Oct 24, 2015, 5:28 am
Last edit by: Zorak
Wiki/How-To/FAQ: Start here if this is your first time visiting this thread
If you have done this trip please help improve the wiki!
If you have done this trip please help improve the wiki!
Why would a DL SkyPesos member do this now that RDMs are earned on ticket cost?
Either for the MQMs, or to actually visit SIN
FWIW there are posts in the thread about similar itineraries on AA.How do I search for dates/prices?
One way is to use ITA Matrix. Click on "Advanced routing codes" and enter something along the lines of:
- outbound: dl+ dtw nrt
- inbound: dl+ nrt dtw
NOTE: Basic Economy (E) fares have been spotted on this route and come with heavy restrictions. If you want to exclude E fares from your search you can add f ~bc=e in the separate "extension codes" box
See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)
You may wish to experiment with things like dtw,atl or x or even x+. Read the advanced routing codes help for more ideas. (DL no longer flies JFK-NRT nonstop)
I found an itinerary that works for me, how do I book it?
- you can try a multi-city booking on Kayak or Google Flights and click through to Delta (you can save some effort by omitting the implicit/forced connection through NRT for example)
- if you are comfortable installing add-ons etc. you can use the ITA userscript (see the wiki at the top of that thread)
- for the less technically-inclined there is also the Book with Matrix helper site (and its related FT thread)
- call in if none of the above methods work or e.g. you want to add a stopover
Do I need a visa?
No visa is needed for transits (or in fact for visiting up to 90 days, subject to qualifications)
You can get your boarding passes for your Delta return flight at Transit Lounge D, which opens 3 hours before departure.
What are the best seats?
Assuming you're stuck in Y (no GUCs etc.)
- one vote for the bulkhead in C+
- DL forum omnibus C+ thread: FAQ: Comfort+ Seating
Picking a seat (Delta One, Boeing 777)
Master A330-300 (A333) Best Seats Thread
Will there be wifi on the international legs?
DL now touts International Wi-Fi is available on 100% of all wide body, long-haul aircraft providing near global coverage. Given "long-haul" this may not apply to NRT-SIN.
777s should all have wifi: thread #1, thread #2; although it is still subject to coverage/availability, seems to drop out in the far northern parts of the route, and coming down the Russian coast it seemed like http was slow but working and anything else like https took forever and/or was blocked
Delta doesn't seem to sell the Gogo global day pass on their web site but you can buy it directly from Gogo. You can use the same pass on both domestic and international flights in any order as long as it is within 24 hours.
FlexPerks VISA single-flight passes can NOT be used on international flights (they do not appear as a redemption choice when you sign in to Gogo in flight)
Other related threads:
Delta 763 International Wifi Installation Progress (especially posts #7 and #9)
Delta to add Gogo WiFi to international fleet
SIN airport facilities
If you are doing a quick turn, you can remain airside the whole time. There are a number of 24-hour food outlets in the transit mall areas (center of each terminal)
Each of the 3 terminals has their Transit Hotel on Level 3. Prices are similar for all:
-Terminal 1 - Plaza Premium Lounge recently opened Aerotel. Book at: Aerotel Terminal 1
-Terminal 2 and 3 - Harilela Hospitality runs an Ambassador Transit Hotel in each Terminal, above the Orchid Garden and Movie Theater, respectively. Book at: Ambassador Transit Hotels
Note that you can actually stay in either of the 3, regardless of which Terminal you arrive in. However, when leaving the airport, you need to exit through the same Terminal as that you arrived in.
FT thread on Singapore Airport Lounges
Airport website links:
NOTE: even though the DNATA Sky View lounge lists "Delta Airlines" on the airport web page and appears on a skyteam.com lounge search, it is considered by Delta to be third-party-operated, thus if you are STE+ in Y you will not have access. People have reported gaining access on an upgrade to J but YMMV.
There is free wifi either by receiving a text message code, or by scanning your passport. Previous posts mention just giving an email address, maybe try at the info desks. There are also free Internet stations.
NOTE for U.S. and other ~110V travelers: Singapore uses 230V/50Hz. There are plenty of USB charging ports in the seating areas, and most wall adapters for electronics these days are dual voltage (look for writing on the plug like "Input: 100V-240V") but if not or if you need to plug something else in, bring plug and voltage adapters to be safe.
Things to do in SIN
In descriptions of things to see/do airside, when you see "garden" read "smoking area" especially if you won't be there during daylight, the only other main reason people go there is to smoke.
SkyTrain between terminals runs from 5am-2:30am but you can always walk between any of the terminals as well.
Little More than 24 Hours in Singapore especially post #5 in that thread
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25605453-post1047.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24452870-post836.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24064053-post794.html
Best practices for ~5 hour turnaround at SIN
3 perfect days in Singapore
Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
Destinations > Asia > Singapore FT forum
cheap transportation to Marina Bay Sands (or any hotel) for S$9
Things to do on a long connection through NRT:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24426838-post835.html
Narita Int'l. Airport (NRT) Layover & Hotel Master Thread
There is free wifi in NRT.
Returning to the US
Even if you don't have Global Entry, CBP has a Mobile Passport Control app -- see program info and app website for d/l and list of participating airports which includes ATL (but not DTW)
You will have to pick up checked bags if any, and then everyone has to go through TSA security. International connections usually have their own checkpoint but it may not have PreCheck or CLEAR. If you want to take advantage of either of these, see airport-specific info below.
Through Delta's partnership CLEAR is free for DM, $79 for other Medallions, and $99 for General Members. Click here for more info on the partnership or to sign up.
Relevant FT threads:
- CLEAR - worthwhile use of $179? in theTrusted Travelers Forum
- DL-specific thread in the DL Forum
Returning via ATL:
Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Atlanta (ATL): The Definitive Thread
CLEAR is now open in ATL but only at the domestic end.
For PreCheck, if you arrive in F, when you exit the hallway from customs there is a ticket desk in front of you. Normally the belt for re-checking bags on the left, and TSA screening beyond that. For PreCheck turn instead to the right (away from the drop-off luggage belt) and exit into the arrivals area, go up the escalators, and then you use the regular F terminal security checkpoint.
(It seems like NRT-ATL usually lands in E though... anyone have info to share?)
Returning via DTW:
Minimum Connection Transfer Time at Detroit (DTW): The Definitive Thread
When you exit customs normally you are directed to the right for rescreening. For PreCheck or CLEAR exit to the left as if you are an local Detroit arriving passenger and you will see some escalators in front of you. Go up 3 sets of escalators (there is a security checkpoint after the 2nd set but it does not have PreCheck). There is also an elevator.
The configuration as of Jan 2017 was, CLEAR without PreCheck was near the top of the escalators. If you have both CLEAR and PreCheck, there is a separate CLEAR lane on the right.
Duty Free Liquids
This post from 2014 says liquor etc must be checked as they cannot pass through screening in NRT/TSA. However this may have changed since then, and duty-free purchases in a Sealed Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) might be permitted:
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/secu...ection_ss.html
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-...g/liquids-rule
FT: Bringing Duty-Free Liquids into USA with a Connecting Flight
If you have any experience with this, please share!
IRROPS handling:
Good at least for one DM: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21923836-post7.html
Trip Reports/Tips:
2016: Dec, Nov, Oct #1, Oct #2, Oct #3, Sep, Apr, Feb
2015: Nov #1, Nov #2, Oct, Sep
2014: Dec, Nov #1, Nov #2, Nov #3, Nov #4, Nov #5, Oct, Sep #1, Sep #2
2013: Oct
[FARE GONE] DL: SFO-ATL/JFK-NRT-SIN $1,232.30 ai RT (25,318 mi; 4.9 cpm)
Jul 26, 2017, 8:20 am
#2071
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
I wouldn't want to take China Eastern, or any Chinese airline, in economy.
Jul 26, 2017, 8:37 am
#2072
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: DL ✈️
Posts: 638
Jul 26, 2017, 9:39 am
#2073
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
Why? The food is decent. JFK-PVG is a very new 777-200LR and the seats are as comfy as anything Delta has in Economy. The FAs are friendly and do their best to get you through the flight. And there is plenty to watch on the IFE(in English).
Jul 26, 2017, 10:22 am
#2074
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NYC/LAX
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 389
JFK-PVG and PVG-JFK T fare and PVG-SIN-PVG is B fare. B fare actually will get me 150% MQM while T will get me 100%. I am a PM so no GUC for me anyway.
Jul 26, 2017, 10:29 am
#2075
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA & Bangkok (Home)/Lawrenceville & Switzerland (Boarding School)/Baltimore, MD (College)
Programs: DL DM, AL MVPG 75K, SQ Gold, BA Silver, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Plat, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 599
Ive done it before. Its fine. Food is edible. Didn't offer any western food though. Lounge in PVG is great. Can be long delays in China due to military aircraft movement, probably worth paying $10 to get flight delay insurance. Earns a lot of miles as a PM/DM.
Jul 26, 2017, 11:03 am
#2076
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Jul 26, 2017, 11:11 am
#2077
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
For what it's worth, China Eastern is actually more expensive in September for JFK-PVG than Delta in economy-class, according to Google Flights. About $839 on Delta.
Delta.com says, as a diamond, I'd get 14,786 MQMs for U and L fare classes when flying China Eastern. If I booked on Delta metal JFK-PVG through Los Angeles on the outbound and Detroit on the return, I'd receive 16,606 MQMs with an X fare class. If I go through Los Angeles both ways, it's 17,920 MQMs.
Delta.com says, as a diamond, I'd get 14,786 MQMs for U and L fare classes when flying China Eastern. If I booked on Delta metal JFK-PVG through Los Angeles on the outbound and Detroit on the return, I'd receive 16,606 MQMs with an X fare class. If I go through Los Angeles both ways, it's 17,920 MQMs.
Jul 26, 2017, 2:26 pm
#2078
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA & Bangkok (Home)/Lawrenceville & Switzerland (Boarding School)/Baltimore, MD (College)
Programs: DL DM, AL MVPG 75K, SQ Gold, BA Silver, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Plat, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 599
.... Everything Delta serves is "ethnic food" as well. I should also clarify, on my last flight, MU didn't have a western dish. On the other 10 flights, Im almost positive they had some sort of variation of pasta. In regards to passengers, no different from Delta passengers. You have the good, the bad, and the ugly. FA's are often times better than DL. PVG-JFK flight left my phone in the bathroom, FA hunted me down, and then brought me a glass of champagne. I was in Y. On my last J flight DTW-NRT, DL flight attendants had SO much attitude I actually tweeted DL and said I preferred the experience in Y on JL and MU.
Jul 30, 2017, 10:28 pm
#2079
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Flying on China Eastern and thru PVG
.... Everything Delta serves is "ethnic food" as well. I should also clarify, on my last flight, MU didn't have a western dish. On the other 10 flights, Im almost positive they had some sort of variation of pasta. In regards to passengers, no different from Delta passengers. You have the good, the bad, and the ugly. FA's are often times better than DL. PVG-JFK flight left my phone in the bathroom, FA hunted me down, and then brought me a glass of champagne. I was in Y. On my last J flight DTW-NRT, DL flight attendants had SO much attitude I actually tweeted DL and said I preferred the experience in Y on JL and MU.
Their passengers are not going to cause any problems we only read about the ones that cause problems on FT and they are from all ethnic groups. Have flown thru PVG and boarded at PVG and never had problems at the airport. It is always better if you have lounge access and that will depend on what cc you have or the class ticket. When we flew thru there we were in J on our way from LAX PVG MEL and had lounge access, Food and seating were comfortable and adequate. I have not had the privilege of accessing the FC lounges of some of the Middle Eastern airlines as I have read that they are luxurious compared to what most of us will be able to access. Enjoy your trip
Jul 30, 2017, 11:44 pm
#2080
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Francisco, CA & Bangkok (Home)/Lawrenceville & Switzerland (Boarding School)/Baltimore, MD (College)
Programs: DL DM, AL MVPG 75K, SQ Gold, BA Silver, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Plat, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 599
I think that generally speaking the Asian FA are more attentive and gracious than the Western ones but that is not always true and we have generally been treated very well by both. It never hurts to say thank you for their required service. Depending on time of flight you can request special meals in advance so please check what is available. Their passengers are not going to cause any problems we only read about the ones that cause problems on FT and they are from all ethnic groups. Have flown thru PVG and boarded at PVG and never had problems at the airport. It is always better if you have lounge access and that will depend on what cc you have or the class ticket. When we flew thru there we were in J on our way from LAX PVG MEL and had lounge access, Food and seating were comfortable and adequate. I have not had the privilege of accessing the FC lounges of some of the Middle Eastern airlines as I have read that they are luxurious compared to what most of us will be able to access. Enjoy your trip
Their passengers are not going to cause any problems we only read about the ones that cause problems on FT and they are from all ethnic groups. Have flown thru PVG and boarded at PVG and never had problems at the airport. It is always better if you have lounge access and that will depend on what cc you have or the class ticket. When we flew thru there we were in J on our way from LAX PVG MEL and had lounge access, Food and seating were comfortable and adequate. I have not had the privilege of accessing the FC lounges of some of the Middle Eastern airlines as I have read that they are luxurious compared to what most of us will be able to access. Enjoy your trip
Jul 31, 2017, 1:06 am
#2081
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Good News and Fares for a few dates in Sep from IAH
First the Good News
Delta has an interesting way of letting you know you have received your requested UG with your GUC when you have been waitlisted. You get a message from Delta Air Lines - Delta Reservation Itinerary and than you need to read through the itinerary to see if you have received the waitlisted UG which was the case as we finally got the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs UG. We also have the ATL IAH in first and are waitlisted for the IAH DTW. On Sat night called DM desk and asked how many seats were available in J on the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs and was politely told that that information was really not to be given to me but finally learned there were 10 or more and told her I could book a ticket and check, which I did and there were 20 or more seats in J avail on both flights. Today got the email stating that UG received and I could choose seat I wanted if I wasn't satisfied with what was given. If you go thru DTW you will get 744 to NRT and we did manage the UD on flight out, initial seats were on LD but as seats were available on UD made that choice. Chose to return thru ATL for a few more MQM. So all is well. When using GUC on multiple long overseas legs it best to WL for the longest leg first and when that gets approved to request the shorter legs.
Out - Sep 13 IAH DTW NRT SIN
Ret - Sep 20 -SIN NRT ATL IAH
If anyone is doing a MR on those days please let us know and we will try to meet up with you. If you are interested in prices for dates near that time please note the following fares. IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN NRT ATL/DTW IAH
MQM from 21,602 DTW DTW, 21,668 DTW ATL, 21,734 ATL ATL
$808.46 Sep 13-18, 13-19, 13-20 3.73 cpm
$825.46 Sep 13-17 3.74 cpm
$900.46 Sep 13-16 4.14 cpm
Am certain there are other dates avail but I didn't take the time to look them up. Fares and MQM are from DL.com Unfortunately yours won't be as good as ours which were <$600
Happy Travels and come and join us!
Delta has an interesting way of letting you know you have received your requested UG with your GUC when you have been waitlisted. You get a message from Delta Air Lines - Delta Reservation Itinerary and than you need to read through the itinerary to see if you have received the waitlisted UG which was the case as we finally got the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs UG. We also have the ATL IAH in first and are waitlisted for the IAH DTW. On Sat night called DM desk and asked how many seats were available in J on the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs and was politely told that that information was really not to be given to me but finally learned there were 10 or more and told her I could book a ticket and check, which I did and there were 20 or more seats in J avail on both flights. Today got the email stating that UG received and I could choose seat I wanted if I wasn't satisfied with what was given. If you go thru DTW you will get 744 to NRT and we did manage the UD on flight out, initial seats were on LD but as seats were available on UD made that choice. Chose to return thru ATL for a few more MQM. So all is well. When using GUC on multiple long overseas legs it best to WL for the longest leg first and when that gets approved to request the shorter legs.
Out - Sep 13 IAH DTW NRT SIN
Ret - Sep 20 -SIN NRT ATL IAH
If anyone is doing a MR on those days please let us know and we will try to meet up with you. If you are interested in prices for dates near that time please note the following fares. IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN NRT ATL/DTW IAH
MQM from 21,602 DTW DTW, 21,668 DTW ATL, 21,734 ATL ATL
$808.46 Sep 13-18, 13-19, 13-20 3.73 cpm
$825.46 Sep 13-17 3.74 cpm
$900.46 Sep 13-16 4.14 cpm
Am certain there are other dates avail but I didn't take the time to look them up. Fares and MQM are from DL.com Unfortunately yours won't be as good as ours which were <$600
Happy Travels and come and join us!
Last edited by Csfing1; Jul 31, 2017 at 3:10 am Reason: Add information
Jul 31, 2017, 1:50 am
#2082
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Delta
Posts: 26
First the Good News
Delta has an interesting way of letting you know you have received your requested UG with your GUC when you have been waitlisted. You get a message from Delta Air Lines - Delta Reservation Itinerary and than you need to read through the itinerary to see if you have received the waitlisted UG which was the case as we finally got the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs UG. We also have the ATL IAH in first and are waitlisted for the IAH DTW. On Sat night called DM desk and asked how many seats were available in J on the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs and was politely told that that information was really not to be given to me but finally learned there were 10 or more and told her I could book a ticket and check, which I did and there were 20 or more seats in J avail on both flights. Today got the email stating that UG received and I could choose seat I wanted if I wasn't satisfied with what was given. If you go thru DTW you will get 744 to NRT and we did manage the UD on flight out, initial seats were on LD but as seats were available on UD made that choice. Chose to return thru ATL for a few more MQM. So all is well. When using GUC on multiple long overseas legs it best to WL for the longest leg first and when that gets approved to request the shorter legs.
Out - Sep 13 IAH DTW NRT SIN
Ret - Sep 20 -SIN NRT ATL IAH
If anyone is doing a MR on those days please let us know and we will try to meet up with you. If you are interested in prices for dates near that time please note the following fares. IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN NRT ATL/DTW IAH
$808.46 Sep 13-18, 13-19, 13-20 3.73 cpm
$825.46 Sep 13-17 3.74 cpm
$900.46 Sep 13-16 4.14 cpm
Am certain there are other dates avail but I didn't take the time to look them up. Fares and MQM are from DL.com
Happy Travels and come and join us
Delta has an interesting way of letting you know you have received your requested UG with your GUC when you have been waitlisted. You get a message from Delta Air Lines - Delta Reservation Itinerary and than you need to read through the itinerary to see if you have received the waitlisted UG which was the case as we finally got the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs UG. We also have the ATL IAH in first and are waitlisted for the IAH DTW. On Sat night called DM desk and asked how many seats were available in J on the NRT SIN and SIN NRT legs and was politely told that that information was really not to be given to me but finally learned there were 10 or more and told her I could book a ticket and check, which I did and there were 20 or more seats in J avail on both flights. Today got the email stating that UG received and I could choose seat I wanted if I wasn't satisfied with what was given. If you go thru DTW you will get 744 to NRT and we did manage the UD on flight out, initial seats were on LD but as seats were available on UD made that choice. Chose to return thru ATL for a few more MQM. So all is well. When using GUC on multiple long overseas legs it best to WL for the longest leg first and when that gets approved to request the shorter legs.
Out - Sep 13 IAH DTW NRT SIN
Ret - Sep 20 -SIN NRT ATL IAH
If anyone is doing a MR on those days please let us know and we will try to meet up with you. If you are interested in prices for dates near that time please note the following fares. IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN NRT ATL/DTW IAH
$808.46 Sep 13-18, 13-19, 13-20 3.73 cpm
$825.46 Sep 13-17 3.74 cpm
$900.46 Sep 13-16 4.14 cpm
Am certain there are other dates avail but I didn't take the time to look them up. Fares and MQM are from DL.com
Happy Travels and come and join us
I am trying to recreate these flights in google. Anyway you can link them for me, or help me learn how to rebuild the flights?
Jul 31, 2017, 3:24 am
#2083
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Do it on DL.com with IAH as start and SIN as destination using a roundtrip. Do not do a multicity. The least expensive routes are thru ATL and DTW, sometimes it will cost more to use ATL and in that case return thru DTW. If you want the 744 go thru DTW both ways if the option to go thru ATL doesn't cost more and you don't care about the 744 go thru ATL as you will get a few more MQM 21,602 DTW DTW vs 21,668 DTW ATL or 21,734 ATL ATL. Got the fares using their very easy and straight forward. if you still have problems PM me with your phone number if you are in the US or respond right away.
Jul 31, 2017, 6:46 am
#2084
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Jul 31, 2017, 7:11 am
#2085
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Fares thru Nov
Many Mon-Wed or Thr dates available Sep up to but not including Thanksgiving week avail for <$850 with some as low as that for Fri-Sun MR. I doubt that they will get much lower unless they are really desperate to fill the planes. If you need MQM pick your dates carefully as some dates are as low as 802.46! These fares are for IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN ATL/DTW IAH MQM given in earlier posts
Last edited by Csfing1; Jul 31, 2017 at 7:17 am Reason: Add info