it happened in Japan 😂. Love the idea of buying a definitely new seat kit and amenities. Such an interesting and info rich video, thanks!
It's also very odd that their on-ground IT(Website) sucks so much, but their in-flight IT(wi-fi, food ordering,..) is so much better. Usually these are reversed in most airlines.
Wow that Aeromexico 787 looks lost! It also flies from Monterrey to Seoul, which sounds crazy. I'd definitely fly Zipair for that price ($600) if they could sort out the transfers etc. I wondered what the JAL price would be on the same route. I checked for a flight in September on a Monday. The base Zipair price is almost half the price of JAL. But you can get to HND with JAL. Thai Airways is about $250 more than Zip but also to HND.
Thank you for another amazing & entertaining video. The seat itself looks great, I love the fact that there is no IFE (I’m probably in a minority here) & really appreciate the clean loo. I especially appreciated the fact that the windows didn’t seem to be locked on that dreaded piece of equipment, however… it all just looks a bit Spartan & miserable for Business & the ground experience in Bangkok has made me a tad apprehensive about visiting Thailand. Looking forward to your next video 👍🏻
Hello Jersey friend! Those travel strategies with the jeans were insane! If it were Antarctica, I would say that would have been good judgment. LOL. BTW, what the heck do you do with all of the kits full of linen, lotions and other esoteric stuff? You have more toiletries than the Queen of Sheba! Enjoy your travels.
When traveling out of Suvarnabhumi Airport, always travel by Business Class. The immigration lines for economy is a nightmare. I shuddered as I walk past them to go to the business class clearance at the end.
Delays of all kinds are irksome which would madden any passengers. My American Airlines flight from LA to Seoul used to be cancelled and I had to wait 24 hours at LAX while being rebooked for an another flight. Nonetheless, an honest and fascinating review as always Kevin.
Ha ha. I did the same in Bangkok! But they weighed my bag. She literally watches me take clothes out of my carry on and put them on to wear. 3 kilos worth!!!! Then my bag was “ok”. Like wtf???? We’re both going on the same plane, but now I weigh 7 lbs more. Then went to the bathroom and took off. Sweating like I just showered
Overall not bad. If theres no award flights this concept from U.S. to Japan is pretty good. I don't need all the frills I just need to be able to sleep.
The concept is really, really intriguing for frequent transpacific fliers like me. Unfortunately the nonexistent customer support and "eh... you're on your own" policy towards connections are genuinely scary to consider when you're groggy and out of it from a 16-hr redeye. Also the website literally feels like a scam site that's going to steal your personal data
I enjoy every time I watch your reports, thanks 😊 I have a question . I am planning to travel to Tokyo from Germany. Which airline do you think would be suitable?
Mmm... somebody mentioned long queues at DMK airport in contrast to BKK... mmm... so sorry for you, mate. That's why I avoid BKK when possible. However, if you fly Thai Business or First you get to go through a different, very different line.
I’m all for these no frills “business class” products. I can honestly do without the meal and other luxuries ; I just want a bed to sleep on for 6 hours on a midnight flight
10/20 for pre-flight seems unfortunate, for security + immigration isn't within zipair's control. still, 65 minutes does sound terrible so it's probably justified. regardless amazing review as always!!
The loss of 10 points is related to: disorganized and painfully slow check in process, lack of online check in (they publish that they do have it...) and lack of transit desk in Bangkok. The score has nothing to do with the security and immigration.
What a hot mess, at least you got on the plane and then they have the gall to ask you to help them do their jobs in case of an emergency?! What the heck Lol
So I suppose you only like videos with sponsored positivity and manufactured drama. Got it... If you're not a fan of honesty, there are plenty of other channels out there just for you, men.
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
The first four minutes cracked me up, To visualize the Flip Flop Traveller with two pairs of jeans sweating it out in an endless check in and security line just made me laugh out loud😂 That blocking of the aisle during an actual evacuation is hands down the weirdest thing and as you mention potentially risky situation I have ever heard of, can’t wrap my head around what the reason behind it could be 🤔 Anywho….thanks for the entertaining and informative video, loved it 🙏🏼
Yeah, such a weird ask of a paying customer… whatever the reason may have been 😂
Word. 😂😂
As someone with a blind chihuahua, I can confirm they’re more helpful than LCC websites.
😂
I even flew on Zip Air! The report will be released soon on my channel. I must say that all in all it's not bad at all being a low cost airline! Nice video!
Great concept, just need to iron out some details. Thanks for watching 🩴
After taking zipair many time between Korea and Japan I can say it’s the best price cost for regional travel flight attendants really nice and comfortable seat
I'd have to agree!
Kevin, you had me laughing out loud and crying when you described the cluster F*** at the airport in terms of clearing security and check in (3 hours plus?). I am reminded of a KAL flight from Inchon to ORD and when we disembarked it looked like a 4 hour wait because USA customs had 1 desk operating....after the passengers threatened to burn down the terminal, more customs officers arrived to help speed up processing us passengers. So instead of 4 hours it was only 2.....i felt your pain.
I saw an equally long line at ORD a few weeks ago haha.
@tfft omigosh...the more things "change", the more they stay the same.....
I must have been lucky, I was through immigration within 30 seconds. Zero wait. No more hassle filling a tiny form on the plane who you are and where yu stay! The same goes for leaving Bangkok last week. Almost zero waiting 😅. But I have seen the long lines, thankfully not experienced.
It is standard procedure for a planned evacuation (ie the flight attendants have time to prepare the cabin for landing) to find able bodied passengers who will help block. The reason being that an exit might not be safe to open and it gives the FA's time to assess and open them. Or, if it's unsafe get the blockers to send passengers to another exit.
That being said, I've never heard of passengers briefed on this before anything happens. Kind of a neat idea honestly, if an unplanned evacuation were to be required (like a rejected takeoff for a fire).
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Flew Zip Air from NRT-LAX and it was great. I paid for the full carry on allowance also and no one checked my 12kg roller bag or large back pack. Also the free wifi can be used for any type of browsing or social media, just not the portal!
Ah I love how detailed your posts are in one of the FB groups I’m in- not sure which one off the top of my head. Wish I had as much time to explore each destination as you have! Are you planning to dive into your channel?
Hah!!! Your first 4 minutes has me rolling on the floor. Absolutely love your humor and you deliver it so perfectly!!
Appreciate that!
I remember seeing those exact landing views crossing the coastline, on a flight from PER-NRT last year. Will be on the same flight at the end of the year, on the left side this time!
Thanks for watching 🩴
I flew out of BKK in February. From the baggage check-in to my gate, was just under 2.5 hours.
It's a coin toss!
This was a Flipping good video thanks
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
The reason is to momentarily delay a surge to the exits so the crew can access and open emergency exits without being hindered by a mob.
Perfectly legit reason- I just wish they would tell everyone that lol.
The problem with zipair from Bkk to Tokyo is there are usually full service business class fares available only for a $100+ more than zip and you get all the extra perks like expedited check in and security lines… the US to Japan flights are far less expensive than full service competitors, when available
TG is often in the mid $800s-$900s on the route, but I’ve never seen direct flights on full service carriers in the $600 range.
@@tfft with all the perks on zip from food and seat selection it comes out to 675$ pre tax, tg is 790$ pre tax, 115$ more. With lounge access and expedited lines it’s simply not worth the savings. 1500$ from sfo vs 4600$ is definitely worth the savings
Always till the end!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I dig your reviews Kevin.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thanks for the info + video!
Thanks for watching 🩴
I love this concept
Thanks for watching 🩴
Thanks Kevin for another great video and for going through (unnecessary) hell entering and leaving BKK for our viewing pleasure! Interesting concept of an airline.
My pleasure! haha
At BKK, did you check if other security entrances had a lower wait time? Sometimes there can be significant differences, as most pax only go to the nearest one.
Sure- the entire hall was a mess.
Crazy! I self transmitted Bangkok last month at 5pm and there were no immigration, customs or security lines whatsoever.
From disembarking to boarding again was 45minutes!
BKK seems to be so inconsistent in that regard. I seem to have been lucky most times, but when it's bad, it's BAD!
Part of the problem (I think) is that with the new satellite terminal, BKK is operating well under capacity, so they are quite fast and loose with the airline schedules. This leads to a quiet evening on Wednesday at 20:00 and absolute chaos 24 hours later because by chance there were 9 wide body Chinese flights leaving at the same time (for example...).
Seems that Zipair operates a lot like Spirit in the seating regard. The premium seats at the front aren't treated a separate class of service, just a better seat in their one single cabin, kind of like how most airlines treat their extra legroom economy seats.
At least on NK you get priority boarding! Wait... or was that because I paid for a carry on? These airlines are too much to keep track of lol
@@tfft Spirit ties priority boarding to carryon.
Tbh your comment about BKK is the reason why I never recommend a short transit in BKK, even on the same airline lol. Walking between gates is just....sometimes too far.
That being said, reverse herringbone on an LCC definitely looked something different. And yeah, that extra safety briefing sounded strange. Not sure if JAL also has similar strange briefing, but I suspect not because I have never heard of it.
Nice as always!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thanks very much! A very intriguing product. The economics of current seat configs mean that this idea is certainly worth a punt. I think there's a reinvention of medium haul economy and premium economy to be had, and this could be part of it. I think a lot of economy/premium/business flyers could be tempted by this sort of offering. Whether anyone other than the Japanese can do a good enough job...that's maybe the biggest question...they're so good at this.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
35 seconds in and I’m wondering if Zip is a British Airways owned, trained, and managed airline, or if they both attended a course called “Melting Passenger Sanity”. But row 1’s human sacrifice angle aside (btw were they drunk when they came up with the idea, watch this - hold my beer kind of thing?), three hours of airport bureaucracy can and does happen. And let’s face it, the only surprising thing about the late start was it happened in Japan 😂. Love the idea of buying a definitely new seat kit and amenities. Such an interesting and info rich video, thanks!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
It's also very odd that their on-ground IT(Website) sucks so much, but their in-flight IT(wi-fi, food ordering,..) is so much better. Usually these are reversed in most airlines.
Agreed- but considering JAL’s systems are on point… makes even less sense to me!
kanazawa to Tokyo on Shinkansen ? You showed the seats on your intro clip a few times I think
Yes, on purpose lol.
Wow that Aeromexico 787 looks lost! It also flies from Monterrey to Seoul, which sounds crazy.
I'd definitely fly Zipair for that price ($600) if they could sort out the transfers etc.
I wondered what the JAL price would be on the same route. I checked for a flight in September on a Monday. The base Zipair price is almost half the price of JAL. But you can get to HND with JAL. Thai Airways is about $250 more than Zip but also to HND.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Will consider flying zip air from vancouver next time, can't beat the price
They'd be top of my list for a cash long haul ticket.
4:00 So Air Premia, ZipAir, T’way airlines all have terrible check in lines but overall decent product in flight. Noted. 😮😮
…I said no such thing about YP and TW…
The first 4 minutes really caught me off guard 😂👌🏻
Me too! lol
What time was that check in? Never seen it that busy. I've been breezing through recently generally mid morning
Around 20:00 if I recall.
That check-in experience sounded like hell on earth 😂 thanks for sharing, and looking forward to Shinkansen Gran Class and domestic Premium Class!
Some of the most pleasant travel experiences I've ever had!
Great video thank kevin!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thank you for another amazing & entertaining video.
The seat itself looks great, I love the fact that there is no IFE (I’m probably in a minority here) & really appreciate the clean loo. I especially appreciated the fact that the windows didn’t seem to be locked on that dreaded piece of equipment, however… it all just looks a bit Spartan & miserable for Business & the ground experience in Bangkok has made me a tad apprehensive about visiting Thailand.
Looking forward to your next video 👍🏻
Most of the time, entering and departing Bangkok is not that bad. But it definitely has its moments.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Now that bit about evacuation is a bit weird! Wonder if it has anything to do about JL516...
I had multiple JL flights the same week and nothing was out of the ordinary, so I don’t think so.
Hello Jersey friend! Those travel strategies with the jeans were insane! If it were Antarctica, I would say that would have been good judgment. LOL. BTW, what the heck do you do with all of the kits full of linen, lotions and other esoteric stuff? You have more toiletries than the Queen of Sheba! Enjoy your travels.
I generally leave the contents of the kits behind, spare anything that’s truly different or branded and just collect the pouches themselves.
I am in so much agreement that the seat is the one feature I want out of business class...
Hopefully I get to fly to Japan soon.
🤞🏻
When traveling out of Suvarnabhumi Airport, always travel by Business Class. The immigration lines for economy is a nightmare. I shuddered as I walk past them to go to the business class clearance at the end.
Well if it was as easy as that, surely just fly private lol
Delays of all kinds are irksome which would madden any passengers. My American Airlines flight from LA to Seoul used to be cancelled and I had to wait 24 hours at LAX while being rebooked for an another flight. Nonetheless, an honest and fascinating review as always Kevin.
Ironically my first ever Zipair flight many months before this was cancelled 4 days before and KAL came to my rescue after donating $1300 to them 😂
Ha ha. I did the same in Bangkok! But they weighed my bag. She literally watches me take clothes out of my carry on and put them on to wear. 3 kilos worth!!!! Then my bag was “ok”. Like wtf???? We’re both going on the same plane, but now I weigh 7 lbs more. Then went to the bathroom and took off. Sweating like I just showered
When shit happens to you I find it so funny - when that same shit happens to me it is a disaster and I hit the bar. Another great video!
No time to hit the bar, I'm "at work!" haha.
Overall not bad. If theres no award flights this concept from U.S. to Japan is pretty good. I don't need all the frills I just need to be able to sleep.
Agreed.
Look forward to the Hokuriku Shinkansen video!
Thanks for watching 🩴
couldnt help but notice those adidas arent of the flip flop variety there Kev...
I don't wear flip flops in airports anymore- I wear those specific sneakers as it makes my walking video clips much less jarring.
@@tfft The adidas running shoe traveller :P
The concept is really, really intriguing for frequent transpacific fliers like me. Unfortunately the nonexistent customer support and "eh... you're on your own" policy towards connections are genuinely scary to consider when you're groggy and out of it from a 16-hr redeye. Also the website literally feels like a scam site that's going to steal your personal data
The value in my eyes is for one and done itineraries. Thanks for watching 🩴
Curious, what the price difference for a standard seat versus lie flat. Do you remember?
Around double.
that first 4 mins is a very BKK experience
I’ve flown out of BKK more times than I can count and I’ve never had an experience even half as bad as this one lol.
@@tfft the luck just fell away for you on that day lol. Also a similar experience can be had in SIN too haha.
uh, in the sense of getting the furthest gate from the immigration point
Would you consider flying Vietnam Airlines long haul? And also, I hope Japan Airlines will refurbish their 787s with the new A350 cabins.
I have already (video not out yet).
I enjoy every time I watch your reports, thanks 😊 I have a question . I am planning to travel to Tokyo from Germany. Which airline do you think would be suitable?
Surely ANA would be the best seat from Frankfurt.
When you buy airfares, do you use point to point or through fares that allow stops?
Every flight is different and always specified in the description if the fare included more than the single flight.
I'd like to fly ZipAir from LAX to NRT but I've heard that the Wifi is not so great. I'd rather have an actual IFE system on a long haul flight.
Sure, and for around $1000 more, you can have a TV lol.
Your chihuahua is blind? omgggg -- but, back on topic, I was waiting for this review and waw. Cheers!
Yahhh… she’s a very cautious walker now 😭
Laughing out loud at that evacuation scenario 😅
😂
Thank You ✈️
Thanks for watching 🩴
Mmm... somebody mentioned long queues at DMK airport in contrast to BKK... mmm... so sorry for you, mate. That's why I avoid BKK when possible. However, if you fly Thai Business or First you get to go through a different, very different line.
Just because it's usually sunny doesn't mean it never rains 😉
I would like to try Zip air, but their website really does suck
Such a shame!
When I flew this, I thought the seat was surprisingly dirty, especially for a Japanese airline.
Perhaps due to the outstation. Thanks for watching 🩴
8:40 my bet is they don't have the extra crews on board to control the crowd for evacuation? Probably only staffed for minimum?
To be fair, most aircraft these days are staffed to a minimum.
Intetesting flight 👍✈️🇷🇺
Thanks for watching 🩴
I’m all for these no frills “business class” products. I can honestly do without the meal and other luxuries ; I just want a bed to sleep on for 6 hours on a midnight flight
Agreed.
that light switch in the dunny looked fairly grimey...
I presume dunny doesn't mean dungeon.
im sorry you had to go through all that hahahahahah
Made for a fun video to edit at least lol
@@tfftlove your humour doe 🤩
The ridiculous long line makes me imagine kansai airport haha😅
Ironically I had a similarly long line at Kansai... but it did move pretty fast.
Where are you going next
All published on my community tab.
I like the concept of Zipair but I couldn’t do a flight longer than a couple of hours in that seat. It’s too bare bones for me.
…you’re talking about a TV?
@@tfft partly yes, but if the price was very attractive it’s worth considering. You had the right idea to set expectations.
Waiting times at security and passport control doesn't seem to change at BKK😂 Always a disaster.
Tbh, I pass through BKK more than I care to admit and I've never even seen it half as bad as this time!
Definitely not always! I would say it's bad around 1 in 5 times (but I've never seen it this bad).
10/20 for pre-flight seems unfortunate, for security + immigration isn't within zipair's control. still, 65 minutes does sound terrible so it's probably justified. regardless amazing review as always!!
The loss of 10 points is related to: disorganized and painfully slow check in process, lack of online check in (they publish that they do have it...) and lack of transit desk in Bangkok. The score has nothing to do with the security and immigration.
@@tfft i understand now, thanks!
you're not wearing flip flops??
I often don’t wear them in airports anymore bc sneakers lead to smoother walking video clips.
Is this the best low-cost airline you've ever flown with?
Yes, but there aren't many that compete on this front- so it's not really saying much lol
Underwear..because you know…Japan. Next comment…new or used? Because you know Japanese vending machines😮😅
Touché
trampled by an angry mob... Money can't buy you trampling. Priceless! 😀
😅
Insane that they don’t explain what row one is going to do in an emergency to other passengers. Almost seems incompetent.
Would agree there!
Please PM me about the APEC Business Travel Card that would have reduced your waits to sub-5 minutes
I know about the card, but it is only for traveller's traveling to conduct trade or business- neither of which apply to my entries.
@@tfft I thought TFFT is a business :) You should qualify.
What a hot mess, at least you got on the plane and then they have the gall to ask you to help them do their jobs in case of an emergency?! What the heck Lol
Japanese collective spirit, I suppose haha
Feet on upholstered ottoman while wearing shoes 😢
Better than on the headrest!
Questionable evacuation procedures
Thanks for watching 🩴
日本的zip air 和韩国的air premia这两家航空公司都很有意思。很好奇为什么完全不想开通中国航线😂。客流量也不会小啊。加上中国的航空公司竞争力很差。他们票价和服务都不错。快来中国吧。
China continues to be a very different market than we knew prior to COVID.
As an ex cabin crew, ABP is always assigned. You would be amazed at how ABP persons step up. Sometimes, you speak garbage.
You clearly didn’t listen to what I said. There was nothing standard about this ‘assignment’. The only thing that stinks here is this comment.
Men,Next time take a bus, and by the way, change your channel to, I LOVE TO COMPLAIN
So I suppose you only like videos with sponsored positivity and manufactured drama. Got it... If you're not a fan of honesty, there are plenty of other channels out there just for you, men.
two Thumbs DOWN for making a video of the 787 Nightmare Liner, most dangerous aircraft in the sky.
Lucky for me 2 thumbs down equals no thumbs at all. Thanks!! (⬅️ 2 exclamation points)