Are you traveling internationally across the Pacific Ocean and interested in learning about Zipair’s pet policy? You need to find out information about Zipair’s pet transportation policies before booking a ticket with the airline. The low-cost and long-haul subsidiary of JAL Airlines operates a strict set of pet policies. Being a low-cost airline that operates Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Zipair has a rather specific policy concerning animals.
In this article, you will find all the information that you need to know about Zipair’s pet policy.
What is Zipair’s Policy Regarding the Transport of Pets?
In order to choose the most pet-friendly airline, one should carefully examine the terms and conditions. Today, the company Zipair does not transport pets in the cabin or cargo hold.
It means you will not be able to take your pet in the cabin, either as an animal in a carrier that is placed under the seat in front of you or as cargo. This policy concerns all routes operated by Zipair, including Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC), Bangkok (BKK), and others.
What is the reason behind this policy?
In order to save money, Zipair provides the minimum number of services possible; therefore, this is a low-cost airline. Transportation of live animals requires some special procedures and staff; that is why Zipair avoids dealing with pets.
The Only Exception: Zipair Service Dogs
Although pets in general are not accepted, Zipair fully abides by the international aviation law in relation to assistance animals. Trained service dogs are accepted in the cabin of the plane at no extra cost as long as they satisfy strict criteria. It is crucial to comprehend the difference between a service dog, an emotional support animal (ESA), and a pet. Zipair does not consider any ESA or therapy dogs to be service animals. Unless the animal satisfies the criteria set by law for a trained service dog, it will not be allowed in the cabin under this exception.
Service Dog Requirements on Zipair Flights
To travel with a service dog on Zipair, one should follow the rules below:
- Task Training: Each service dog should have been trained to carry out particular tasks for the benefit of the handler’s disability (such as guide, hearing, pulling wheelchairs, or alerting).
- Behavior Standards: Service dogs must be well-trained, house-trained, and behave in such a way that they do not block aisles and emergency exits while standing at the handler’s feet. Zipair reserves the right to deny transport services to the passenger with an aggressive dog.
- Harnessing: The service dog is required to wear a harness, leash, or tether throughout its stay in the airport and on the plane.
- Prior Notice: It is required that passengers with their service dogs contact Zipair at least 48 hours before the flight to make the necessary arrangements and provide appropriate seating (bulkhead seats).
- International Documentation: As Zipair is an airline company operating on international routes between foreign countries and Japan, the animal has to be in compliance with Japanese quarantine laws. It is required to present a microchip, rabies vaccination documentation, health certificate, and Advance Notification of Importation issued by the Animal Quarantine Service of Japan.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) at Zipair
Over the past few years, the global airline industry has become more stringent regarding ESAs, and Zipair is not an exception. Zipair does not permit Emotional Support Animals to be accommodated in the plane.
If you need an ESA for emotional comfort during the flight, Zipair will categorize this animal as a regular pet. Regular pets are not permitted in the cabin or in the cargo hold; therefore, you will have to consider other options for travel.
Other Ways to Transport Your Pet
If you plan to move to Japan or back home and need to take your pet, you will have to go with other options than Zipair’s passenger service. Luckily, as Zipair is a subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL), there are some solutions:
1. Booking Through Japan Airlines (JAL): While Zipair may not be able to accommodate your furry companion on its flights, its parent airline, Japan Airlines, operates flights on many of the same routes and has an excellent program for transporting your pet. Booking your flight directly with Japan Airlines rather than with Zipair will enable you to use the services offered by JAL for the transportation of pets.
2. Utilizing Professional Pet Relocation Services: Many individuals prefer the services of professional pet relocation services when traveling internationally over long distances. Professional pet relocation services will deal with all the complications involved in importing/exporting your pet, secure cargo space on airlines that allow pets, and ensure the safe transportation of your pet from the origin airport to the destination airport in Japan. This method may cost you a lot, but it is the most reliable for transporting pets.
3. Re-routed Through Pet-Friendly Carriers: But in case you still wish to take your pet in the cabin, then it is best to find an alternative airline. Carriers like ANA (All Nippon Airways) and United Airlines have implemented pet travel policies where small animals can be flown either in the cabin or as baggage, depending on availability.
Also Read: Air Dolomiti Pet Policy
Preparation for Trip to Japan with Your Pet
Now that you know an alternative airline that does not follow the same policy as Zipair to travel with your family members, you need to get your pet ready for the stringent biosecurity rules of Japan. Japan is a rabies-free nation.
- Microchip implantation: Your pet must have a microchip implant that conforms to ISO standards before receiving the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies Vaccine: Two doses of rabies vaccine must be given after the microchip has been implanted into your pet. The second dose should be administered at least 30 days after the first one.
- FAVN rabies titer test: After the second dose of the rabies vaccine has been given, the FAVN rabies titer test must be done to confirm that the antibody levels are satisfactory. Your pet cannot travel to Japan within 180 days after the blood has been taken for the test.
- Health certificate: An international health certificate that is approved by the veterinary authority of your country (like USDA in the US) must be obtained at least 10 days before your departure.
- Advanced notification of importation: You must send an advanced notification of importation to AQS in Japan at least 40 days before you enter into Japan.
If you fail to complete these requirements, your pet will face quarantine at the airport in Japan or even denial of entry into the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Zipair does not accept any pets as cabin passengers, such as dogs, cats, and birds. Only fully trained and certified service dogs are accepted inside the cabin of the aircraft while flying alongside a person with a disability.
No. Zipair does not provide facilities or services to carry animals in the cargo area as checked luggage. This is because the low-cost carrier airline does not have provisions and personnel to handle such an activity.
If you wish to take your service dog along with you on Zipair flight, then you need to send your request to the airline at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled flight time.
Not anymore. ESAs are no longer accepted in the cabin since Zipair has reclassified ESAs as ordinary pets due to recent airline industry changes and new regulations.
If you wish to take Zipair but would like to bring your pet along, you will have to plan two separate trips where you use Zipair while your pet travels on another airline such as Japan Airlines (JAL) or ANA as part of their excess baggage or manifest cargo.