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

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Old Oct 24, 2015, 5:28 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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!

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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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)

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Old Jul 29, 2015, 12:13 am
  #931  
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The ITA month-long calendar is showing me higher prices out of SFO for Thanksgiving week, but if you click through to e.g. Sunday $900s are available depending on exact routing, including OAK-ATL-NRT-SIN-NRT-DTW-SFO Nov 22-25 for 24,112 MQM at $921.
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Old Jul 30, 2015, 8:41 am
  #932  
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Thanks for your post! Great price!

Originally Posted by Zorak
The ITA month-long calendar is showing me higher prices out of SFO for Thanksgiving week, but if you click through to e.g. Sunday $900s are available depending on exact routing, including OAK-ATL-NRT-SIN-NRT-DTW-SFO Nov 22-25 for 24,112 MQM at $921.
^Great price, thanks very much for your post. ^Anything in that range for Thanksgiving week is a great price! If anyone comes up with a good run and price please post. There are definitely different options available if someone will try out the various combinations. Early Oct looks like the best time for the standard LAX JFK NRT SIN NRT JFK LAX MR.

Please post low prices and other combinations as you work them out!
Happy Travels! Cheers!
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Old Aug 2, 2015, 1:36 am
  #933  
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Smile Prices on Aug 2 LAX Dep

Prices on Aug 2
LAX Dep LAX JFK NRT SIN NRT JFL LAX 25,096 MQM
Fares from Google.com/flights
Dates not given higher fares

$ 921 ai 3.67 cpm Sep 28-Oct 1, Oct 5-8, 26-29 Best Price

$945 ai 3.77 cpm Oct 12-15
$1014 ai 4.04 cpm Oct 19-26
$1123 ai 4.48 cpm Nov 2-5
$1275 ai 5.08 cpm Dec 7-10

Happy Travels! Cheers!
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Old Aug 3, 2015, 7:57 pm
  #934  
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Thanks for the LAX-JFK-NRT inspiration, I found this:

Originally Posted by Smiley90
AA&JL: LAX-JFK-NRT-KUL RT 813$, 25.1k, 3.2cpm

Bookable on AA if you go through google flights with sample dates:

LAX-JFK, Jan 12
JFK-NRT, Jan 13
NRT-KUL, Jan 15
KUL-JFK, Jan 18
JFK-LAX, Jan 19

Might work on AA directly, but it didn't give me the correct price when I just did JFK-KUL&KUL-JFK

22h layover in Tokyo on the flight to KUL, you get to see Tokyo for a day too, not bad. The fare buckets are

N-N-N-S-N-N

Enjoy
3.2cpm to KUL for 813.30, even better than to SIN.

(SIN in January is 830, CGK is 799!)

Last edited by Smiley90; Aug 3, 2015 at 8:05 pm
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Old Aug 4, 2015, 12:23 pm
  #935  
 
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I'd like to use a DL voucher toward the cost of this itinerary. Anybody able to book it on delta.dumb? Or should I call in to book it that way? I recall Google Flights used to have a link to book it through Delta, but now it just suggests using a TA to book

Edit: I should have said, I tried various ways to book it on delta.dumb but kept getting errors.
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Old Aug 4, 2015, 2:08 pm
  #936  
 
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Cheap fares from the northeast

UA and DL are offering the same fares from these northeast cities today.

Boston, MA (BOS) Delta $862RT ▸
Burlington, VT (BTV) Delta $862RT ▸
Hartford, CT (BDL) Delta $862RT ▸
Manchester, NH (MHT) Delta $862RT ▸
Providence, RI (PVD) Delta $862RT ▸
White Plains, NY (HPN) Delta $807RT ▸

Too bad the $665 out of JFK is only Air China and the $598 out of LAX is China Eastern.
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Old Aug 4, 2015, 2:10 pm
  #937  
 
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Originally Posted by pleasantsn
I'd like to use a DL voucher toward the cost of this itinerary. Anybody able to book it on delta.dumb? Or should I call in to book it that way? I recall Google Flights used to have a link to book it through Delta, but now it just suggests using a TA to book

Edit: I should have said, I tried various ways to book it on delta.dumb but kept getting errors.
If you can get your itinerary to price out on dl.dumb I would think you could use the voucher in payment, but I can never get a multi-city itin to work online. If you are not already waived via status they should not charge a direct-ticketing charge when you call to book since it won't work online. Their website is the worst. Unless you want to spend 1m miles to fly across the country. Then I'm sure it's flawless.
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Old Aug 5, 2015, 12:55 am
  #938  
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Originally Posted by pleasantsn
I'd like to use a DL voucher toward the cost of this itinerary. Anybody able to book it on delta.dumb? Or should I call in to book it that way? I recall Google Flights used to have a link to book it through Delta, but now it just suggests using a TA to book

Edit: I should have said, I tried various ways to book it on delta.dumb but kept getting errors.
Since you are PM it is probably easier to call in and they won't charge you. Have had problems booking multi city on DL so if I have to I call in and they have done it for me without any problem.

My next trip starts Aug 11 SMF LAX NRT SIN DPS SIN KCH SIN NRT LAX SMF This is not a MR but will get some miles at least SMF SIN SMF

Happy Travels! Cheers!
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Old Aug 8, 2015, 11:51 pm
  #939  
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Smile Fares Aug 8 LAX Dep

LAX Dep 25,096 MQM LAX JFK NRT SIN NRT JFK LAX

Fares from Google.com/flights. Dates not given higher prices

$1074 ai 4.28 cpm Sep 28-Oct 1, 5-8, 19-22, 26-29 BEST FARE 2015
$1078 ai 4.3 cpm Sep 7-10
$1148 ai 4.57 cpm Nov 2-5

Prices for 2016
$978 ai 3.9 cpm Feb 1-4, 8-11 BEST FARE
$1039 ai 4.14 cpm Jan 18-25, 25-28

If you get lower fares please post, all comments welcomed! Happy Travels! Cheers!
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Old Aug 9, 2015, 10:57 am
  #940  
 
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My Thanksgiving run ran into issues with yesterday's schedule changes. Had to redo some segments and I lost about 800-1000 MQMs. Boo.

PS: Still waiting for my SIN-NRT segment to clear the upgrade on Sept 6. It's the only segment in that trip that hasn't cleared. There are 10-12 seats left up front.
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Old Aug 11, 2015, 6:14 pm
  #941  
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Originally Posted by iamhereandthere
My Thanksgiving run ran into issues with yesterday's schedule changes. Had to redo some segments and I lost about 800-1000 MQMs. Boo.

PS: Still waiting for my SIN-NRT segment to clear the upgrade on Sept 6. It's the only segment in that trip that hasn't cleared. There are 10-12 seats left up front.
What kind of schedule changes did they make and they wouldn't allow you to make a change that would give you more MQM

Our journey started today, SMF LAX, now in LA but late arrival from SMF so missed connection at 1250 pm to NRT and SIN. Touchdown at LAX was around 1225 pm, exit at T6, needed to get to T5, gate 57, exit plane at 1235 pm. Gate agent couldn't find out if plane was held, get to gate 57 plane for NRT gone. Alternate was Korean Air leaving 11 hrs later but can't tell you what seats. Safer to go 1 day later on DL flight. Vouchers for hotel and meals. What are my rights and fair compensation? Replies appreciated.

Happy Travels! Cheers!

Last edited by Csfing1; Aug 11, 2015 at 6:15 pm Reason: Spelling
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Old Aug 12, 2015, 2:58 am
  #942  
 
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Apologies for threadjacking, but assuming most of the people in here at some point have flown DL SIN-NRT-JFK/LAX/SEA or wherever in economy, how is it? I'm somewhat leery of flying transpacific on anything less than J (on miles of course) but the fares - even in the reverse direction from what you guys are doing - are so attractive I'm thinking of taking a random trip somewhere in North America.
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Old Aug 13, 2015, 9:30 am
  #943  
 
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Originally Posted by Csfing1
What kind of schedule changes did they make and they wouldn't allow you to make a change that would give you more MQM
[/B]
I just double-checked and it looks like I only lost 300 MQMs. I was doing a lot of rounding in my head. I was doing DCA-MSP-DTW and beyond, then the reverse. Since I'm WAS-based the cheap WAS-SIN fare is worth not losing 1-2 days positioning to the west coast vs the 3000 MQMs I would otherwise earn.

I had 4 segments in each direction, and maintained 4 in each direction. For my dates the 747 is still flying from DTW so I wanted to maintain that entry to NRT (vs ATL for example). So my options were somewhat limited due to connection scheduling. Coming home I have a 40-minute connection in MSP for DTW-MSP-DCA. If I miss the MSP departure it's the last flight of the day (and I won't care!).
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Old Aug 13, 2015, 9:38 am
  #944  
 
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Originally Posted by elleana
Apologies for threadjacking, but assuming most of the people in here at some point have flown DL SIN-NRT-JFK/LAX/SEA or wherever in economy, how is it? I'm somewhat leery of flying transpacific on anything less than J (on miles of course) but the fares - even in the reverse direction from what you guys are doing - are so attractive I'm thinking of taking a random trip somewhere in North America.
No worries about hijacking the thread, it's a good question! I've flown several times on TPAC flights in economy, but always in DL's "premium" version (formerly Economy Comfort, currently Comfort+ ). 9/10 times I'm in a bulkhead window seat which is my preference. On the 747/777 you can easily get up and walk around the other 2 pax next to you. IMHO, this is the optimal economy seat (bulkhead, your preference as to aisle/window). I have not flown the A330 TPAC (only once SIN-NRT). For some of the SIN-NRT segments the 767 versions they fly have a Comfort+ seat that is also an exit row seat so that would be very roomy.

Honestly I haven't had a horrible experience in economy. The 747 was interesting because on the bulkhead row K side (right window side) you can see everything happening in the galley. For me that was fun. I haven't been in the back on the 777 in a while (thank you global upgrades!) but there were slight differences at the bulkhead between the 777/747.

Since I haven't been in another type of seat, that's all the feedback I have.
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Old Aug 13, 2015, 11:42 am
  #945  
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Lax nrt sin

Asked about possibilities of UG when rebooked for Aug 12, at that time there were 40 + seats in economy and no Y+ seats but they gave us 36 A C with empty B. At boarding at LAX was UG to 1A but wife left in 36 C with 36B filled as well. Just before dep found CSR and explained situation and he conferred with another CSR and they said move her forward, was in 1C which worked well. Still had empty seats in J. From NRT SIN left in y but shorter flight. Bulkhead and exit row seats give you most room in Y and if you are tall seats are not as comfortable pitch in Y+ is 34 and 31 in in Y.

Any comments on compensation for delayed flights as mentioned in earlier post, what are rules and what can I ask for?

Happy Travels! Cheers!
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