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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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)
May 15, 2017, 11:42 am
#1996
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: 18,890
Delta.dumb did not give me good prices for LGA/MDW to SIN and MNL. I used Google Flights and American Express Travel to get much lower prices. I had to then call the diamond desk and have the Delta agent manually search by flight number because Delta.dumb wasn't giving you all the legally routable, logistical possibilities.
May 15, 2017, 1:32 pm
#1997
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Delta.dumb did not give me good prices for LGA/MDW to SIN and MNL. I used Google Flights and American Express Travel to get much lower prices. I had to then call the diamond desk and have the Delta agent manually search by flight number because Delta.dumb wasn't giving you all the legally routable, logistical possibilities.
May 15, 2017, 2:59 pm
#1998
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
True if I am not happy with prices on DL.com and get lower prices elsewhere I tell them the flight numbers and times and than usually get similar prices but not always and you need to make sure they are not basic e. What kind of price did you get and what dates and itin did you settle on?
I'd rather not share my dates for fear someone with higher status will steal my chance at my global upgrade certificate clearing. I did, however, buy for under $600. I think any flight to Singapore for under $900 is a good value, especially since with Delta metal you can use pay-with-miles to reduce the up front cost while keeping the full MQMs.
Manila doesn't earn as many MQMs as Singapore, but with some creative routing and a Delta-branded American Express card you can get it to 18,000-20,000 MQMs. I presume the global upgrade certificate on NRT-MNL will have a much, much better chance at clearing because there are fewer business travelers flying into MNL as opposed to SIN. Regardless, upgrades used to be easier to come across for MNL because (1) Delta used to fly a 747 on the NRT-MNL route and (2) economy-class was often oversold, resulting in what top-tier elites there were being operationally upgraded.
May 18, 2017, 9:27 am
#1999
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Plane spotting in ANC
Greetings from ANC. Here for a few days with some plane spotters. Note on LAX on Tue last day of big switch with DL going from T 5 and 6 to T 2 and 3 asnd switching SC. On Tue dep from T3 and no SC there yet so went to T2 and there was a large room serving as SC till Wed when they expanded taking over Air Canada lounge adjacent to DL SC. Took shuttle bus from T2 to T3 so didn't have clear security again. "SC" at T3 was a desk with some beautiful large oranges and they gave you a $15 food voucher which could be used at Starbucks or Burger King and Peet's Coffee. They will eventually have a SC there. In SEA the new SC in Terminal A is very nice much better than one in S terminal. Their food choices were much better than most of the other SC. Back to plane spotting.
May 18, 2017, 12:30 pm
#2000
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: DL ✈️
Posts: 638
Unfortunately, low airfares for flights to SIN from JFK via ATL and NRT are almost exclusively the dreaded basic-economy fare. LGA and even EWR didn't have that problem, when I was looking around.
I'd rather not share my dates for fear someone with higher status will steal my chance at my global upgrade certificate clearing. I did, however, buy for under $600. I think any flight to Singapore for under $900 is a good value, especially since with Delta metal you can use pay-with-miles to reduce the up front cost while keeping the full MQMs.
Manila doesn't earn as many MQMs as Singapore, but with some creative routing and a Delta-branded American Express card you can get it to 18,000-20,000 MQMs. I presume the global upgrade certificate on NRT-MNL will have a much, much better chance at clearing because there are fewer business travelers flying into MNL as opposed to SIN. Regardless, upgrades used to be easier to come across for MNL because (1) Delta used to fly a 747 on the NRT-MNL route and (2) economy-class was often oversold, resulting in what top-tier elites there were being operationally upgraded.
I'd rather not share my dates for fear someone with higher status will steal my chance at my global upgrade certificate clearing. I did, however, buy for under $600. I think any flight to Singapore for under $900 is a good value, especially since with Delta metal you can use pay-with-miles to reduce the up front cost while keeping the full MQMs.
Manila doesn't earn as many MQMs as Singapore, but with some creative routing and a Delta-branded American Express card you can get it to 18,000-20,000 MQMs. I presume the global upgrade certificate on NRT-MNL will have a much, much better chance at clearing because there are fewer business travelers flying into MNL as opposed to SIN. Regardless, upgrades used to be easier to come across for MNL because (1) Delta used to fly a 747 on the NRT-MNL route and (2) economy-class was often oversold, resulting in what top-tier elites there were being operationally upgraded.
May 21, 2017, 2:17 am
#2001
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Plane spotting in ANC
After a couple of days of plane spotting it's time to head home. Mixed weather with rain, clouds and sun and long days heading out at 530 most days and stopping after 10 pm if weather is good as sunset is around 2340. When the wind blows as it often does later in the day it an get cold if not dresses to stay warm. Planes seen include Antonov 124 one of the larger ones and many 748 as there are many cargo flights stopping to refuel. Easily saw 15+ 748 daily with UPS, FEDEX, Polar, DHL, Cathay Pacific, ANA, China Southern, Air China, CargoLux and many other carriers. It is important to know where to go and track the flights coming and going and depending on wind which runways are going to be used and whether you want take off or landing. Decisions and choices. More later, taking off soon. Post reports, comments and low fares.
May 26, 2017, 8:41 pm
#2002
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
A Few Fares from IAH - Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend
Have found a few fares from IAH - SIN, usually considerably lower than LAX or SFO at the present time. In the $810 range with 21,668 to 21,734 MQM.
Found some for Thanksgiving week and they are as follows.
$805-812 Nov 20-23 via DTW - IAH DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW IAH - overnite in SIN 3.72 cpm You can try other days eg Nov 21-23 same price. Price is less than 4 cpm and significantly lower than other combinations. If anyone gets some good fares, please post. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and remember those who gave their lives to preserve our freedom! Pray for the troops and our nation and be thankful for our freedom.
Found some for Thanksgiving week and they are as follows.
$805-812 Nov 20-23 via DTW - IAH DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW IAH - overnite in SIN 3.72 cpm You can try other days eg Nov 21-23 same price. Price is less than 4 cpm and significantly lower than other combinations. If anyone gets some good fares, please post. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and remember those who gave their lives to preserve our freedom! Pray for the troops and our nation and be thankful for our freedom.
May 27, 2017, 6:06 am
#2003
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,684
Have found a few fares from IAH - SIN, usually considerably lower than LAX or SFO at the present time. In the $810 range with 21,668 to 21,734 MQM.
Found some for Thanksgiving week and they are as follows.
$805-812 Nov 20-23 via DTW - IAH DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW IAH - overnite in SIN 3.72 cpm You can try other days eg Nov 21-23 same price. Price is less than 4 cpm and significantly lower than other combinations. If anyone gets some good fares, please post. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and remember those who gave their lives to preserve our freedom! Pray for the troops and our nation and be thankful for our freedom.
Found some for Thanksgiving week and they are as follows.
$805-812 Nov 20-23 via DTW - IAH DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW IAH - overnite in SIN 3.72 cpm You can try other days eg Nov 21-23 same price. Price is less than 4 cpm and significantly lower than other combinations. If anyone gets some good fares, please post. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and remember those who gave their lives to preserve our freedom! Pray for the troops and our nation and be thankful for our freedom.
May 30, 2017, 12:16 am
#2004
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Fares on May 30
Fares not very good at this time, hopefully will decrease in next few months
LAX Dep LAX ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL LAX 24,248 MQM fares from google.com/flights
$857 3.53 cpm Sep 18-21, Oct 16-19
$912 3.76 cpm Dec 4-7 lowest fares
$929 3.83 cpm Sep 25-28, Oct 23-26
$995 4.10 cpm Oct 9--12
$1049 4.73 cpm Oct 30-Nov 2, 6-9
SFO Dep SFO ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL SFO 24,634 MQM
$1020 4.14 cpm Oct 10-12
IAH Dep IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN NRT ATL/DTW IAH 21,668-21,734 MQM fares from DL.com
$802.56-808.16 3.70-3.73 cpm multiple dates Sep-Dec Sep 4-6. 11-13, 13-20, 18-20, 18-21, 19-21, 25-27, 25-28, Oct 2-4, 10-12, 16-18, 23-25, 30-Nov 1, 6-8, 13-15, 14-16
LAX Dep LAX ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL LAX 24,248 MQM fares from google.com/flights
$857 3.53 cpm Sep 18-21, Oct 16-19
$912 3.76 cpm Dec 4-7 lowest fares
$929 3.83 cpm Sep 25-28, Oct 23-26
$995 4.10 cpm Oct 9--12
$1049 4.73 cpm Oct 30-Nov 2, 6-9
SFO Dep SFO ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL SFO 24,634 MQM
$1020 4.14 cpm Oct 10-12
IAH Dep IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN NRT ATL/DTW IAH 21,668-21,734 MQM fares from DL.com
$802.56-808.16 3.70-3.73 cpm multiple dates Sep-Dec Sep 4-6. 11-13, 13-20, 18-20, 18-21, 19-21, 25-27, 25-28, Oct 2-4, 10-12, 16-18, 23-25, 30-Nov 1, 6-8, 13-15, 14-16
May 31, 2017, 5:09 pm
#2005
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: DL ✈️
Posts: 638
Is there a way to book this and add SIN-DPS r/t ?
Matrix can show up DL+SQ (weird) and it's bookable but sounds nasty. I'd prefer KLM but can't get it to show up.
Last time I did split reservations KLM screwed me with the baggage fees.
Matrix can show up DL+SQ (weird) and it's bookable but sounds nasty. I'd prefer KLM but can't get it to show up.
Last time I did split reservations KLM screwed me with the baggage fees.
Jun 1, 2017, 12:13 am
#2006
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 790
I've searched through Singapore's website before for SQ flights to the US and they built in connections once in the USA using Delta. Not sure what's going on, but it's like they have some strange partnership/connection. Singapore and United definitely don't get along, so maybe it's due to that.
Jun 3, 2017, 4:12 pm
#2007
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
It would probably cost less to get a SIN DPS ticket separately on the lowest cost flight you can get as their are numerous airlines that fly that route. Try google.com/flights for the days you are interested in and see what you get. Try for the dates you are interested in.
Jun 10, 2017, 2:39 am
#2009
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX|AKL|AMS|GVA|AGP|CPT - or somewhere in between
Programs: DL DM; 2MM
Posts: 2,418
I am currently in Bangkok (for my own business, out of my own pocket) and used the SIN fare for <$650. Easy flying with Malaysia Airlines from SIN and free checked baggage on all of their flights.
The same I do to get to Bali (DPS) frequently. Many cheapo flights to choose from on LCCs, however, you gotta pay for checked baggage.
If you have DL status, KLM should not be charging for checked baggage.
They do not charge me, even on a separate ticket. The system recognizes my status automatically as Elite+
The same I do to get to Bali (DPS) frequently. Many cheapo flights to choose from on LCCs, however, you gotta pay for checked baggage.
Last time I did split reservations KLM screwed me with the baggage fees.
They do not charge me, even on a separate ticket. The system recognizes my status automatically as Elite+
Jun 15, 2017, 7:29 am
#2010
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Iowa...Delta Charter Diamond, now Gold
Posts: 2,066
NRT/SIN/ICN Turn
Has anyone done the Sin run where they get in from NRT at 12:10am and then taken the flight to ICN at 1:10am?
I have done the regular back and forth routing to/from NRT, but never the ICN alternative.
It sounds like a pretty tight turn (especially since it's not a connecting flight, but a return flight).
Thanks for any insights.
I have done the regular back and forth routing to/from NRT, but never the ICN alternative.
It sounds like a pretty tight turn (especially since it's not a connecting flight, but a return flight).
Thanks for any insights.