For the subsequent section of my journey to Japan through Mongolia, I flew ZIPAIR’s Boeing 787-8 full flat enterprise class on the 1hr45min flight from Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Tokyo Narita (NRT). For these not acquainted, ZIPAIR is Japan Airways’ low price service that launched in 2020, and the airline provides a captivating passenger expertise.
Particularly, the airline has what’s presumably the world’s most simple enterprise class, with reverse herringbone seats that don’t have private televisions, and don’t embrace any extra providers. You’re actually simply paying for the seat. Let me make clear that whereas I’m referring to this product as enterprise class (as a result of that’s the seat being supplied), ZIPAIR doesn’t promote it this manner — the airline merely refers to it as “Full Flat.”
As I’ll clarify under, flying with ZIPAIR is such an uncommon expertise in comparison with flying with just about another airline, and I loved experiencing the product on a brief flight. I’d say flying in ZIPAIR’s premium seating may symbolize an ideal worth, particularly for lengthy haul journey, the place a flat mattress could make an enormous distinction. Nevertheless, on condition that I’ve entry to miles & factors, I’m undecided I’ll essentially be flying with ZIPAIR once more.
How I booked my ZIPAIR ticket
The ZIPAIR expertise is exclusive from if you e-book your ticket. I used to be reserving a one-way itinerary on the next flight:
1/29 ZG42 Seoul to Tokyo departing 1:10PM arriving 3:30PM
I may both pay $177.75 for the standard financial system seat, or $216.47 for a reverse herringbone seat. An additional ~$39 for a seat like that is an absolute steal, eh?
That ~$39 covers simply the seat, and nothing else. So in order for you anything, from a full dimension carry-on to a checked bag, you’ll have to pay for it. For this flight, there have been a few completely different bundles that might be booked:
- The “worth” bundle supplied an advance seat task plus a checked bag
- The “premium” bundle supplied an advance seat task, an in-flight meal, a checked bag, and a carry-on
Since I had a carry-on bag and needed to pick out my seat, I selected the “premium” possibility, which was a greater worth than paying for these merchandise individually (regardless that I didn’t want a checked bag). I used to be shocked to seek out that once I booked my ticket (a few weeks upfront), no seats had been assigned but within the full flat part.
Through the reserving course of, you too can already reserve every kind of extras, together with meals, drinks, an airport categorical service function, an amenity set, cookies, and every kind of different issues.
In whole, my ticket price me $311.17. However that’s as a result of I included nearly every part, all the way down to the amenity set, a meal, a drink, and even cookies. Since I used to be reviewing the expertise, I needed to go all out.
ZIPAIR full flat enterprise class check-in & boarding
I had spent the evening on the Incheon Airport Transit Lodge, so I by no means really ended up making it to ZIPAIR’s check-in counter. That ended up being… a slight journey.
Japan is so humorous on the subject of expertise — the nation is concurrently innovative, but additionally loves fax machines. Sadly ZIPAIR is extra within the fax machine period than anything. So right here’s the truth of ZIPAIR’s on-line check-in state of affairs:
- ZIPAIR continues to be solely progressively rolling out on-line check-in on all flights, so not all routes are eligible for on-line check-in; you may discover the newest info right here
- In case your route is eligible for on-line check-in, the one approach to entry the check-in portal is through the invitation that you just’re emailed precisely 24 hours out, and you may’t entry it immediately from ZIPAIR’s web site
- In that e-mail it states that “in case your passport info just isn’t registered, an error display screen might be displayed if you entry the URL,” and also you’re advised that “for those who want to register your passport info, please contact our contact heart with a duplicate of your passport connected”
Thankfully my on-line check-in labored out okay, and I headed straight to gate 113 at Incheon, the place my flight can be departing from.
Once I arrived on the gate, I confirmed the gate agent my passport and boarding move to ensure every part was okay. She regarded shocked that I had checked in on-line, and instantly pulled out the under paper about how ZIPAIR doesn’t present switch service with out an interline settlement. This doesn’t simply apply to checking luggage by, however as she defined to me, she couldn’t even print a boarding move for me.
So she received on the telephone and known as somebody, and that was fairly a manufacturing. Finally she advised me that every part was okay, so I walked round for a bit. 5 minutes later I had a name on my cellphone from a supervisor, who requested me to return to the gate, as they wanted info on the place I used to be arriving from. At one level there should have been six gate brokers huddled across the gate my reservation. I used to be simply so confused by what was occurring, and why this was such a complicated idea to them.
However anyway, for those who’re flying with ZIPAIR, be warned that on-line check-in won’t be potential in any respect, and even whether it is, it won’t be easy.
Since I used to be on the gate lots early, I received to see the ZIPAIR aircraft because it pulled into the gate upon arrival. My flight was operated by an 11-year-old 787-8 with the license plate JA827J (ZIPAIR solely makes use of former Japan Airways 787s).
Boarding was scheduled for 12:40PM, half-hour earlier than departure. I used to be pleasantly shocked that ZIPAIR provides precedence boarding to these within the full flat seats, since that’s the one approach through which the comfortable product is differentiated. These in rows one by 5, in addition to households with babies, may board first. Then boarding began from again to entrance.
As you’d anticipate, boarding began proper on time. I couldn’t assist however discover how ZIPAIR had 9 gate brokers for this flight — that’s not precisely low price! Within the US, you would possibly see two gate brokers for a aircraft of this dimension.
ZIPAIR 787 full flat enterprise class cabin & seats
ZIPAIR’s full flat seats taken up your complete area between doorways one and two on the Boeing 787-8. The cabin consists of a complete of 20 seats, unfold throughout 5 rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration (the primary row doesn’t have a pair of seats within the heart). These are reverse herringbone seats produced by JAMCO.
If you happen to’re touring with somebody, you would possibly want the pairs of heart seats. Do word that these nonetheless supply fairly a little bit of privateness, so that you’ll need to lean ahead to speak to the individual throughout from you. Moreover, for those who’re not touring with the individual throughout from you, there’s a little bit privateness defend you may prolong.
I assigned myself seat 5A, the window seat on the left aspect within the final row. These are fairly commonplace reverse herringbone seats — they’re not probably the most innovative on the market, however given the worth, I’d say it’s an superior product.
So far as seat options go, to the aspect of the seat there’s an uncovered storage space, together with an AC and USB-An influence outlet.
The tray desk extends from the console to the aspect of the seat, and could be flipped over in half.
You’ll be able to alter the seat positions through a panel to the aspect of the seat, with three easy recline choices.
The aisle-side armrest could be raised or lowered, relying on whether or not you need a spot to relaxation your arm, or want a extra spacious sleeping floor.
For sure the strangest side of ZIPAIR’s full flat seats is that there’s no seat again tv. The airline solely has streaming leisure and Wi-Fi, so I imagine that is the world’s first reverse herringbone seat with out an leisure display screen. The airline as a substitute put the literature pocket rather than the display screen, so that you get to have a look at the security card and an air illness bag your complete flight.
This flight was after all too brief to sleep, however I did briefly recline the seat to check out the consolation. I discovered it to be fairly comfy, and likewise discovered the footwell to be dimension.
I used to be happy to see that the cabin has particular person air nozzles, which you received’t typically discover on a Japanese airline, in order that’s fairly cool
The aircraft additionally had colourful temper lighting, which is fairly commonplace on 787s these days.
ZIPAIR 787 Wi-Fi & leisure
ZIPAIR has no seat again televisions, however as a substitute has streaming leisure and Wi-Fi. Utilizing that is principally important. because it’s not nearly staying entertained. Relatively, all meals and beverage purchases, in addition to all inflight procuring, must be performed by the portal. There’s a brochure within the literature pocket explaining the inflight Wi-Fi.
ZIPAIR has limitless free Wi-Fi with no knowledge caps, and it’s simple to hook up with the system.
There’s no have to log-in, however reasonably you simply need to conform to the phrases, so you may join as many gadgets as you’d like. Wi-Fi is offered by Panasonic, and I discovered the speeds to be fairly good. It’s humorous how an extremely low price service can supply this, whereas many full service airways cost for it in enterprise class.
Past the Wi-Fi, there’s additionally a choice of streaming leisure, although it’s very restricted. There have been a complete of 10 motion pictures, plus 15 “applications,” which had been all very brief. I’d positively suggest bringing your personal leisure on ZIPAIR, or in any other case plan on utilizing the Wi-Fi to remain entertained.
The streaming leisure additionally contained a map function, which I loved maintaining a tally of.
I’ll discuss extra about meals and drinks, in addition to procuring, a little bit bit later.
ZIPAIR 787 departure from Seoul Incheon
The boarding course of was fairly environment friendly. It was particularly quiet within the ahead cabin, since there have been solely two different individuals seated there, whereas the remainder of the aircraft gave the impression to be fairly full. I suppose ZIPAIR has a fairly price acutely aware buyer base (not surprisingly), since I believe on different airways lots of people would spring for an improve on the low costs being charged.
Throughout boarding, I loved listening to the boarding music… kind of. ZIPAIR has its personal devoted boarding music observe, which is type of cool, although it’s solely a 75-second music that loops. You’d assume they’d make the observe barely longer.
I’ve gotta say, whereas the crew was as pleasant as you’d anticipate for a Japanese airline, the vibe was very completely different than what I used to be used to. On different airways, flight attendants are largely there to supply service, whereas on ZIPAIR they actually felt extra like “security professionals.” They type of simply stood there everybody. My first interplay with a crew member was when a couple of minutes after I received to my seat, a flight attendant requested me to lock my seatbelt (properly earlier than the departure time).
Additionally, I’m undecided if the lead flight attendant was being shadowed by one other flight attendant, or what, however there was one flight attendant who would simply stroll two steps behind her the entire flight, and repeat no matter she did.
At 1:05PM the principle cabin door was closed. A minute later, the crew carried out a guide security demonstration, with an audio observe enjoying within the background. Even as soon as the security demonstration wrapped up, we nonetheless didn’t depart.
At 1:20PM, the lead flight attendant introduced that we had been delayed by an extra 5 minutes on account of congestion on the airport. Curiously the pilot didn’t make any announcement to passengers throughout this flight. I’m undecided if that’s simply the usual process at ZIPAIR, or if it was simply this crew.
At 1:25PM we lastly started our pushback.
Inside 5 minutes we had our engines began, and commenced our taxi. It was a really brief journey to runway 33L, the place we had been cleared for takeoff at 1:35PM.
We had attractive views on the climb out, and the seatbelt signal was turned off about 10 minute after takeoff.
ZIPAIR meals, drinks, and repair
Inflight service on ZIPAIR was in contrast to something I’ve skilled on different airways. On just about each airline that I’ve flown (whether or not a low price service or full service), a cart is rolled down the aisle with meals and drinks. On ZIPAIR it’s a very completely different story — there isn’t a complimentary service, and every part must be bought through the Wi-Fi portal.
Then the crew merely delivers issues to every passenger as they organize them, so it’s not a front-to-back service, or something. This labored nice on my flight, although I’ve additionally heard that on some ZIPAIR flights the Wi-Fi doesn’t work for prolonged intervals of time, so you may’t make purchases throughout that interval. Very unusual.
Beneath is a part of the inflight procuring portal, the place you should buy every part from meals, to drinks, to facilities, to presents.
About quarter-hour after takeoff, the crew appeared at my seat with a field containing the meal that I had ordered. I ordered the sukeroku sushi set, which price ~$10, and got here with a bottle of water. Not solely was the field sealed, however all the person meals gadgets had been in saran wrap.
The meals was respectable sufficient — it wasn’t wonderful, however was edible. ZIPAIR does have a extra intensive meal service on lengthy haul flights, so I believed this was a suitable choice for such a brief flight.
I had additionally pre-ordered a Coke Zero, which price ~$3. It didn’t include a cup or ice, however reasonably I used to be simply introduced the can.
5 minutes later, the crew offered me with a plastic ZIPAIR bag, containing the amenity set I had ordered, which price ~$18.
This set consisted of a blanket, slippers, eye masks, inflatable neck pillow, and ear plugs. Whereas this wasn’t wanted for such a brief flight, I used to be curious what the choice was like, so I’m glad I picked this up.
I had additionally pre-ordered a field of white chocolate cookies for ~$6, which made present for again residence. This was delivered about 10 minutes after the amenity set.
At roughly the midway level of the flight, the immigration and customs playing cards for Japan had been distributed — these had been complimentary. 😉
Anyway, this actually is a singular service circulation, as I by no means as soon as noticed a cart within the aisle, and the crew additionally by no means tried to promote me something.
ZIPAIR 787 toilets
ZIPAIR’s 787s have a complete of seven toilets — there’s one by the cockpit, 4 by the second set of doorways, and two by the rear set of doorways. There’s no curtain between the total flat seats and the remainder of the cabin, so passengers all through the plane can use any of the toilets.
Nevertheless, I received the sense that the ahead toilet was reserved for the crew, as they instructed me to make use of the one behind the cabin, regardless that I noticed the ahead one was unoccupied.
The jet’s toilets are completely commonplace Boeing 787 Dreamliner ones, with the one notable function being a bidet in among the toilets.
ZIPAIR 787 arrival at Tokyo Narita
About 45 minutes earlier than touchdown, we had been handled to a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji within the distance, which the lead flight attendant kindly identified over the PA.
Even with out wanting to date within the distance, the views had been fairly superior. Round this time we began our descent.
At 3PM, one of many pilots introduced that flight attendants ought to put together for touchdown, which was the one announcement from the flight deck. At that time the seatbelt signal was turned on.
We flew out over the water, after which had some fairly views as we began our ultimate method to Narita.
We touched down at Narita Airport at 3:20PM. Sadly we landed on runway 34R, which could as properly be at Haneda Airport, based mostly on how removed from the terminal it’s.
How far is runway 34R from the terminal? Effectively, about quarter-hour into our taxi, one other ZIPAIR 787 arriving from Honolulu landed on runway 34L (a lot nearer to the terminal), and it reduce us on the taxiway.
About 20 minutes after we began our taxi, we got here to a cease. At this level the flight attendant introduced that our gate was occupied, and that we’d have to attend. After all that is Japan, so that they don’t offer you any kind of an estimate of how lengthy will probably be, until they’ll precisely say when one thing will occur.
After about 20 minutes we had been lastly cleared into our gate, the place we pulled in at 4PM, round half-hour after our scheduled arrival time. On the plus aspect, immigration was fast, and I then took the bus from Narita Airport to Haneda Airport.
Backside line
I’m delighted I had the possibility to lastly fly ZIPAIR’s intriguing flat mattress product, although I’m nonetheless undecided what precisely to make of it.
I used to be impressed by ZIPAIR’s free Wi-Fi, and I believed the upcharge for a reverse herringbone seat was a steal. That being mentioned, ZIPAIR is as fundamental because it will get on the subject of inflight service, with every part costing further. I additionally discovered the service circulation to be in contrast to something I’ve skilled earlier than, for higher or worse.
I wouldn’t hesitate recommending ZIPAIR’s full flat product to somebody who doesn’t have miles & factors, however who values consolation. Personally, I’ve a robust desire for flying a full service airline, on condition that Asia has among the world’s greatest carriers.
What’s your tackle ZIPAIR’s 787 enterprise class?
