On July 4, 2024, ZIPAIR started offering a new add-on service package option, “Flex Biz,” which allows passengers to cancel their bookings in exchange for vouchers. The new package is available on flights departing on October 27, 2024, and later (i.e. from the 2024 winter schedule).
Passengers who purchase the “Flex Biz” add-on package can cancel their flights and request refunds in the form of vouchers either via email or chat. When doing so up to 30 days before departure, they will receive a voucher equivalent to 100% of the paid airfare, taxes, and service charges less 3% voucher issuance fee. When doing 29 to seven days before departure, they will only receive 80% of the paid amount less the 3% issuance fee.
In the case of cancellations six or less days before departure, the service does not apply, and passengers can only get their taxes refunded to their original method of payment.
Vouchers issued using the “Flex Biz” package are valid for 180 days, can only be used for booking tickets for the originally booked passenger, and can only be used to pay for services in the same currency in which they were issued. Those wishing to book their flights using vouchers cannot do so on ZIPAIR’s website and instead need to do so via email or chat.
In addition to the limited refundability, the “Flex Biz” package also includes extra 8 kg of carry-on baggage (15 kg total) and advance seat selection.
For standard seat tickets, the new add-on costs an extra 7,000 yen for flights from Tokyo to Bangkok and Singapore and 10,500 yen for flights to Los Angeles. For full-flat seat tickets, it costs 12,000 yen to Bangkok; 14,000 yen to Singapore; and 20,000 yen to Los Angeles. Pricing is likely to be similar on other routes as well, however, 2024 winter schedule flights on those have not been released for sale yet.
This update in ZIPAIR’s fee structure follows the airline’s decision to start charging passengers for changing seats once onboard.