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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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

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)

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Nov 20, 2015, 5:28 pm

#1126

tentseller

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ

Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC

Posts: 10,688

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarmenOM

I'm half way through my short vacation/MR so can give some new information about the SIN airside hotel situation. The former Ambassador Transit Hotel has been renovated and is under new management as the Aerotel Transit Hotel. The previously somewhat tired, Motel 6-ish looking rooms are now fresh, crisp, and contemporary. The price has gone up a few dollars; a single with private bath (they also have budget rooms with shared bath) is now S$90 (US$63) for a six hour block of time, with additional fees for each additional hour. You can get to the hotel website via the Changi Airport website. I had trouble with booking on-line but was able to send an email to make my reservation.

Aerotel now has a landside hotel at the airport also, which could be a good option for the night before that early morning SIN-NRT departure for those that don't do an immediate turnaround. The airside hotel staff didn't know any details about it but I'll see what I can find out when I head back in a couple of days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pleasantsn

The airport staff also had no idea what I was talking about when I asked about a landside Aerotel. They assured me that the only Aerotel was after Immigration, which requires a "DOCS-OK" boarding pass.
However, I did notice that Aerotel had some rooms on Expedia for $46/night. I wonder how many hours you would get if you booked via Expedia...

The landside transit hotel by the hours is in T3, Havens by JetQuay. It is on the arrival level at the far right end if you are exiting into the terminal from arrivals. It is a good deal for early morning departure where you don't want to pay for a full night for a 4am check out.

There is a shuttle bus between the terminals when the shuttle train is not running overnight.
You can only walk between the terminals 24/7 airside.

Nov 22, 2015, 7:23 pm

#1127

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Fares Nov 22 LAX Dep

LAX JFK NRT SIN NRT JFK LAX 25,096 MQM

Dates not given higher fares.
Fares from Google.com/flights
Buy thru Kayak

LAST CHANCE FOR 2015 GREAT FARES
$854 ai 3.39 cpm Nov 23-26. 30-Dec 3 thru CMH

FARES for 2016

$836 ai 3.33 cpm Jan 11-14, 25-28
$841 ai 3.35 cpm Jan 18-21 thru CMH
$852 ai 3.39 cpm Feb 1-4
$857 ai 3.41 cpm Jan 18-21 thru CMH
$871 ai 3.47 cpm Feb 22-25, 29-Mar 3
$896 ai 3.57 cpm Mar 7-10

Happy Travels! Spend Thanksgiving week on a MR! Get your Quadrivalent Flu shot, Costco has best price, don't have to be a member to go to pharmacy. Happy Thanksgivings! Cheers!

Nov 22, 2015, 10:42 pm

#1128

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Fares Nov 22 SFO Dep

SFO JFK NRT SIN NRT JFK SFO 25,318 MQM

Prices from Google.com/flights
Buy tickets at kayak.com

$865 ai 3.42 cpm Jan 25-28
$883 ai 3.49 cpm Nov 23-26
$959 ai 3.79 cpm Feb 15-18, 22-25, 29-Mar 3

Happy Travels! Get your quadrivalent Flu shot! Cheers!

Nov 23, 2015, 6:46 pm

#1129

CarmenOM

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: MSP

Programs: Delta PM, 1MM

Posts: 3,784

This is a brief trip report after MSP-ATL-JFK-NRT-SIN-NRT-LAX-JFK-MSP, with side trip of SIN-PEN-SIN.

This was not a fast turn around MR as the MSP-JFK-MSP positioning flights were done the day before and after the long-haul flights and there were five days between arrival and departure in SIN.

From SIN I flew Air Asia to PEN. This makes a good side trip for those who want to turn the MR into a short vacation. Even with the extra airfare it can be cheaper and a more unusual experience than going into Singapore for a few days. Penang is quite a bit less expensive than Singapore, not as glitzy, not as clean, in some ways more interesting, more like Singapore several decades ago. Like Singapore, the food is great. The grand old hotel, built by the same people who founded the Raffles in Singapore, costs about a quarter of what the Raffles costs. All suites, in luxurious colonial style, for $125 a night.

I spent two nights and several hours at SIN before and after flying to PEN. As I mentioned upthread, the new Aerotel in T1 is a good improvement over the old Ambassador Transit, with very pleasant staff. I tried some different places to eat by going over to T2. Some recommendations on classic Singapore foods to look for and try: Hainanese chicken rice, laksa soup, carrot cake (not carrots and not cake), sate, kaya toast, Singapore style coffee (very strong, milky, and sweet).

Otherwise, the trip went smoothly except for a flight delay of LAX-JFK. I was not able to get an upgrade with an RUC on that flight.

Nov 23, 2015, 6:51 pm

#1130

CarmenOM

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: MSP

Programs: Delta PM, 1MM

Posts: 3,784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Love_Travel

I see it now. 78U$ for 6 hour block for a single room

In reference to the T1 Aerotel, that's actually the rate for what the hotel calls a twin room. If you ask for a single room (meaning one double bed; at least that's what mine had) it's about US$63 (S$90).

Nov 24, 2015, 10:56 am

#1131

Zorak

Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Jun 2015

Location: WAS

Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester

Posts: 18,929

In the air from JFK to NRT... 32F with 32E empty, score! ^ NRT-SIN-NRT seems to have a bunch of availability in Y/Y+ so hopefully this pattern holds (fingers crossed...)

No Biscoffs on international flights

Nov 24, 2015, 2:29 pm

#1132

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Happy Holidays! Thanks for your posts! Have a Wonderful Week! Safe Travels

Thanks to all of you for your posts, continue to update us on your journey. Wish I were going with you this week but I guess next week will be soon enough, keep the information coming as it is always helpful to readers and other MRers. Have a great week and for those of you flying back from SIN on Thr your Thanksgiving will be 13-16 hours longer so enjoy it and be thankful to God, our country and troops who keep us safe and make it possible to be free! May God bless America and help us to vote wisely in the coming elections so that our freedom can continue.

Have Happy and Joyous Thanksgiving, don't eat too much, enjoy family and friends and if you know someone who may be alone invite them to share your blessings and hospitality! May God's richest blessings be yours and your family and friends! Have an absolutely wonderful week! Safe Travels! Cheers!! ^^

Nov 24, 2015, 10:38 pm

#1133

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Empty seats

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorak

Keep checking the seat chart at each stop as sometimes you may be able get 3 seats for yourself if y isn't full and there are some empty rows. Good luck, that might make it easier to sleep!

Happy Travels! Enjoy your MR! Cheers!

Nov 25, 2015, 10:23 am

#1134

Zorak

Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Jun 2015

Location: WAS

Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester

Posts: 18,929

Quote:

Originally Posted by Csfing1

Great call, I was able to "clear" my "upgrade" into 32GHJ for NRT-SIN at the gate

^ Still not a substitute for a real bed but it worked

Had originally had a C+ seat in row just forward of the lav on the 763 but they changed it to a 772 a couple days ago. Seatback pocket had the wifi card but never actually saw it on, but I slept most of the flight anyway. Might be nice to have it on the way back though (flightradar24 says it's not the same plane)

Last edited by Zorak; Nov 25, 2015 at 10:38 am Reason: addl info

Nov 25, 2015, 3:37 pm

#1135

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Happy Travels and Happy Thanksgiving to all you MRers

Glad that worked out, hope you are as fortunate on way back. Happy Travels! Enjoy your longer Thanksgiving! Was there anyone else you met doing the run with you? Off to Costco for some last minute shopping. Cheers!

Last edited by Csfing1; Nov 25, 2015 at 3:39 pm Reason: Add information

Nov 25, 2015, 11:44 pm

#1136

Zorak

Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Jun 2015

Location: WAS

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Posts: 18,929

Quote:

Originally Posted by Csfing1

I think I saw either in the GUC thread or somewhere else in the Delta forums that someone else would be doing the JFK-NRT-SIN part on the same dates but no one I specifically ran into. The transit desk agent did mention she'd processed someone else doing the same-day turn.

While sitting around in SIN I was asked at one point to show my passport and itinerary; felt like a routine thing or maybe security is just bored at 3 in the morning

Back at NRT SkyClub now, made a couple minor tweaks to the wiki now that I have firsthand experience

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Nov 26, 2015, 9:20 pm

#1137

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorak

Back at NRT SkyClub now, made a couple minor tweaks to the wiki now that I have firsthand experience

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

How was the rest of your trip? Did you manage an "UG" on your NRT JFK leg? Safe travels, let us know how the rest of your trip went. You should be somewhere between JFK and LAX by now. Have a wonderful day and thanks for sharing your observations.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and Happy Travels! Cheers!

Nov 26, 2015, 10:34 pm

#1138

Zorak

Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Jun 2015

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Posts: 18,929

Quote:

Originally Posted by Csfing1

I'm about 30 minutes out from SFO according to the flight tracker, almost home! It will be good to sleep in a real bed for the first time since Sunday! ^

I did not get any more full-row "upgrades" but I did have an empty middle C+ on every other intl flight, which was a boon. NRT-JFK pushed back about an hour late due to minor MX (according to the pilot, an outside panel was missing a couple screws and they had to wait for ATL to fax over a waiver in the wee hours of Thursday morning US time) but strong tailwinds let us land pretty much on time. Arrived JFK at B41, so had to walk most of the length of T4 to clear customs/immigration and then walk back to B35

With Global Entry and Precheck I had about ~30 minutes to spare on a 1h15m connection so ducked into the SkyClub for a quick change of clothes.

Bottom line (slight pun intended) this itinerary is definitely survivable in Y/Y+, if you are the tolerant type, but it helps to have "buns of steel"

I won't lie, I was definitely starting to feel it SIN-NRT and definite soreness from NRT-JFK. If I were doing it again I'd look more seriously into a seat cushion like the type you described in a post long ago. Since I had my own neck pillow, I used their pillow as extra seat padding as necessary

It also definitely helped to have RUCs for the tcons.

Best wishes to all the runners in December!

Cheers,

--Z.

Nov 27, 2015, 2:46 am

#1139

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Thanks for your report - seat cushioning

I use as many pillows and blankets as I can get, helps some, had a memory foam cushion made by one of my daughters in law that worked quite well. Have tried a Gelco seat lite cushion from Travelsmith for about $65 but not as good as the memory foam one. Costco has one, memory foam cushion, on Sale Monday for $15, will check it out on my next trip if it isn't too large and see if is as good as the one made by my daughter in law. In J the seats have more padding but in y they are too firm or hard!

Have a good rest and a great weekend, thanks for your posts! Cheers!

Nov 28, 2015, 11:50 pm

#1140

Csfing1

Original Poster

Join Date: Dec 2011

Location: SMF

Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM

Posts: 1,041

Fares Nov 28 LAX Dep

LAX JFK NRT SIN NRT JFK LAX 25,096 MQM

Fares from google.com/flights Buy tickets on Kayak.com
Dates not given prices higher
Comments welcomed, if you find lower prices please post and anyone on
MR, please share your experience.

$837 ai 3,34 cpm Jan 25-28 Best Fare
$919 ai 3,66 cpm Jan 18-21
$1270 ai 5.06 cpm Feb 1-4
$1298 ai 5.17 cpm Dec 5-8

Happy Travels! Get your quadrivalent Flu shot! Cheers!