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[FARE GONE] DL: SFO-ATL/JFK-NRT-SIN $1,232.30 ai RT (25,318 mi; 4.9 cpm)

Old Oct 24, 2015, 5:28 am
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Last edit by: Zorak
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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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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.)
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:
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
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[FARE GONE] DL: SFO-ATL/JFK-NRT-SIN $1,232.30 ai RT (25,318 mi; 4.9 cpm)

Old Aug 18, 2017, 2:30 pm
  #2101  
 
Join Date: May 2007
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Programs: Delta SkyMiles (DM), Hilton Honors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
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I'm looking to do a mileage run, too, in an attempt to hit platinum by year's end. I looked up the SIN trip using starting airports of IAH and ATL and OH WOW the price difference is amazing just by starting in IAH vs ATL.

Clearly, I'd have to position myself in IAH, despite living in ATL.

How would this be done? Buy a one way to IAH and then just throw away the return ATL-IAH segment and get off in ATL?

It's been a while since I've posted on FT, and this is the first time I'm entertaining a MileageRun, and I've been reading but it's all VERY confusing.
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Old Aug 18, 2017, 4:23 pm
  #2102  
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Originally Posted by G-man82
I'm looking to do a mileage run, too, in an attempt to hit platinum by year's end. I looked up the SIN trip using starting airports of IAH and ATL and OH WOW the price difference is amazing just by starting in IAH vs ATL.

Clearly, I'd have to position myself in IAH, despite living in ATL.

How would this be done? Buy a one way to IAH and then just throw away the return ATL-IAH segment and get off in ATL?

It's been a while since I've posted on FT, and this is the first time I'm entertaining a MileageRun, and I've been reading but it's all VERY confusing.
Have you compared the prices and MQMs with Toronto or Chicago-Midway, where the prices to Singapore are quite good too?

Delta does have some rules about booking segments you won't actually fly. You might be best doing a throw away segment on another airline or through Delta but WITH a different email address and WITHOUT your Sky Miles number attached to it.
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Old Aug 18, 2017, 4:36 pm
  #2103  
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Originally Posted by G-man82
How would this be done? Buy a one way to IAH and then just throw away the return ATL-IAH segment and get off in ATL?
I've never skipped out on the last segment. However the question comes up relatively frequently on FT, so you might want to try either a FT search or a Google search with "site:flyertalk.com" on hidden city or throwaway ticketing.

Although it is against the rules, as hockeyinsider points out,
my impression from reading various threads on the subject is that if you don't make a frequent habit of it, you aren't likely to face reprisals.

A more practical issue is that even if your flight routes through ATL, if an IRROPs situation arises they are under no obligation to route you through ATL and could return you to IAH/HOU via DTW for example. This probably isn't too likely either, but it's still a possibility.

So you'll have to weigh the risks and decide what's appropriate for your situation.
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Old Aug 19, 2017, 7:02 pm
  #2104  
 
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Hidden ticket works, just don't make it a habit.
Also rebooking via IRROPs, talking to an agent and telling them that you REALLY want to connect at a specific hub, they will help you out
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Old Aug 20, 2017, 4:52 am
  #2105  
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By the way, I'm still seeing lots of good MDW-DTW/ATL-NRT-SIN (and back) airfares -- like $623-$685 -- for the next couple of weeks, including Labor Day weekend.
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Old Aug 21, 2017, 5:57 pm
  #2106  
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Smile Positioning flights to IAH

Originally Posted by G-man82
I'm looking to do a mileage run, too, in an attempt to hit platinum by year's end. I looked up the SIN trip using starting airports of IAH and ATL and OH WOW the price difference is amazing just by starting in IAH vs ATL.

Clearly, I'd have to position myself in IAH, despite living in ATL.

How would this be done? Buy a one way to IAH and then just throw away the return ATL-IAH segment and get off in ATL?

It's been a while since I've posted on FT, and this is the first time I'm entertaining a MileageRun, and I've been reading but it's all VERY confusing.
I usually use my SM for my positioning flights as that is usually the least expensive way for me. I think my flights SMF IAH were 22,000 SM RT and when I have to position to LAX can usually get those for 11,000 SM RT. If anyone is going out Wed Aug 23 IAH ATL NRT SIN ret Tue Aug 29 SIN NRT ATL IAH send a PM with your info as my spouse is travelling on those dates. Happy Travels!
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Old Aug 22, 2017, 4:48 pm
  #2107  
 
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That's a good idea. I was just thinking about that. I'm hoping to hit DL platinum by the end of the year bc of an anticipated uptick in travel next year. So I'll be doing some mileage runs myself.

The bonus being I'll actually get more award miles now with this ridiculous dollar based system. Using them to position domestically sounds like a good idea.
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Old Aug 23, 2017, 6:22 am
  #2108  
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Is anyone doing this through DTW around Labor Day weekend?
slothsoccer likes this.
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Old Aug 24, 2017, 2:25 pm
  #2109  
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
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Originally Posted by hockeyinsider
Is anyone doing this through DTW around Labor Day weekend?
I was looking into doing 9/1-9/5 or (8/31-9/4 nvm just like that its gone for this date)

I would like to be at Silver status for this (that is... if they offer E+ to us peasants on international flights?) I'm at 30k MQM but I haven't met the spend waiver and I'm not sure if I could aggressively do 15k of MS in 8 days (I do have 2 Delta cards)

Last edited by slothsoccer; Aug 24, 2017 at 2:31 pm
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Old Aug 25, 2017, 8:58 am
  #2110  
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Read post 2091 about the AMX Delta Reserve personal card if you have never had one you can get 10,000 MQM with $3000 spend in 90 days. It will cost you $450 but you can get most of that back as they will give you $100 credit for global entry and similar $100 if you get a DL ticket etc. Check it out to see if that offer is still available as that is the least expensive way to get 10,000 MQM. Am assuming that you have the MQD waiver by spending $25,000 on a DL AMX card. Check it out and see if that works for you. Have a great weekend!
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Old Aug 25, 2017, 9:19 am
  #2111  
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
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Originally Posted by Csfing1
Read post 2091 about the AMX Delta Reserve personal card if you have never had one you can get 10,000 MQM with $3000 spend in 90 days. It will cost you $450 but you can get most of that back as they will give you $100 credit for global entry and similar $100 if you get a DL ticket etc. Check it out to see if that offer is still available as that is the least expensive way to get 10,000 MQM. Am assuming that you have the MQD waiver by spending $25,000 on a DL AMX card. Check it out and see if that works for you. Have a great weekend!
I'm trying to utilize my Merrill+ points (so $505 off of these 633 flights = $100-130 for ~17-20k MQM) which would be more ideal for me than getting the Reserve. I also kind of just want to visit HKG and SIN as I've never been there and could spend two full days visiting a city.

45k MQM gives me Platinum which I kind of want to achieve. Still trying to decide to pull the trigger or not.
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Old Aug 25, 2017, 9:52 am
  #2112  
 
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Originally Posted by G-man82
I'm looking to do a mileage run, too, in an attempt to hit platinum by year's end. I looked up the SIN trip using starting airports of IAH and ATL and OH WOW the price difference is amazing just by starting in IAH vs ATL.

Clearly, I'd have to position myself in IAH, despite living in ATL.

How would this be done? Buy a one way to IAH and then just throw away the return ATL-IAH segment and get off in ATL?

It's been a while since I've posted on FT, and this is the first time I'm entertaining a MileageRun, and I've been reading but it's all VERY confusing.

Leaving in about 2 weeks on my IAH-DTW-NRT-SIN-NRT-ATL-IAH run. Ungraded on all segments EXCEPT DTW-NRT on the 747. There are only 12 seats showing on the D1 seat map so I'm thinking my chances are iffy at best. Looks like ATL-NRT on the same date only has 4 seats left, so it could be worse.

Crossing my fingers but only 12 remaining 16 days out sounds like a longshot.

I've never flown Delta's 747 in C+. At least I have an aisle!
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Old Aug 25, 2017, 10:13 am
  #2113  
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Originally Posted by Mileage Lover
Leaving in about 2 weeks on my IAH-DTW-NRT-SIN-NRT-ATL-IAH run. Ungraded on all segments EXCEPT DTW-NRT on the 747. There are only 12 seats showing on the D1 seat map so I'm thinking my chances are iffy at best. Looks like ATL-NRT on the same date only has 4 seats left, so it could be worse.

Crossing my fingers but only 12 remaining 16 days out sounds like a longshot.

I've never flown Delta's 747 in C+. At least I have an aisle!
The consensus is that 22K is the best window seat. I think you want the window for the NRT-DTW flight, as you'll probably sleep because you repeat a day coming home.

Going over, I stay awake because I want to sleep as soon as I arrive. If I have to sleep, I sleep for no more than two hours early in the flight. In economy/comfort-plus, I think 22H is your best aisle seat for DTW-NRT.

The lavatories in front of 22H/22K are behind a curtain and reserved for business-class.

But let's hope you get the upgrade.
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Old Aug 26, 2017, 3:30 pm
  #2114  
 
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How Can i spend 12 hour turnaround in HKG doing a mileage run ATL-HKG-ATL Delta Labor day weekend.
Is there Delta sky club? Do I have to clear customs and return thru security or can I stay in inside the airport

Or is it a better idea to fly one day earlier, stay for a day in HKG and fly back (Same cost) - I never visited HKG, so appreciate your help. Do I need a visa if i hold US passport?

Last edited by Love_Travel; Aug 26, 2017 at 3:36 pm
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Old Aug 26, 2017, 3:59 pm
  #2115  
 
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Originally Posted by hockeyinsider
The consensus is that 22K is the best window seat. I think you want the window for the NRT-DTW flight, as you'll probably sleep because you repeat a day coming home.

Going over, I stay awake because I want to sleep as soon as I arrive. If I have to sleep, I sleep for no more than two hours early in the flight. In economy/comfort-plus, I think 22H is your best aisle seat for DTW-NRT.

The lavatories in front of 22H/22K are behind a curtain and reserved for business-class.

But let's hope you get the upgrade.

Thanks -- unfortunately, those seats were taken. I have a C+ aisle in the center section. Now only 9 seats left (at least showing on the seatmap) in D1. Seem to be selling quickly and I still have 2 weeks to go. I can only hope!
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