Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer - JFK-FRA business class questions

Hi all, first time poster here. Thanks in advance for all the great info.

A little background: This is the first time I've flown this route and carrier. I've normally done most of my flying in the US and usually get Delta Gold or Platinum status, but have no status with Singapore Airlines. I will be flyindg SLC-JFK-FRA business class on 11/1 then back on 11/6.

1. On 11/1 I get to JFK at 5 PM. The JFK-FRA flight (SQ25?) leaves at 9PM. How much time do I need to allow to get through customs/security in JFK before my flight?

2. This year I am Delta Gold status. With a business class ticket and Delta Gold status, will they let me into the clubhouse in JFK? If so, which one can I get in, and where is it?

3. I believe Singapore Airlines is a Delta partner. Will I get Delta Medallion qualification miles with this flight?

4. I'm in seats 11A for JFK-FRA and 11K for FRA-JFK (business class, upper deck). Any problems with these seats? Do they have a window? Is the tv screen tough to see since its mounted on the bulkhead? What is the general business class experience like on the older 744 business class for these flights?

5. My flight leaves FRA at 8:20 AM on 11/6. How early do I need to get to the airport? (Obviously, I'm not an experienced international traveller)

Thanks a ton!! Looking forward to the flight - I've heard good things about this carrier.

1. Security in JFK is a breeze if you have a business class boarding pass, but 4 hours is plenty of time for any connection in JFK.

2. I believe they use the clubhouse lounge for first and business passenger. It's located on the floor after the check in area before security.

3. I believe so, cause I get SQ miles when flying with Delta

4. Personally I prefer to be seated in the lower deck, cause it's more spacious and usually the cabin is always empty since everyone loves to be in the upper deck. For the upper deck the best seat is row 17, it's an exit row and you have ample space in front of you. The monitor is stow near you, so you can watch TV better since it's still the old 10 inch monitor. Row 11 is near the bathroom and cockpit, so there will be a lot of foot traffic.

5. FRA airport is huge, but based on my experience, 2 hours before departure is plenty of time. They have priority line for check in and security.

Only SQ F and PPS members are allowed in VS Clubhouse in JFK. J class passengers are given access to Oasis Lounge.

11A and 11K are bulk-head window seats. They're fine. 11C is not so good, as you can sometime see people go in and out of the toilet if the curtain is not drawn properly.

No, you will not get DL MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) but you will get base miles (RDMs). If you searched Delta.com...:

Economy Class: Actual mileage flown
Business Class: 125% of mileage
First Class: 150% of mileage
Suites: 160% of mileage

No Medallion Qualification Miles on Singapore Airlines.

1. There is no outbound customs or immigration check when leaving the United States. Security is the same as anywhere else. But the queues can be long, so take advantage of your Business Class boarding pass to get into the Business/First class queue. Boarding will start around 45 minutes prior to departure. I would allow 20-30 minutes to clear security. So I'd leave the lounge an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes before departure. Some might say that's too long, but I don't like to be stressed in the security line and I prefer to board early. SQ closes the boarding gate (metaphorically at JFK) 10 minutes prior to departure. And they enforce it. If you're late, you've got to wait until the next day.

2. The Business Class boarding pass alone will get you outbound lounge access at JFK and FRA. Delta status does not matter. Although the policy is not always enforced, most likely you will not have access to Delta SkyClubs at your connecting airports.

3. Assuming this is a revenue (paid) ticket, you will earn Delta SkyMiles if you give your SkyMiles number to SQ. But you will not earn Medallion Qualification Miles. With a few exceptions, you can earn MQM's only on Delta and SkyTeam members. SQ is in Star Alliance, not SkyTeam.

4. There are tons of trip reports in the Trip Reports forum for SQ Business Class. There should be some for this route. You might also look on www.sqtalk.com.

5. Two hours prior to departure is good. Be aware that SQ closes checkin 60 minutes prior to departure, and they enforce it.

Thanks all for the comments. Extremely helpful and much appreciated!