Going to try Zip Air for first time Nov 18
 

Back at the end of August, I decided to take a chance on Japan fully opening in the fall. The rates at the Grand Hyatt were incredible so I went ahead and booked Thanksgiving week for a club room. I didn't book airfare then because the border policy was changing and it was still unclear and I couldn't find any award availability for the timeframe we wanted. When news broke a week ago (couple weeks ago?) that the border would be fully reopened in Oct, I started to get serious about booking the air portion of the trip. The cheapest biz class I could find was Singapore Air around 4800 and that has since risen to over 7K today. Zip Air kept popping up in my searches and was only 1600 RT with add ons for baggage for a lie flat biz class seat. It just seemed like to good of a deal to pass up. So I booked it last week and will fly them for the first time on Nov 18th.

For me the priority was / is the seat, not the food / service / alcohol so I'm really hoping that this is a bit of a find / hidden gem. Not sure if anyone has flown Zip Air LAX to NRT in their lie flats yet, would love to hear your experiences if you have. I will certainly report back on how it was for us. But for now, I'm just really excited to get back to a city I love and in time to enjoy the fall colors in Tokyo and Nikko.

For foliage in late November you probably need to head to warmer areas. I think Miyajima is a better bet than Nikko.

What jib71 said. According to the latest Koyo forecast, Miyajima is expected to peak on Nov. 17. Perfect timing for you!

Another great option would be Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki (Nov. 20)

the zip air fares seem to work one way too, which is great if you have miles to use the other way

I was told there is no entertainment system on board, so make sure you bring your own tablet.

Check YouTube for some good reviews of the seat and experience. Considering the relatively high fuel surcharges on award J bookings right now, ZipAir’s prices are pretty reasonable.

This is true. No built in entertainment even in business.

"I was told there is no entertainment system on board, so make sure you bring your own tablet."

Yes, I saw that. I've always either worked on that flight or used my ipad primarily so I don't think I will miss the screen - but it will be a different experience not having it there for sure.

The one upside is that you get free Internet, likely buffered by the fact that Everyone gets free Internet.

Flew ZIpAir on SIN-NRT back in June. Quality experience in Lie Flat with attentive FAs and really just a quality seat. The free wifi was a bonus. There were less than 40 folks on my flight though so not sure how it will hold up on a busier flight. I'd not hesitate to take them from NRT-LAX.

Will probably try them next time. I don't care about any of the soft product at all, I don't even want food, I can bring my own. I need a bed and internet, that's all.

Following this thread! Please report back - I’m also interested in Zipair for future flights.

I'm really intrigued by Zipair's business class. Especially on an overnight flight, all I really want to do is sleep so the seat is really the most important. The only concern is if it's built for Asian statures like JAL's Skysuite III is. At 195cm I try to avoid SS III as it's pretty cramped for my height. Will probably have to try them on a shorter intra-Asia flight first...

Not aware of ZG until now. Did a quick check for December, RT LAX-NRT-LAX in business is $1,960. Wow.
Awaiting for more reports/reviews, thinking I might give it a try.
OP, please report back. Thanks.

A lay-flat seat for the price of a premium economy fare. If I didn't have half a million ANA points saved up, I'd be all over this. Please do report back; interested in your experience.