Zipair Launches Budget-Friendly Direct Flights Between Tokyo and Vancouver

Tokyo-based airline Zipair has announced the launch of direct flights from Tokyo Narita Airport to Vancouver International Airport beginning March 13, 2024. Operating three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, the new route provides an affordable way for travelers to fly nonstop between Japan and Vancouver.

Zipair will be using its fleet of Boeing 787-8 aircraft on the route. The airline currently has seven of the Dreamliners in its fleet, all equipped with 18 lie-flat business class seats and 272 standard economy seats. While Zipair skimps on frills, the Dreamliner provides a comfortable riding experience for the 9.5-hour journey across the Pacific.

Below are the pricing for economy and business class seats, you can check the full schedule here.

Introductory fares for the Tokyo to Vancouver flights start at just $306 CAD each way including taxes and fees. This is less than half the typical cost of nonstop flights on full-service carriers like Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Air Canada. With roundtrip flights often surpassing $1,200 CAD, Zipair’s budget fares will be a welcome option for price-conscious travelers and those with flexibility.

Sample Airfares

Fare Type	Airfare (Per Seat / One-Way Fare)		Age
	Tokyo – Vancouver	Vancouver – Tokyo
ZIP Full-Flat Value	From JPY 105,335 ~	From CAD 1,102.16 ~	7 years and above
Standard Value	From JPY 32,960 ~	From CAD 352.16 ~	7 years and above
U6 Standard Value	JPY 12,790 (Flat Rate)	CAD 156.16 (Flat Rate)	6 years and under

The new route expands Zipair’s growing transpacific network from its Tokyo Narita hub. The airline currently flies to several destinations in Asia including Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila. It also serves four cities in the United States: Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose. The Vancouver service will be Zipair’s first foray into the Canadian market as it continues to provide low-cost long-haul flights.

While the base fares are cheap, Zipair does nickel-and-dime passengers for extras. Checked bags, seat assignments, in-flight meals and snacks are all added fees on top of the ticket price.

Ancillary Service Package

		Pricing Details
Baggage Allowance		30kg per piece	JPY7,000 / CAD73
Carry-on Baggage (7kg Included)		Fee-based option to add 8kg (Total 15kg)	JPY5,000 / CAD52
Package	Value	Checked Baggage 30kg, Seat Selection, Inflight Meal	JPY11,000 / CAD114
	Premium	Checked Baggage 30kg, Seat Selection, Inflight Meal, Carry-on +8kg, Amenity Set	JPY18,000 / CAD187

Travelers willing to pack light, bring food, and score a basic economy seat can still fly at a fraction of the standard prices for direct flights. This a la carte model is similar to other bare-bones budget carriers.

Services Onboard

Zipair provides complimentary inflight entertainment and internet access for passengers to use on their own devices. Travelers can connect to free WiFi to browse the web and access onboard shopping to order drinks, snacks, and duty-free items delivered to their seats. Zipair also offers an inflight entertainment portal with films, magazines, music, and original video content to enjoy via personal devices. While the airline has sacrificed seatback screens and other amenities to lower fares, the onboard connectivity and entertainment options help pass the nearly 10-hour journey between Vancouver and Tokyo.

Flight Schedule

The schedule for the new route is optimized for quick trips between Vancouver and Tokyo. Flights depart Tokyo Narita in the late afternoon and arrive at Vancouver International the next morning. Return flights leave Vancouver in the morning and get back to Tokyo Narita in the early afternoon. The timings allow for full days on both ends of the journey.

March 13 – March 30, 2024

Flight #	Schedule	Operates
ZG22	Departs Narita 16:00 Arrives Vancouver 08:30	Monday / Wednesday / Saturday
ZG21	Departs Vancouver 10:30 Arrives Narita 13:00 (next day)

March 31 – June 30, 2024

Flight #	Schedule	Operates
ZG22	Departs Narita 15:40 Arrives Vancouver 08:25	Monday / Wednesday / Saturday
ZG21	Departs Vancouver 10:25 Arrives Narita 12:25 (next day)

July 1 – September 30, 2024

Flight #	Schedule	Operates
ZG22	Departs Narita 15:40 Arrives Vancouver 08:45	Monday / Wednesday / Saturday
ZG21	Departs Vancouver 10:45 Arrives Narita 12:25 (next day)

October 1 – October 26, 2024

Flight #	Schedule	Operates
ZG22	Departs Narita 15:40 Arrives Vancouver 08:25	Monday / Wednesday / Saturday
ZG21	Departs Vancouver 10:25 Arrives Narita 12:25 (next day)

For businesses, the nonstop flights open up easy access between Vancouver and Tokyo’s major financial and technology hubs. Tourism between the two cities is also expected to get a major boost from the new low-cost option. The affordable fares will allow leisure travelers to visit Vancouver and Tokyo without breaking the bank.

With the launch of Vancouver service, Zipair continues to shake up transpacific travel options from Tokyo. While its no-frills experience isn’t for everyone, the cheap fares are enticing for flexible travelers who don’t mind sacrificing some comforts. As Zipair expands its long-haul network, it’s bringing competition that will hopefully drive down prices on routes between Asia and North America.

Source: Zipair