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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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)
Dec 5, 2017, 5:40 pm
#2311
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sun or Slopes
Posts: 220
Very unlikely, but a couple of people on the master global upgrade certificate thread have said they got the upgrade. I wouldn't take the chance. By all accounts, it's easy to upgrade between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Tokyo-Haneda. You could then land transfer to Tokyo-Narita for the Delta flight to Singapore.
Dec 9, 2017, 3:29 pm
#2313
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Great time in SIN
Had a great time with a group of 9 friends who came from US and Canada for a NEWSTART Class we conducted Dec 3-6 and than spent some extra time shopping and sightseeing and some went to Malaysia for a few days as well. Some came on UA nonstop from LAX and SFO, some on MU and DL. All said it was great. No MRers, we head back Wed Dec 13 if any FT readers on flight SIN NRT DTW IAH, let us know and we can meet up in NRT DTW or IAH as we ON there and back to SMF via MSP on Thr Dec 14. Blessings and Happy Travels to all and have a great week! Get your Flu shot!
Dec 10, 2017, 6:00 am
#2315
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
No Good Prices ATL SIN Christmas week
That is one of the most expensive times of the year to fly. Any prices on Delta are over $2000. How many miles do you need? If it is less than 10,000 MQM it may be less expensive to get a credit card if you can get the spend in before the end of the year. There is Delta Reserve card that costs about $475. Check Rene’s Points which is a blog but you don’t have much time. If you have any questions let me know.
Blessings and Happy Travels. Get your Flu shot!
Blessings and Happy Travels. Get your Flu shot!
Last edited by Csfing1; Dec 10, 2017 at 6:09 am Reason: Spelling
Dec 12, 2017, 2:23 pm
#2316
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Return starting
Returning today SIN NRT DTW IAH is anyone flying? Waiting to board in SIN getting a foot and leg massage in the chairs going to gate. Looks like NRT DTW is delayed but should still have plenty of time to make connection. SIN NRT 16C and 40C NRT DTW
Blessings and Happy Travels
Blessings and Happy Travels
Dec 25, 2017, 3:20 am
#2317
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Merry Christmas to all readers and postersbh
FYI
Original post from Renés Points
Blessings and Safe travels
Who knew that so much was going to happen in a short few weeks. Let’s dive in and recap all that we have learned recently and what went well and what did not.
Just LOVE this earnings chart.
FYI - there is another way than charging $250,000 on AX cards.
Merry Christmas and blessings to all readers and MRers and posters
This can also be done with MU flying in Business class will help to accrue MQD at a faster rate
Will see if I can get John, one of our posters to give us some information along that line. Does anyone know of a good RTW fare in J using DL SM?
This is copied from Renés Points
First the sweet Aeromexico 1st class deals from last week stuck and I doubt, at this point a week later, they will be canceled. The results, for those looking to credit to Delta, will be amazing. Look at the numbers for each round trip flight from Chicago’s O’Hare:
Original post from Renés Points
Blessings and Safe travels
Who knew that so much was going to happen in a short few weeks. Let’s dive in and recap all that we have learned recently and what went well and what did not.
Just LOVE this earnings chart.FYI - there is another way than charging $250,000 on AX cards.
Merry Christmas and blessings to all readers and MRers and posters
This can also be done with MU flying in Business class will help to accrue MQD at a faster rate
Will see if I can get John, one of our posters to give us some information along that line. Does anyone know of a good RTW fare in J using DL SM?
This is copied from Renés Points
First the sweet Aeromexico 1st class deals from last week stuck and I doubt, at this point a week later, they will be canceled. The results, for those looking to credit to Delta, will be amazing. Look at the numbers for each round trip flight from Chicago’s O’Hare:
- Price ~$550 for an “I” fare class ticket round trip.
- SkyMiles I will earn (200% of distance flown): 17,268 thus getting at least $173 value back.
- MQMs I will earn (200% of distance flown): 17,268 thus 3.2 CPM in business class (WoW)!
- Delta MQD dollar credit I will earn (40% of distance flown): $3,453
Last edited by Csfing1; Dec 25, 2017 at 4:03 pm Reason: Spelling
Dec 25, 2017, 6:41 pm
#2319
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 337
Yea I think many of the deals to SCL or LIM are gone, but who's to say something won't come up again this coming year. I sorta figured I would need to use either AM or MU this coming year. Figured it would be MU, but then these AM fares came around and covered me for 2019 medallion year.
Dec 26, 2017, 6:12 am
#2320
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: DL DM, 1.5 MM; AS MVP Gold 100K; HHonors Diamond; AMEX Platinum
Posts: 488
I did grab two tickets to LIM in Delta One for $1100 each. Not a real great earner by the cpm standard, but it's the cheapest I've seen lie-flat seats in Delta One.
Jan 4, 2018, 10:06 pm
#2321
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to all the readers and MRers. Will you still be doing MR this year trying for you DM? I will still be doing them but not going for $250,000 in AX charges. Will plan to do it with MQD and will have to consider doing MR on MU or some other partner airline that will work. Someone who should be able to help you plan an itinerary like that is John at laptop travel. There is a fee for using his service but it will enable you to try some other cities to visit. SIN is still my favorite MR as I have friends and work there so it makes sense to continue to go there and work in other trips as well. In March will be going to DEL again, did it last year. Got my ticket with FlexPerk points before 2018 so it only cost 40,000 points/ticket. Haven't checked the price now but am sure it is higher. Was considering a trip to TLV in May but may give up on that idea unless the fares come down and will still make several trips to SIN again. We both made DM for 2018 but am not sure about 2019, time will tell. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know and be sure to get your Flu shot even though this year the vaccine may not be as effective as it is some years, it could save your life as every year people die from the flu and this year they expect it will be worse with more deaths and we don't want it to be any of our readers.
Keep posting questions and comments. I wish all of you a great year with many MR and may all your UG come thru and safe travels to all and please post reports and comments. We are DM for 2018 and are currently in S CA visiting children and grandchildren and planning trips for this year. 2019 DM will see how the year goes!
Blessings to all and Happy Travels and may all your UG come thru!
Keep posting questions and comments. I wish all of you a great year with many MR and may all your UG come thru and safe travels to all and please post reports and comments. We are DM for 2018 and are currently in S CA visiting children and grandchildren and planning trips for this year. 2019 DM will see how the year goes!
Blessings to all and Happy Travels and may all your UG come thru!
Last edited by Csfing1; Jan 5, 2018 at 4:08 am Reason: Spelling
Jan 6, 2018, 2:12 pm
#2322
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: DL DM, UA, AA EXP, AS MVP75K GOLD, HHonors Diamond, BW Diamond, SPG Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 382
Happy New Year to all the readers and MRers. Will you still be doing MR this year trying for you DM? I will still be doing them but not going for $250,000 in AX charges. Will plan to do it with MQD and will have to consider doing MR on MU or some other partner airline that will work. Someone who should be able to help you plan an itinerary like that is John at laptop travel. There is a fee for using his service but it will enable you to try some other cities to visit.... Got my ticket with FlexPerk points before 2018 so it only cost 40,000 points/ticket.
I also cashed out a few FlexPerks before the devaluation and those points play an important role in my re-qualification for Diamond Medallion status for 2019. I have already booked my own flights that will take care of that. I try to start early each year so I can take advantage of any 'sweet opportunities' that present themselves later in the year!
Going forward we have to remember that Delta's MQM rollover benefit is a moot benefit for Diamond Medallions; it still has value for Silver, Gold and Platinums as the $25,000 AmEx/Delta CC MQD waiver is still in effect for those three elite levels. With the new perspective on rollover MQM's, I think Delta has hurt themselves. They are going to kill off a lot of end of the year recreational flying. Like many of you, I did this often and just added up extra MQM's to rollover into the next year. However, with the MQD requirements, now that makes no sense for Diamonds. So our travels should be much more focused on need and specific vacations and no longer flying just for the sake of enjoyment. That is sad...kind of goes hand in hand with the timing of the retirement of our beloved Queen of the Skies.
We also need to realize that Mileage Runs for the top elites (Diamonds for Delta) need to be thought of as MQD Mileage Runs since these are the things we need to chase going forward. However, that should mean (if people are following my strategies) less flying, and flying in Business or First Class. So, personally, qualifying (or re-qualifying) can be accomplished in comfort and not in the 'back of the bus' on long-haul flights.
I still see some great opportunities for SIN, but being creative in that pursuit. In addition, as Csfing1 mentioned, there are many exciting other itineraries and destinations which have (and will continue) to open themselves to us.
Happy New Year to everyone in the DL: SFO-ATL/JFK-NRT-SIN $1,232.30 ai RT (25,318 mi; 4.9 cpm) thread!
Last edited by laptoptravel; Jan 6, 2018 at 2:15 pm Reason: grammar
Jan 6, 2018, 8:20 pm
#2323
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, Marriott Plat, Hertz Pres
Posts: 3,649
Will likely end up doing one as a run and maybe a 2nd as a vacation this year. Need to figure out my MQD strat as the waiver is out. I will likely try to do some partner flights to get the MQD earnings there once i figure out how they work
Jan 6, 2018, 8:49 pm
#2325
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: 18,931
I think it's important to retain the perspective that different people MR for different reasons and needing different numbers to hit different targest. I would shy away from any broad sweeping statements about MQM rollover being useless to DMs etc. Some people earn MQDs much faster than MQMs, and so on. If you have a lot of MQMs stockpiled even if you can't hit $15K MQDs or the $250K DM AMEX waiver you might still feel it's worth it to rollover enough to make PM for a few years running.
DIYers should find it fairly simple to consult the updated charts for partner earnings on the Delta site and keep an eye out on the Premium Deals forum themselves:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premium-fare-deals-740/
As for me, I was already leaning towards switching to UA this year with the introduction of a daytime nonstop on SFOBWI, and DL's changes in the latter part of the year helped nudge me in that direction, so that's how I'm starting off 2018. If the experience goes badly I may come crawling back to Skyteam
Flying UA1 SFO-SIN nonstop to the SIN DO next week and routing home via the Island Hopper!
Happy running to all!
DIYers should find it fairly simple to consult the updated charts for partner earnings on the Delta site and keep an eye out on the Premium Deals forum themselves:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/premium-fare-deals-740/
As for me, I was already leaning towards switching to UA this year with the introduction of a daytime nonstop on SFOBWI, and DL's changes in the latter part of the year helped nudge me in that direction, so that's how I'm starting off 2018. If the experience goes badly I may come crawling back to Skyteam
Flying UA1 SFO-SIN nonstop to the SIN DO next week and routing home via the Island Hopper!
Happy running to all!