Zipair business class NRT to LAX - very sharp pricing!

[NZflygirl]

I was playing with google flights last night and noticed zipair listed. Seems like the LCC arm of JAL using their 787s

Pricing from NRT - LAX for business is around 1200-1700 SGD which is comparable to AUD 1:1 basically.
It's definitely no frills and it looks like you have to pay for extras but to be honest it's the price and lie flat seat that have me interested. Especially when TPAC from down under pricing is expensive and award flights can be difficult to find and you really want to secure your dates. Pricing example

Also, I notice the JAL SYD-NRT and Air NZ AKL-NRT flights are daytime (at this point in time?) which makes them more appealing to fly up, overnight and fly zipair the following day. Long hours flying but given the comfort and pricing it seems worth keeping this route in the backpocket when you can't find an award or get reasonable pricing.

It appears to have its own points club rather than accrual to JAL like Jetstar to QF and Scoot to SQ Krisflyer.

Of note there's no seatback entertainment. BYO device, free wifi.

There are a few reviews on youtube. Here's one zipair review

For me it's an airline like Scoot plus (basically PE) which I'll keep in the backpocket. And JQ 787 to some degree.

 

[bam71]

It’s definitely better than a JQ787, having a lie flat seat. Zip have been on my radar as well due to their sharp pricing.

 

[sudoer]

They charge for absolutely everything except wifi and 7kg of carry-on baggage.

Unlike many LCCs you need to pre-book your in-flight extras like additional carry-on weight, food, amenity kits etc. For NRT-LAX, prices below:

J seat selection: 2000 yen
Overweight carry-on (>7kg <12kg): 4500 yen - must prebook >24 hours prior to departure otherwise need to check bag in
Check-in bag up to 14kg: 5500 yen
Check-in bag up to 23kg: 6500 yen
Check-in bag up to 32kg: 7500 yen
In-flight meals: 1300-2500 yen for a hot meal - must prebook >72 hours prior to departure
NRT Lounge (TraveLounge): 1600 yen
Amenities kit - blanket, earplugs, eye mask, neck pillows, slippers: 2500 yen (+500 yen for a bag, must prebook >24 hours prior to departure)

The Zip pricing isn't too bad, but Hawaiian are doing NRT-LAX return for $3k in J (NRT-HNL leg JL codeshare) for full service which is going to be better value.

Also, I notice the JAL SYD-NRT and Air NZ AKL-NRT flights are daytime (at this point in time?) which makes them more appealing to fly up, overnight and fly zipair the following day. Long hours flying but given the comfort and pricing it seems worth keeping this route in the backpocket when you can't find an award or get reasonable pricing.

If originating in Australia there are usually some competitive TPAC deals out of CGK via TYO, like below

There are a few reviews on youtube. Here's one zipair review

The best review I've seen is by Japanese av-geek/youtuber Onoda. His 40 minute in-depth review of the Zipair seat & service is linked below - Youtube can auto-translate subs into English, it's not perfect but the message is usually comprehendible.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Hopefully not a silly question but thought I'd ask: if flying Zip Air does one accrue frequent flyer miles and status credits with any program? It's my understanding that they have their own frequent flyer program but it seems to only be for redeeming flights and not say lounge access or any perks with partner airlines.

That being said if you can get a flat bed at a significant discount it may very well make sense to fly them regardless of everything else. After all, a lie flat bed is still a lie flat bed!

-RooFlyer88

 

[sudoer]

if flying Zip Air does one accrue frequent flyer miles and status credits with any program?

No

 

[kangarooflyer88]

No

Apparently it is possible to covert ZipAir frequent flyer points to JAL points at a rate of 2:1. Still doesn't answer the status question but good to see your points can be used for more than just redeeming a Zippy toaster!

-RooFlyer88