Planning a trip with Japan’s low-cost long-haul carrier? Understanding the ZIPAIR baggage policy before you pack can save you from steep airport charges and last-minute stress. As a budget airline, ZIPAIR uses an à la carte model where baggage is priced separately from your base fare, so knowing the exact ZIPAIR baggage allowance, size limits, and fees helps you build the cheapest possible trip. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about ZIPAIR carry-on baggage, checked baggage, sports equipment, prohibited items, and money-saving tips.
ZIPAIR Baggage Policy Overview
ZIPAIR, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, operates as a low-cost carrier, which means baggage is not bundled into the ticket price the way it is with full-service airlines. Every passenger receives a modest free carry-on allowance, while all checked baggage must be purchased separately. The key to flying ZIPAIR affordably is buying any extra baggage online in advance, since fees rise sharply at the airport. Below, we cover each part of the policy in detail.
ZIPAIR Carry-On Baggage Allowance
Under the ZIPAIR carry-on baggage policy, passengers may bring up to two pieces of carry-on baggage on board free of charge, as long as each item meets the size requirements and the combined weight stays within the limit.
The ZIPAIR carry-on size limits are:
- First piece: 55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm (a standard cabin bag)
- Second piece: 35 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (a smaller personal item)
- Total combined weight: must not exceed 7 kg
If you cannot weigh your bags beforehand, baggage scales are available at most airports. ZIPAIR does not accept oversized carry-on items, such as musical instruments, that cannot fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Any item that exceeds the carry-on allowance must be checked in instead.
Buying Extra Carry-On Weight
If your hand luggage is a little over the limit, ZIPAIR lets you increase your carry-on allowance. By paying an additional fee, you can carry up to a total of 15 kg on board (the standard 7 kg plus an extra 8 kg). This add-on must be purchased at least 24 hours before departure, as it cannot be bought at the airport counter on the day of travel. If the size, number of pieces, or weight exceeds 15 kg, the baggage must be checked.
Additional carry-on fees vary by route. As examples, the charge runs around 2,000 yen on the Narita–Seoul segment, roughly 3,000 yen on routes such as Narita–Bangkok and Narita–Singapore, and about 5,000 yen on US-bound routes like Narita–Los Angeles. Paying through the Contact Center adds an administration fee of approximately 1,000 yen.
ZIPAIR Checked Baggage Policy
ZIPAIR’s checked baggage policy works on a per-piece basis, meaning each bag you check is charged separately regardless of how much you pack inside it. There is no free checked baggage with a basic fare, so fees apply starting from the very first piece.
The ZIPAIR checked baggage size and weight limits are:
- Maximum weight: 30 kg per piece
- Maximum dimensions: 203 cm total (length + width + height combined)
- Maximum quantity: up to 5 pieces per passenger
Any bag heavier than 30 kg or larger than 203 cm cannot be accepted as standard checked baggage (sports equipment is an exception, covered below). Because pricing is per piece, three bags of 10 kg each cost more than a single 30 kg bag, so consolidating your luggage where possible can lower your total cost.
ZIPAIR Checked Baggage Fees
Checked baggage fees vary by route and have a higher price tier for departures on or after 30 March 2025. A few sample one-way rates when purchased in advance include:
- Narita–Seoul: 4,000 yen
- Narita–Bangkok: 6,000 yen
- Narita–Singapore: 6,000 yen
- Narita–Honolulu: 7,500 yen
- Narita–Los Angeles / San Francisco / Houston: 11,000 yen
At the airport counter, only credit cards, debit cards, and Union Pay QR codes are accepted; cash is not. An extra administration fee of around 1,000 yen applies when you pay at the counter or via the Contact Center, which is why buying online in advance is always the cheaper option.
Free Checked Baggage on ZIPAIR
A few essential items can be checked free of charge, which is helpful for families and travelers with mobility needs. These include:
- Baby strollers (your own; bags are not provided, and rented strollers incur a fee)
- One child car seat (your own; car seats cannot be used onboard)
- One wheelchair (a second wheelchair is charged)
- Other mobility aids
You may take your own stroller to the boarding gate, but you’ll need to collect it from the baggage claim area on arrival.
ZIPAIR Sports Equipment Policy
ZIPAIR accepts certain sports gear as checked baggage under special dimensional rules and pricing. Each piece of sports equipment counts toward your five-piece checked baggage maximum and cannot exceed 32 kg per item.
Eligible sports equipment includes:
- Bicycles (including case)
- Golf equipment (no limit on the number of clubs)
- Ski and snowboard equipment
- Surfboards
Pricing is split into two tiers. Golf gear, ski/snowboard equipment, and surfboards up to 200 cm per side (including case) are charged at one rate, while surfboards over 200 cm and bicycles fall into a higher rate. For example, a bicycle on the Narita–Seoul route costs around 8,000 yen, while the same route charges roughly 5,500 yen for golf equipment. Any sports item outside the eligible categories is treated as regular checked baggage.
ZIPAIR Prohibited and Restricted Items
For safety and security, certain items are restricted or banned. Items not allowed as checked baggage include valuables (currency, jewelry, precious metals), important documents and securities, fragile electronics such as laptops, perishable food, strongly scented items, and anything improperly packed.
Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in your carry-on baggage, never in checked luggage. Electronic devices with lithium batteries are permitted in the cabin but should be powered off or in airplane mode during the flight. Weapons are prohibited, and items like scissors and knives must be checked rather than carried on. Additional restrictions apply on US routes and on flights departing Seoul, so always review ZIPAIR’s baggage restriction list before traveling.
Pets and Assistance Dogs
ZIPAIR does not accept animals as either checked or carry-on baggage, and pets are not allowed in the cabin. The one exception is assistance dogs (guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs), which travel in the cabin free of charge. You must notify ZIPAIR at the time of reservation and submit the required documents at least 48 hours before departure. Emotional support animals are not permitted. Travelers should also confirm animal quarantine and entry requirements with the destination country in advance.
Tips to Save Money on ZIPAIR Baggage
- Buy baggage online in advance through the ZIPAIR website or “Manage Booking” to avoid the airport administration fee.
- Pack light and stay within 7 kg to travel with free carry-on only.
- Consolidate checked bags, since pricing is per piece, not by total weight.
- Split items between two travelers’ carry-on allowances instead of upgrading, when traveling as a pair.
- Use the Self Baggage Drop kiosks to check in quickly and skip the counter line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much carry-on baggage can I bring on ZIPAIR for free?
You can bring two pieces totaling 7 kg, with the first bag up to 55 x 40 x 25 cm and the second up to 35 x 45 x 25 cm.
Does ZIPAIR include checked baggage in the ticket price?
No. ZIPAIR is a low-cost carrier, so all checked baggage must be purchased separately, with fees applying from the first piece.
What is the ZIPAIR checked baggage weight limit?
Each checked bag can weigh up to 30 kg and measure up to 203 cm in total dimensions, with a maximum of 5 pieces per passenger.
Can I add extra carry-on weight on ZIPAIR?
Yes. You can increase your carry-on to a total of 15 kg by paying an extra fee at least 24 hours before departure, but not at the airport.
Are power banks allowed on ZIPAIR?
Yes, but only in carry-on baggage. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are prohibited in checked luggage.
Final Thoughts
The ZIPAIR baggage policy is straightforward once you understand its low-cost, pay-as-you-go structure. Stick to your free 7 kg carry-on if you can, purchase any checked or extra baggage online well before your flight, and double-check the route-specific fees and prohibited items. A little planning ahead keeps your fares low and your travel day smooth. Always confirm the latest details on the official ZIPAIR website before you fly, as fees and rules can change.
