frontpageserra | Staff posted Mar 26, 2026 05:50 PM
Item 1 of 3
Item 1 of 3
frontpageserra | Staff posted Mar 26, 2026 05:50 PM
ZIPAIR Round Trip Nonstop Flights: San Francisco, CA to Tokyo, Japan
(Travel August - September 2026)$543
$705
22% offExpedia
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I did that once and it was rough. Having an umbrella that has the reflective lining will help you a lot if you're doing stuff like walking a lot or doing tokyo disney. As it gets closer to September, you get random summer Rain that pops in.
Would that be less expensive than paying the checked bag fees?
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btw, there are regular carriers flights in the 680-750 range per person, that will include at least one check-in free. Cheaper if off times and connecting flights and normal carry on only. i know because I already booked. Besides, August+ isn't it heavy rain season?
In terms of bringing food and drink, the flight from Tokyo to SFO is not a big deal because you leave at night, so everyone basically just eats prior to the flight and goes to sleep. The flight from SFO to Tokyo involves needing more snacks and food. They weigh your carry-on at check-in. So you can totally add bottles of water and snacks after you get through security. They actually went on the speaker and told us all to get water, drinks and snacks at the convenience store kiosk in Tokyo prior to boarding because they were scared the purchasing system was down. (they can only do cardless sale on the flight). But the prices they charge are pretty much similar to Japan and not US prices, so its like less than $1.50 for a bottle of water. But everyone on the flight basically are Californians used to bringing huge water bottles everywhere and they have great fill stations at SFO.
The only issue is seating, you have to pay to pick your seats, but that is the thing with most airlines now.
I found it cleaner than other airlines and quiet. The thing you have to consider is the location. They use Narita Airport, so make sure you understand your transportation after you land because it is limited in the evenings and you have to hustle after landing at night. I recommend taking the low cost bus that sounds bad but actually is really good and will drop you off at Tokyo Station.
I would disagree with people that everything in Tokyo is super cheap. The thing that is not cheap is Hotels. I think it was cheaper a few years ago but last year the prices went up a ton due to the increase in tourism with the drop in the yen. I was told it was really cheap but thats not what I found if you want to do mid tier hotels.
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I flew this SFO to Tokyo flight last year on ZIPAIR. I actually liked that they didn't provide services like food and drinks unless you ordered. It really made the flight smell better and quieter. I didn't think paying for the luggage was a big deal and easy to share one suitcase with someone else if you max out your carry-on. Plus, I found that a lot of the hotels have really good laundry (I made sure to book hotels with machines). I was able to survive with only clothes for half the trip and just wash halfway.
In terms of bringing food and drink, the flight from Tokyo to SFO is not a big deal because you leave at night, so everyone basically just eats prior to the flight and goes to sleep. The flight from SFO to Tokyo involves needing more snacks and food. They weigh your carry-on at check-in. So you can totally add bottles of water and snacks after you get through security. They actually went on the speaker and told us all to get water, drinks and snacks at the convenience store kiosk in Tokyo prior to boarding because they were scared the purchasing system was down. (they can only do cardless sale on the flight). But the prices they charge are pretty much similar to Japan and not US prices, so its like less than $1.50 for a bottle of water. But everyone on the flight basically are Californians used to bringing huge water bottles everywhere and they have great fill stations at SFO.
The only issue is seating, you have to pay to pick your seats, but that is the thing with most airlines now.
I found it cleaner than other airlines and quiet. The thing you have to consider is the location. They use Narita Airport, so make sure you understand your transportation after you land because it is limited in the evenings and you have to hustle after landing at night. I recommend taking the low cost bus that sounds bad but actually is really good and will drop you off at Tokyo Station.
I would disagree with people that everything in Tokyo is super cheap. The thing that is not cheap is Hotels. I think it was cheaper a few years ago but last year the prices went up a ton due to the increase in tourism with the drop in the yen. I was told it was really cheap but thats not what I found if you want to do mid tier hotels.
You likely land at Narita Terminal 3, the budget airline terminal. You have to walk (unless this changed) ~1 kilometer to get to Terminal 2, where the transportation is, with your luggage.
I landed at 9pm Tokyo time once, and had to catch the last local train at 11pm to get to Tokyo Station. It took >2 hours, and the train was crowded. I wish I took the Airport Limo bus, would have at least had a seat.
I flew this SFO to Tokyo flight last year on ZIPAIR. I actually liked that they didn't provide services like food and drinks unless you ordered. It really made the flight smell better and quieter. I didn't think paying for the luggage was a big deal and easy to share one suitcase with someone else if you max out your carry-on. Plus, I found that a lot of the hotels have really good laundry (I made sure to book hotels with machines). I was able to survive with only clothes for half the trip and just wash halfway.
In terms of bringing food and drink, the flight from Tokyo to SFO is not a big deal because you leave at night, so everyone basically just eats prior to the flight and goes to sleep. The flight from SFO to Tokyo involves needing more snacks and food. They weigh your carry-on at check-in. So you can totally add bottles of water and snacks after you get through security. They actually went on the speaker and told us all to get water, drinks and snacks at the convenience store kiosk in Tokyo prior to boarding because they were scared the purchasing system was down. (they can only do cardless sale on the flight). But the prices they charge are pretty much similar to Japan and not US prices, so its like less than $1.50 for a bottle of water. But everyone on the flight basically are Californians used to bringing huge water bottles everywhere and they have great fill stations at SFO.
The only issue is seating, you have to pay to pick your seats, but that is the thing with most airlines now.
I found it cleaner than other airlines and quiet. The thing you have to consider is the location. They use Narita Airport, so make sure you understand your transportation after you land because it is limited in the evenings and you have to hustle after landing at night. I recommend taking the low cost bus that sounds bad but actually is really good and will drop you off at Tokyo Station.
I would disagree with people that everything in Tokyo is super cheap. The thing that is not cheap is Hotels. I think it was cheaper a few years ago but last year the prices went up a ton due to the increase in tourism with the drop in the yen. I was told it was really cheap but thats not what I found if you want to do mid tier hotels.
You likely land at Narita Terminal 3, the budget airline terminal. You have to walk (unless this changed) ~1 kilometer to get to Terminal 2, where the transportation is, with your luggage.
I landed at 9pm Tokyo time once, and had to catch the last local train at 11pm to get to Tokyo Station. It took >2 hours, and the train was crowded. I wish I took the Airport Limo bus, would have at least had a seat.
But this was all within the same terminal that we landed, so no issues with walking a ton to get there.
And yeah another tip is to have cash. Yes you can use your cards but you definitely need cash for a lot of stuff as sometimes they just don't like our foreign credit cards and as the say their tech is kinda sometimes in the 90s.
I flew this SFO to Tokyo flight last year on ZIPAIR. I actually liked that they didn't provide services like food and drinks unless you ordered. It really made the flight smell better and quieter. I didn't think paying for the luggage was a big deal and easy to share one suitcase with someone else if you max out your carry-on. Plus, I found that a lot of the hotels have really good laundry (I made sure to book hotels with machines). I was able to survive with only clothes for half the trip and just wash halfway.
In terms of bringing food and drink, the flight from Tokyo to SFO is not a big deal because you leave at night, so everyone basically just eats prior to the flight and goes to sleep. The flight from SFO to Tokyo involves needing more snacks and food. They weigh your carry-on at check-in. So you can totally add bottles of water and snacks after you get through security. They actually went on the speaker and told us all to get water, drinks and snacks at the convenience store kiosk in Tokyo prior to boarding because they were scared the purchasing system was down. (they can only do cardless sale on the flight). But the prices they charge are pretty much similar to Japan and not US prices, so its like less than $1.50 for a bottle of water. But everyone on the flight basically are Californians used to bringing huge water bottles everywhere and they have great fill stations at SFO.
The only issue is seating, you have to pay to pick your seats, but that is the thing with most airlines now.
I found it cleaner than other airlines and quiet. The thing you have to consider is the location. They use Narita Airport, so make sure you understand your transportation after you land because it is limited in the evenings and you have to hustle after landing at night. I recommend taking the low cost bus that sounds bad but actually is really good and will drop you off at Tokyo Station.
I would disagree with people that everything in Tokyo is super cheap. The thing that is not cheap is Hotels. I think it was cheaper a few years ago but last year the prices went up a ton due to the increase in tourism with the drop in the yen. I was told it was really cheap but thats not what I found if you want to do mid tier hotels.
Our family flew on ZipAir over the last couple of years as gateway flights to Asia. Best thing is that kids under 6 (includes 6) has super discounted fares!! I confer with the bus option to Tokyo station. The other great option is Keisei Narita Skyaccess, which is an express to Asakusa but at 1/2 price to the Skyliner or NEX.
It is true that during off peak, other traditional airlines would be similar or even cheaper with all fees added on but during peak season, it's unbeatable.
Last thing about the fees for everything, I think it's a great mental exercise on what you need. We've always carried on our food and water. With enough trips, you figure out how to pack light. I have to agree that paying $60 for checked in bag on the way back is necessary to bring back all the goodies!
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