Comparing Zipair to ANA and JAL: Is It Worth the Savings?
Why I Chose Zipair This Time
For my return trip, I booked a flight on Zipair to see how it stacks up against ANA. Whether it's the right choice really depends on your travel style and priorities.
Fares and Value
Zipair’s fares are typically cheaper, which is appealing—especially for budget-conscious travelers. But if you're flying solo like I was, basic economy on ANA or JAL can also be quite affordable. Personally, unless the savings are more than $150, I’d still choose ANA or JAL over Zipair in basic economy.
What to Expect on Zipair
That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with Zipair. The experience is clean, simple, and efficient—but it’s also very no-frills. Nearly everything is à la carte—from water and coffee to meals—so you’ll need to pre-purchase food or bring your own onboard. That’s easy enough if you're departing from Japan, but much less practical from LAX, where buying food can be pricey.
One Annoying Thing: No Window Blinds
One detail that caught me off guard was the lack of window blinds. On the NRT to LAX route, the flight catches the morning sunlight—especially on the left side of the plane. While Zipair uses a dimmable filter to soften the brightness, it doesn’t fully block the light. If you're sensitive to light while sleeping, you’ll definitely want an eye mask.
Onboard Meals and Extras
That said, the onboard curry rice was pretty decent for 1,800 yen, and the chips and ice cream combo was satisfying for an additional 750 yen.
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