ZIPAIR Baggage Policy: 2026 Fees, Limits & Saving Tips

As Japan Airlines’ (JAL) low-cost international subsidiary, ZIPAIR Tokyo operates medium- and long-haul Boeing 787-8 flights across the Pacific. ZIPAIR uses a strictly unbundled à la carte model: fares are remarkably affordable, but baggage allowances must be understood and purchased strategically before arriving at the terminal.

To calculate exact fees for your flight date and currency, always cross-check details on the ZIPAIR Official Baggage Service Center before flight departure.

What is ZIPAIR’s Carry-On Baggage Allowance?

ZIPAIR permits two pieces of carry-on baggage per passenger at no charge, with a combined weight limit of 7 kg (15.4 lbs). The first piece must not exceed 55 cm x 40 cm - 25 cm (21.6″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″), while the second piece is limited to 45 cm x 35 cm - 25 cm (17.7″ x 13.8″ x 9.8″). Both pieces together must fit within the dimensional and weight restrictions to qualify for free carriage.

Carry-On Baggage Dimensions & Weight

Item	Maximum Dimensions	Maximum Weight
First piece	55 cm x 40 cm - 25 cm	7 kg combined
Second piece	45 cm x 35 cm - 25 cm	(both pieces)
Total allowance	2 pieces	7 kg total

Important restrictions:

• Large items like musical instruments that cannot fit in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you are not permitted as carry-on baggage
• Bags must be weighed at airport scales if you cannot verify weight beforehand
• Oversized or overweight carry-on bags must be checked at standard checked baggage rates

Can I Upgrade My Carry-On Weight to 15 kg?

Yes. ZIPAIR allows passengers to increase their carry-on weight allowance from 7 kg to 15 kg (33 lbs) by purchasing an additional 8 kg upgrade. This upgrade must be purchased through the “Manage Booking” page at least 24 hours before departure. 

You cannot purchase this upgrade at the airport on the day of travel, if your carry-on exceeds 7 kg at check-in without prior purchase, it will be checked as regular baggage at the applicable checked baggage fee plus a 1,000 yen administration charge.

ZIPAIR Carry-On Baggage Fees by Route

Route	Additional 8 kg Fee
Narita ? Seoul	€2,000
Seoul ? Narita	?19,050
Narita ? Bangkok	€3,000
Bangkok ? Narita	?760
Narita ? Singapore	€3,000
Singapore ? Narita	S$31
Narita ? Honolulu	€4,000
Honolulu ? Narita	$31
Narita ? San Francisco	€5,000
San Francisco ? Narita	$38
Narita ? Los Angeles	€5,000
Los Angeles ? Narita	$38

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with a companion, consider splitting heavier items between two carry-on allowances rather than upgrading. Two passengers can collectively carry 14 kg (or 30 kg with both upgrades) without checking bags.

Connecting Flights & Multi-Airline Trips: If your itinerary involves connecting flights or partner airlines, make sure to check and compare their specific baggage allowances: Wizz Air Baggage Policy and Aegean Airlines Baggage Policy.

ZIPAIR Check-In Baggage Size, Weight, and Fees

ZIPAIR’s checked baggage policy operates on a per-piece basis, meaning each bag you check incurs a separate fee regardless of its weight (up to the maximum). Each checked bag must not exceed 30 kg (66 lbs) per piece, and the sum of length, width, and height cannot exceed 203 cm (79.9 inches). Passengers may check up to five pieces of baggage per flight.

Key Checked Baggage Rules

Weight & dimension limits:

• Maximum weight per piece: 30 kg (66 lbs)
• Maximum dimensions: 203 cm total (length + width + height)
• Bags exceeding these limits cannot be checked (except eligible sports equipment)

Piece-based pricing example:
If you have three bags weighing 10 kg each, you’ll pay for three separate checked bags - not one allowance based on 30 kg total weight. This is where many travelers miscalculate costs.

Check-in deadlines:

• Checked baggage must be dropped off at least one hour before departure
• Use self-service baggage drop machines when available to avoid counter lines
• Late arrivals may not be able to check bags

ZIPAIR Baggage Fees International Routes

Route	Fee per Checked Bag
Narita ? Seoul	€4,000
Seoul ? Narita	?38,100
Narita ? Manila	€6,000
Manila ? Narita	$46
Narita ? Bangkok	€6,000
Bangkok ? Narita	?1,523
Narita ? Singapore	€6,000
Singapore ? Narita	S$61
Narita ? Honolulu	€7,500
Honolulu ? Narita	$58
Narita ? Vancouver	€11,000
Vancouver ? Narita	C$114
Narita ? San Francisco	€11,000
San Francisco ? Narita	$85
Narita ? Los Angeles	€11,000
Los Angeles ? Narita	$85

Payment methods at airport:

• Credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards accepted
• Union Pay QR codes accepted
• Cash is NOT accepted
• Airport counter payments incur an additional €1,000 administration fee

Money-saving strategy: Always purchase checked baggage allowances online through the ZIPAIR website during booking or via “Manage Booking” before your trip. Airport purchases cost significantly more due to the mandatory administration fee.

How Do I Add Baggage After Booking on ZIPAIR?

You can add checked baggage or carry-on weight upgrades after booking by accessing the “Reservation Confirmation and Changes” page on ZIPAIR’s website. Log in with your booking reference number and last name, then navigate to baggage options. 

Changes must be completed at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for carry-on upgrades; checked baggage can be added closer to departure but purchasing in advance avoids the €1,000 administration fee charged at airport counters.

Step-by-step process:

1. Visit zipair.net and click “Check Reservation”
2. Enter your booking reference and passenger last name
3. Select “Manage Booking” or “Add Services”
4. Choose “Baggage” from the menu
5. Select the number of checked bags or carry-on weight upgrade
6. Complete payment with credit/debit card
7. Receive updated confirmation email

Deadline reminders:

• Carry-on weight upgrade: Must purchase 24+ hours before departure
• Checked baggage: Can purchase anytime before check-in closes, but advance purchase saves €1,000 per transaction
• Airport counter purchases require credit/debit card only (no cash)

What Happens If My Carry-On Luggage is Over 7 kg?

If your carry-on baggage exceeds the 7 kg limit and you have not pre-purchased the 8 kg upgrade, ZIPAIR staff will require you to check the bag. 

You’ll be charged the applicable checked baggage fee for your route plus a €1,000 administration fee since payment occurs at the airport counter. Bags weighing more than 15 kg total cannot be carried on board under any circumstances and must be checked.

Real-world scenario:
You’re flying Narita to Los Angeles with a 10 kg carry-on bag. You didn’t pre-purchase the upgrade.

• Checked baggage fee: €11,000 ($85)
• Administration fee: €1,000
• Total cost: €12,000 ($92)

Had you purchased the 8 kg upgrade online (allowing up to 15 kg total carry-on):

• Total cost: €5,000 ($38)
• Savings: €7,000 ($54)

This example illustrates why planning ahead matters significantly with ZIPAIR’s baggage policy.

ZIPAIR Baggage Policy Carry On: What Items Are Restricted?

ZIPAIR prohibits or restricts certain items in carry-on baggage for safety and security reasons. Passengers must comply with international aviation regulations and ZIPAIR-specific rules.

Prohibited carry-on items:

• Firearms, explosives, and weapons (including knives, scissors, sharp instruments)
• Fireworks, firecrackers, and gunpowder-containing items
• Bleach, paints, and self-heating meals
• E-cigarettes, lithium batteries (with exceptions for personal electronic devices)
• Matches and cigarette lighters (limited exceptions apply)
• Aerosols (except cosmetics, toiletries, and medicines)

Liquid restrictions:
ZIPAIR follows standard international liquid rules:

• Containers must not exceed 100 ml (3.4 oz) each
• All liquid containers must fit in one transparent, resealable plastic bag
• Maximum bag capacity: 1 liter
• One bag per passenger

Electronic devices:
Laptops, tablets, and smartphones containing lithium batteries are permitted in carry-on baggage but must be powered off or in airplane mode during flight unless Wifi is available.

What is ZIPAIR’s Policy for Sports Equipment and Special Baggage?

ZIPAIR accepts sports equipment as checked baggage with special dimensional allowances and pricing. Eligible items include bicycles, golf equipment, ski/snowboard gear, and surfboards. Each piece of sports equipment counts toward your five-piece maximum checked baggage allowance and cannot exceed 32 kg per item.

Sports Equipment Size Limits

Rather than the standard 203 cm restriction, sports equipment can exceed this if it falls within acceptable dimension combinations:

• Example 1: Length = 254 cm, height = 91 cm, width = 76 cm
• Example 2: Width = 50 cm, height = 60 cm, length = 292 cm

ZIPAIR Sports Equipment Fees

Golf, ski/snowboard gear, or surfboards = 200 cm (including case):

Route	Fee per Item
Narita ? Honolulu	€7,000
Honolulu ? Narita	$64
Narita ? San Francisco	€8,000
San Francisco ? Narita	$73
Narita ? Bangkok	€6,000
Bangkok ? Narita	?1,800

Bicycles or surfboards > 200 cm (including case):

Route	Fee per Item
Narita ? Honolulu	€11,000
Honolulu ? Narita	$100
Narita ? San Francisco	€13,000
San Francisco ? Narita	$118
Narita ? Bangkok	€9,000
Bangkok ? Narita	?2,800

Packing requirements:

• All sports equipment must be properly packed in protective cases
• ZIPAIR provides no packing materials at airports
• Airline is not liable for damage due to inadequate packing
• Golf clubs have no limit on quantity within a single golf bag

What Items Can I Check In for Free on ZIPAIR?

ZIPAIR permits certain assistive and child-care items to be checked in free of charge, even though standard checked baggage incurs fees. These complimentary allowances do not count toward your five-piece maximum.

Free checked items:

• Baby strollers (passenger’s own stroller only)
  • You may bring the stroller to the boarding gate
  • Must collect from baggage claim upon arrival
  • No protective bags provided by airline
• Child car seats (passenger’s own seat only)
  • Cannot be used onboard the aircraft
• One wheelchair per passenger
  • Second or additional wheelchairs incur checked baggage fees
• Other mobility aids as needed

Important exception: If the stroller, car seat, or wheelchair does not belong to the traveling passenger (e.g., borrowed or rented equipment), standard checked baggage fees apply.

Does ZIPAIR Allow Pets or Animals in Baggage?

ZIPAIR does not accept pets or animals as checked or carry-on baggage under any circumstances. The only exception is for assistance dogs (guide dogs, service dogs, and hearing dogs), which are permitted in the cabin free of charge when traveling with passengers who require their services.

Assistance Dog Policy

For passengers traveling with assistance dogs:

• Notify ZIPAIR at time of booking
• Submit required documentation to Contact Center at least 48 hours before departure
• Dogs travel in cabin free of charge
• Entry requirements vary by destination country, consult the consulate or animal quarantine office

US and Canada routes (special rules):

• Service dogs beyond those for physical disabilities may be permitted (e.g., psychiatric service dogs)
• Emotional support animals are not permitted
• Must meet all requirements and provide documentation

New US entry requirements (effective August 1, 2026):
The CDC implemented updated regulations for bringing dogs into the United States. Visit the CDC website for current requirements, including vaccination records, microchipping, and health certificates.

How Many Bags Can You Take on ZIPAIR?

ZIPAIR allows passengers to bring two pieces of carry-on baggage (maximum 7 kg combined weight) free of charge. For checked baggage, passengers may check up to five pieces per flight, with each piece charged separately. 

There is no “free” checked baggage allowance on any ZIPAIR fare, all checked bags incur fees starting with the first piece.

Maximum baggage totals per passenger:

• Carry-on: 2 pieces, 7 kg total (upgradeable to 15 kg)
• Checked: 5 pieces, 30 kg maximum per piece
• Grand total: 7 pieces (2 carry-on + 5 checked)

Planning tip for families: If you’re traveling as a family of four, your collective allowance is substantial:

• 8 carry-on pieces (28-60 kg depending on upgrades)
• Up to 20 checked bags (though cost-prohibitive for most)

Strategic packing across multiple passengers can eliminate the need for checked baggage entirely on shorter trips.

What Does “30 kg 2 Piece Free” Mean?

The phrase “30 kg 2 piece free” typically refers to a checked baggage allowance where passengers can check two bags free of charge, each weighing up to 30 kg. However, this does NOT apply to ZIPAIR. ZIPAIR charges for all checked baggage starting with the first piece, and there is no “2 piece free” allowance on standard or ZIP Full-Flat fares.

This terminology confusion often arises because travelers compare ZIPAIR with traditional full-service carriers like Japan Airlines (ZIPAIR’s parent company), where such allowances exist. ZIPAIR operates as a low-cost carrier with unbundled pricing, passengers pay only for services they use.

ZIPAIR’s actual policy:

• Zero free checked bags
• Each bag up to 30 kg costs the published fee for your route
• Two bags would cost double the single-bag fee

What Does “2 Pieces 23 kg” Mean?

“2 pieces 23 kg” is another standard airline baggage allowance format seen on traditional carriers, meaning passengers can check two bags, each weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs), free of charge. Again, this is not ZIPAIR’s policy. ZIPAIR permits bags up to 30 kg per piece but charges for every single checked bag.

Key distinction:

• Traditional airline: 2 bags - 23 kg = free
• ZIPAIR: 2 bags - 30 kg = 2 - checked baggage fee

If you’re comparing fares across airlines, factor in ZIPAIR’s baggage fees when calculating total trip cost. A ticket that appears cheaper may end up costing more once baggage fees are added.

Can I Carry More Than 15 kg in Flight?

For carry-on baggage, ZIPAIR’s maximum allowance is 15 kg combined across both pieces, even with the paid upgrade. You cannot exceed this limit under any circumstances, bags weighing more than 15 kg total must be checked. 

For checked baggage, each piece can weigh up to 30 kg, and you can check up to five pieces (totaling up to 150 kg if needed), though each bag incurs a separate fee.

Scenario breakdown:

Carry-on only:

• Free allowance: 7 kg (2 pieces)
• With paid upgrade: 15 kg maximum (2 pieces)
• Cannot exceed 15 kg carry-on total

Checked baggage:

• Per piece limit: 30 kg
• Maximum pieces: 5
• Theoretical maximum: 150 kg across 5 bags (costs would be substantial)

Mixed strategy example:

• Carry-on: 15 kg (purchased upgrade)
• Checked: 3 bags - 30 kg = 90 kg
• Total: 105 kg across 5 pieces

This mixed approach works well for extended trips, relocations, or travelers carrying specialized equipment.

What Happens If My Luggage is 2 kg Overweight?

If your checked bag exceeds the 30 kg per-piece limit by any amount (even 2 kg), ZIPAIR will not accept it as checked baggage. Unlike some airlines that charge overweight fees, ZIPAIR has a strict 30 kg maximum per piece policy. You must repack items into another bag within the weight limit or remove items from your luggage.

Your options if a bag is 32 kg:

1. Redistribute weight into another bag (if checking multiple pieces)
2. Wear heavier items (jackets, boots) during travel
3. Move items to carry-on (if within 7 kg or 15 kg allowance)
4. Remove or ship items separately if no other solution works

Why ZIPAIR is strict:
Safety regulations and aircraft weight distribution requirements necessitate adherence to published limits. Paying more does not grant exceptions for overweight bags.

Planning strategy:
Pack each checked bag to 28-29 kg maximum, leaving a 1-2 kg buffer for any items added during your trip. This prevents issues on your return journey.

Can I Carry 8 kg in Hand Luggage?

No, ZIPAIR’s free carry-on allowance is limited to 7 kg total across both pieces. To carry 8 kg (or up to 15 kg), you must purchase the paid carry-on weight upgrade for your route at least 24 hours before departure. 

This upgrade adds 8 kg to your allowance, bringing your total to 15 kg. Without pre-purchasing this upgrade, bags exceeding 7 kg must be checked at the applicable checked baggage rate plus an administration fee.

Cost comparison (Narita ? Los Angeles example):

• Pre-purchase 8 kg upgrade: €5,000
• Check overweight carry-on at airport: €11,000 + €1,000 admin fee = €12,000
• Difference: €7,000 savings by planning ahead

Can I Carry 30 kg in a Bag on ZIPAIR?

You cannot carry a 30 kg bag in the cabin, ZIPAIR’s maximum carry-on weight is 15 kg total across both pieces (and only with the paid upgrade). However, you can check a bag weighing up to 30 kg. Each checked bag can weigh up to the 30 kg maximum and must not exceed 203 cm in combined dimensions (length + width + height).

Correct approach for a 30 kg bag:

• Check as baggage (not carry-on)
• Pay applicable checked baggage fee for your route
• Ensure dimensions are = 203 cm total

For multiple 30 kg bags:
You can check up to five bags at 30 kg each (150 kg total), though costs accumulate quickly since each piece is charged separately.