Flying Economy on ZIPAIR Japan: Our Honest Review from LAX to Narita

Planning a trip to Japan and searching for an affordable flight option? ✈️ We recently flew ZIPAIR Japan, the low-cost airline operated by Japan Airlines, from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Narita Airport—and it might just be one of the best budget-friendly ways to get to Japan.

In this post, we’ll share our full ZIPAIR economy review, including what to expect on board, tips for getting the best seats, and how to make the most of your flight.

Why Choose ZIPAIR for Your Flight to Japan?

When booking our Japan trip, the ticket prices on ZIPAIR caught our attention right away. Round-trip fares were significantly lower than most competitors, making it an easy choice for travelers looking to save money without sacrificing comfort.

While ZIPAIR is a no-frills airline, it’s a great option if you:

• Want a direct flight between LAX and Tokyo Narita.
• Don’t mind paying for extras like checked baggage, meals, and snacks.
• Value a clean, comfortable cabin at an unbeatable price point.

Economy Cabin Experience

The ZIPAIR economy cabin is simple but comfortable. Seats are basic with decent legroom, and while there’s no seatback TV, there are USB ports to charge your devices. We definitely recommend downloading shows, movies, and podcasts before your flight to stay entertained.

One of our favorite seat hacks: If you don’t mind sitting in the back, the last two rows have only two seats on each side instead of three. For couples or pairs of travelers, this makes the flight feel a little more private and spacious.

Food & Drinks on ZIPAIR

Unlike full-service airlines, ZIPAIR charges extra for meals, snacks, and even bottled water. We recommend ordering your meals when you book your ticket or at least before your flight, because once onboard, meals often sell out quickly.

We decided to try a mix of their offerings:

• Hayashi Beef with Turmeric Rice – rich, comforting, and surprisingly flavorful for an airline meal.
• Cheese Ravioli with Tomato Sauce – simple, but filling and perfect when you’re craving something familiar.
• Instant Ramen Bowl – a great late-night snack on a long flight, though limited in quantity.
• Bottled Iced Coffee – refreshing and a nice caffeine boost mid-flight.

Meals are delivered warm and packaged neatly and comes with a small bottle of water, but availability can be limited if you wait to order onboard via Wi-Fi (which is also spotty at times). Ordering ahead is absolutely worth it.

Baggage & Extras

ZIPAIR’s base fare is for your seat only. Everything else—checked luggage, carry-on upgrades, seat selection, meals, blankets—comes at an additional cost. This setup allows travelers to customize their experience and only pay for what they need.

If you’re traveling light and bringing just a carry-on, you can really maximize savings. For longer trips (like ours to Japan), factor in the cost of at least one checked bag when comparing prices.

Service & Overall Impression

The service on ZIPAIR was polite and efficient, very much in line with what you’d expect from a Japanese airline. While it’s not luxury, it’s exactly what you’d hope for in a budget carrier: affordable, clean, safe, and straightforward.

We found the seats reasonably comfortable for a long-haul economy flight, especially considering the low cost. The lack of an in-flight entertainment system is the biggest drawback, but with some preparation, it’s easy to work around.

Final Thoughts: Is ZIPAIR Worth It?

Absolutely! For travelers who want to get to Japan on a budget, ZIPAIR is one of the best options out of Los Angeles. With fares often hundreds of dollars cheaper than traditional carriers, it’s hard to beat the value.

Just remember:

• Book meals ahead of time (Hayashi beef was our favorite!).
• Pack snacks and an empty water bottle to fill at the airport.
• Download shows, podcasts, and movies before boarding.
• Consider choosing the last two rows if you’re flying as a couple.

With a little planning, ZIPAIR offers a smooth and affordable way to reach Tokyo—and we would definitely fly them again.

If you’re flying into Narita like we did, don’t miss our guide on navigating Tokyo’s railway system . It’s the best way to get around once you land in Japan.