ZIPAIR Tokyo

Bringing Pets on ZIPAIR Tokyo (ZG)

ZIPAIR Tokyo offers a limited, pre‑booked option for small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on select international routes, alongside the carriage of trained service dogs at no charge. Availability is capped per flight and can sell out quickly, so it’s wise to secure your spot early. At this time, ZIPAIR does not provide a checked‑baggage or cargo‑hold service for pets; if your animal cannot meet the in‑cabin criteria, you’ll need a specialized pet shipper on another carrier. Your pet must be well‑behaved, clean, and free of odor or illness, or boarding may be refused for safety and hygiene. The airline’s rules are strict but straightforward: plan ahead, prepare thoroughly, and keep documentation organized.

In‑Cabin Basics: Where your pet can ride

Your pet travels in a closed carrier that fits fully under the seat in front of you; carriers cannot be placed on laps, empty seats, or in overhead bins. Soft‑sided carriers are strongly recommended because they flex to under‑seat space, but they must be sturdy, leak‑proof, and well‑ventilated on at least three sides. Only one pet may occupy a carrier, and the animal must remain inside the closed carrier at all times—from boarding through arrival. Expect seat restrictions: no bulkhead or exit rows, and ZIPAIR’s full‑flat seats are typically ineligible because there is no under‑seat stowage. Cabin crew may reseat you to ensure the carrier fits safely and to accommodate passengers with allergies.

Sizing, weight, and baggage allowance

ZIPAIR publishes maximum under‑seat dimensions for its Boeing 787 and a total weight limit for pet + carrier; both are enforced at check‑in. Because dimensions vary by seat location, choose a soft‑sided carrier that conforms to the airline’s stated under‑seat clearance, and measure it when loaded. Weigh your pet inside the carrier at home to confirm you’re within the limit, and bring a small luggage scale for peace of mind. The pet carrier counts as part of your carry‑on allowance, so you may need to purchase extra cabin baggage if you plan to bring additional items. Food and water dishes, absorbent pads, and a spare liner should fit within your allowed cabin baggage.

Documents and health: what you’ll need

International pet travel hinges on quarantine rules at both ends. For flights to Japan, follow the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) process: ISO‑compatible microchip, two rabies vaccinations in the correct order, a rabies antibody (FAVN) test at an approved lab, and a 180‑day wait after the blood draw before arrival for a smooth, minimal‑quarantine entry. You must also submit advance import notification to AQS (commonly 40 days before arrival) and present the official health certificate and AQS import paperwork on landing. Departing Japan requires an export inspection and certificate from AQS; build extra time into your airport schedule, as inspections are not handled at regular check‑in counters.

For flights to the United States, dogs must meet current CDC requirements; rules differ by rabies‑risk status of the origin and can include microchipping, a CDC import form, and specific vaccination or serology evidence. Hawaii enforces its own program (Direct Airport Release or quarantine): pre‑approval, microchip, FAVN results sent to Hawaii authorities, and strict timing for vaccinations and paperwork are essential. Some countries—such as Singapore—require pets to arrive as manifested cargo only, which means ZIPAIR’s in‑cabin pet option cannot be used for those routes. Always verify destination‑specific permits, advance notices, and validity windows for health certificates (often within a short timeframe before departure).

Fees, species limits, and route restrictions

ZIPAIR’s in‑cabin pet service applies only to cats and dogs; birds, rabbits, reptiles, and other species are not accepted. Young animals that are not fully weaned, animals in heat or late pregnancy, or pets showing signs of distress may be refused on welfare grounds. Snub‑nosed (brachycephalic) breeds may be subject to additional restrictions given their heightened breathing risk; speak with your veterinarian and confirm with the airline. A paid pet‑in‑cabin fee applies per sector, separate from any baggage fees, and is typically non‑refundable once booked. Routes are limited by local regulations and aircraft seating; check ZIPAIR’s booking path for current eligibility and the per‑flight pet quota before you make other travel arrangements.

Preparing your pet for a smoother flight

Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks in advance—feed treats inside, take short trips, and practice resting quietly with the door closed. Arrange a pre‑flight vet check to confirm fitness to fly, update vaccines, and discuss motion sickness strategies; most vets advise against sedation because it can depress breathing at altitude. Offer a light meal several hours before departure and water up to security; line the carrier with an absorbent pad and pack a spare. Label the carrier with your name, phone, and itinerary, and keep duplicate document sets (paper and digital) within easy reach.

• Book the in‑cabin pet service early and reconfirm the week of travel.
• Measure and weigh the carrier with your pet inside; bring a backup soft‑sided option if you’re close to the limit.
• Arrive early for document checks and any quarantine inspection.
• Walk and toilet your dog before security; provide a travel‑safe litter setup for cats.
• Carry wipes, extra pads, a small water dish, and a familiar blanket or T‑shirt for comfort.
• If traveling to/from Japan or Hawaii, build months—not weeks—into your paperwork timeline.

Final checks before you book

Policies can change, and local authorities have the final say on entry. Before purchasing tickets, review ZIPAIR’s current “pet in cabin” and “assistance dog” pages, confirm route eligibility, fees, seat restrictions, and the precise carrier size and weight limits. Cross‑check quarantine rules for every country you will enter or transit, including Hawaii and Japan’s AQS requirements. With careful preparation and complete documents, your pet’s journey can be as calm and predictable as your own.

Age categories and who needs a seat

For ZIPAIR Tokyo (ZG), an infant is typically a child under 2 years old on the day of travel, a child is 2–11, and an adult is 12+. That matters because infants may travel on a guardian’s lap or in their own purchased seat, while children 2+ must occupy their own seat and use the standard seat belt during taxi, take‑off, and landing. As a low‑cost carrier, ZIPAIR ties most benefits to the fare and options you choose, so it helps to decide early whether you want to add seats, bags, or priority services. Policies can evolve by route and regulation, so always confirm details in your booking and on ZIPAIR’s website before you finalize plans.

Tickets, seats, and lap‑infant rules

If you’re traveling with an infant, you can hold them on your lap (one lap infant per accompanying adult) or buy a separate seat at the child fare so they can use an approved car seat. Lap infants don’t occupy a seat and aren’t assigned one, and certain rows may be unavailable for lap infants due to oxygen‑mask limits—if that happens, the crew may reseat you for safety. When traveling with more than one infant, you’ll need to purchase a seat for the additional infant(s). To keep your family together, it’s wise to purchase seat selection; while staff will try to seat families nearby, it isn’t guaranteed without pre‑selection on a full flight.

Baggage for kids and what’s included

Children with their own seat follow the same baggage rules as the fare you buy—carry‑on and checked allowances are the same as adults for that ticket type. Lap infants generally don’t receive a separate baggage allowance, so plan to allocate essentials within the accompanying adult’s allowance or purchase extra baggage in advance for the best price. The good news is that essential baby items are treated more flexibly: a stroller and a car seat are typically accepted free of charge when traveling with a child, even if you’ve bought no checked bags. Do pack medicine, diapers, a change of clothes, and snacks in your cabin bag so you aren’t searching the hold mid‑flight.

Strollers, car seats, and bassinets

You can use your stroller in the airport up to the gate, where it’s tagged and gate‑checked; you’ll pick it up at the aircraft door or baggage claim depending on the station. Compact foldable strollers may sometimes fit overhead, but space is never guaranteed—expect to gate‑check. If you buy a seat for your infant or travel with a toddler, an approved child restraint is allowed on board: look for labels such as FAA approval or UN ECE R44/04 or R129 (i‑Size). Install the car seat in a window seat, never in an exit row, and follow the manufacturer’s forward‑/rear‑facing guidance; many crews will also accept the CARES harness for children 2+ when properly labeled. ZIPAIR does not provide onboard bassinets, so if your baby sleeps best lying down, a purchased seat with a suitable car seat is your most comfortable setup.

ZIPAIR Tokyo Loyalty Guide

How ZIPAIR handles loyalty

ZIPAIR Tokyo (IATA: ZG) takes a different path from traditional airlines: it focuses on low fares and simple, à‑la‑carte options rather than a miles-and-status ecosystem. That means there’s no conventional frequent flyer program, no bank of miles to collect, and no alliance perks to unlock. At the time of writing, you won’t find elite qualification charts, partner earning tables, or award charts here. Instead, value comes from the fare you pay and the extras you choose—something to keep in mind as you plan and budget your trip.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

Because ZIPAIR doesn’t run a mileage program, there are no elite tiers to qualify for, and therefore no thresholds to track (like miles flown or segments). You can create a free customer account on ZIPAIR’s site to manage bookings and traveler details, but it isn’t a status-bearing membership. Everyone starts—and stays—on the same footing, with benefits determined by the fare purchased and any add‑ons you select. If you’re used to chasing status on legacy carriers, think of ZIPAIR as a clean slate: pick what you need, skip what you don’t.

Earning miles or points

There’s no ZG-operated currency to earn on ZIPAIR flights, and ZIPAIR isn’t part of an alliance. ZIPAIR‑marketed and operated flights generally do not credit to JAL Mileage Bank or other programs. If your ticket is marketed by another airline and includes a ZIPAIR segment, accrual rules follow the marketing carrier—though ZIPAIR segments are typically ineligible. If earning rewards matters to you, consider using a credit card that bonuses airline purchases so you at least collect bank points or cash back on the fare and ancillaries. In short: treat your ZIPAIR spend like a cash transaction and optimize your payment method accordingly.

Redeeming rewards and upgrades

With no miles currency, there are no award seats, upgrade redemptions, or non‑flight redemptions to consider. Upgrades on ZIPAIR—such as moving to a roomier seat—are offered on a paid basis when available, sometimes appearing post‑booking or during check‑in. There are no partner airline awards either, since ZIPAIR doesn’t sit inside a global alliance. If you’re comparing options, think in cash terms: what you’d pay to upgrade now versus buying the cabin you want from the start.

Benefits and what to expect at the airport

A focused, all‑787 fleet

ZIPAIR Tokyo keeps things refreshingly simple with an all–Boeing 787‑8 lineup. At the time of writing, the airline operates eight Dreamliners, each drawn from the Japan Airlines (JAL) family and refitted for ZIPAIR’s long‑haul, low‑cost mission. Running a single type helps crews, maintenance teams, and schedulers speak the same language, which translates to fewer surprises for you when you board. It also makes network growth more flexible, because any aircraft can cover any route—from transpacific hops to regional Asia turns—without juggling multiple training or spare‑parts pools.

Cabins and configuration you can expect

Every 787‑8 in the fleet is arranged in two cabins: ZIP Full‑Flat at the front and Standard seats throughout the main cabin. The typical layout features 18 lie‑flat seats up front in a space‑efficient 2‑2‑2 arrangement, followed by 3‑3‑3 seating in economy for a total of about 290 seats. You won’t find seatback screens; instead, ZIPAIR leans into a lighter, modern approach with free, onboard Wi‑Fi and streaming to your own device, plus power outlets and USB ports at your seat. The result is a consistent cabin experience across aircraft, so what you see on one Dreamliner is what you’ll see on the next—useful when you’re planning sleep, work, or movie time.

Newest and oldest aircraft

Although the airframes themselves were originally delivered to JAL in the early‑to‑mid 2010s, each one entered ZIPAIR service after a thorough interior refresh. That means you get a cabin that feels cohesive and contemporary, even if the metal has some history. The newest additions joined in 2024 following refurbishment, while the oldest airframes trace their build dates back to around 2012. Thanks to Dreamliner design—composites, lower cabin altitude, and larger windows—these jets age gracefully, and ZIPAIR’s standardized cabin keeps the onboard feel aligned across the fleet.

What’s next for the fleet

ZIPAIR’s growth plan is pragmatic: expand by transferring additional 787‑8s from the JAL Group rather than placing factory orders of its own. Near‑term planning points to a modest increase toward the low‑double‑digits, which supports added frequencies and new city pairs without complicating operations. There are no formal retirements announced for the type; the airline is leaning into the 787‑8 as its backbone for the foreseeable future. For you, that means stable expectations—book ZIPAIR, and you can bank on a Dreamliner.

ZIPAIR Tokyo Inflight Dining

What to expect on your flight

ZIPAIR Tokyo (ZG) runs a straightforward, low‑cost model: there is no complimentary meal service in either Standard (economy) or ZIP Full‑Flat (business) cabins. Instead, you can pre‑order set meals before departure or purchase food and drinks on board. The menu leans Japanese—think rice bowls, curries, bento‑style sets, sandwiches, soups, and sweets—alongside familiar international snacks. On shorter routes, you’ll mostly see light meals and snacks; on long‑haul sectors, hot mains and more substantial sets are available throughout the flight. Inventory can sell out during busy services, so if a hot meal at a specific time matters to you, pre‑order is the safest bet.

Dietary needs and special meals

As a budget carrier, ZG does not offer the full catalog of IATA‑coded special meals (e.g., kosher or halal) and cannot guarantee nut‑free, dairy‑free, or gluten‑free preparation. You’ll often find vegetarian choices, and some items may be naturally gluten‑light, but they are not certified and may share preparation areas. Severe allergy protocols are limited: the cabin environment cannot be made allergen‑free, and cross‑contact is possible. You’re welcome to bring your own food that complies with security and customs rules; however, crew cannot refrigerate, heat, or plate personal items. For infants and medical diets, pack what you need and carry essential medications and wipes in your personal bag.

How to order and pre‑order

Meals can be added during booking or later via Manage Booking, with a cutoff typically one to two days before departure (exact timing varies by route and schedule). Pre‑ordering locks in your selection and timing—your set is usually delivered after take‑off or at your chosen service window. If you prefer to decide on board, connect to the inflight portal via Wi‑Fi and order from your seat; crew will deliver when the aisle is open. The service is cashless: expect card or mobile‑payment only, and have a backup method ready. Popular items can sell out mid‑flight, especially on overnight transpacific routes, so order early if you’re buying on board.

Beverages and alcohol on board

You’ll find a solid range of soft drinks, juices, bottled water, and hot coffee or tea, plus occasional seasonal beverages. Alcoholic options typically include beer, wine, and select spirits; availability varies by route and stock. You may carry sealed alcohol within duty‑free limits, but aviation law prohibits consuming your own—only drinks served by the crew may be consumed on board. Expect ID checks for legal drinking age where applicable, and note that alcohol is not complimentary in any cabin. Hydration matters in the dry cabin air, so consider pre‑ordering water or purchasing larger bottles early in the flight.

What ZIPAIR offers on board

ZIPAIR Tokyo keeps entertainment simple and modern: there are no seatback screens on its Boeing 787‑8 fleet, and you’ll use your own phone, tablet, or laptop to tune in. Through the onboard web portal, you’ll usually find a small but useful mix of movies, a handful of TV episodes, a moving map, and digital reading material. The emphasis is on short and mid‑length content that’s easy to enjoy on a personal device, with language options commonly in Japanese and English. Music collections and casual games appear on some flights, but availability can vary, so think of movies and TV as the core and everything else as a bonus. It’s a lean, bring‑your‑own‑screen model designed to pair with the airline’s connectivity.

How to watch, listen, and play

Once seated, connect to the “ZIPAIR” Wi‑Fi network and open your browser to the onboard portal—there’s no app to download and no login fees for portal access. From there, you can stream available titles directly to your personal device, browse the flight map, and access shopping and service information. Bring wired or Bluetooth headphones you’re happy to wear for hours; cabin noise can mask dialogue, and noise‑isolating earbuds make a big difference. Most seats provide USB power (and AC outlets in many rows, especially around the ZIP Full‑Flat cabin), but charging speeds vary, so start your flight topped up.

Variety and quality of content

Expect a rotating slate that balances Japanese cinema and anime with a selection of international films and popular Hollywood releases. TV content tends to be curated episodes rather than complete seasons, which suits long‑haul sprints when your attention ebbs and flows. Streaming quality is optimized for mobile screens—generally smooth and crisp, though not the ultra‑high bitrates you might use at home. If there’s a title you absolutely want to see, it’s wise to download it from your favorite service before boarding; the portal selection changes and licensing can differ by route.

Cabin differences you’ll notice

Entertainment access is the same in ZIP Full‑Flat and Standard Class: everyone uses the portal and Wi‑Fi with no dedicated seatback screens. Where the experience diverges is comfort and power: the Full‑Flat seat gives you more space to prop a tablet, tuck away cables, and work without juggling trays, while Standard Class is perfectly workable with a phone or compact tablet. Neither cabin typically includes complimentary headphones or amenity kits by default, so pack your own creature comforts. In practice, the best entertainment setup is the one you bring.