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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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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 Sep 27, 2017, 3:51 am
  #2176  
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
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Originally Posted by keitherson
And guess what status you would have with UA or AA based on that spend?
Seems on AA I would have the highest tier Emerald as they require $12,000 EQD's if I had the AA Aviator or MC spend $50k on the card get 6000 EQD's and I spend at least $6000 on fares. I also think AA still has mileage and dollar buy up for higher class where that is almost impossible on Delta. Time to give AA try next year.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver MasterCard® accounts can earn up to $6,000 EQDs by spending $50,000 on qualifying net purchases each calendar year. They’ll earn $3,000 EQDs after spending $25,000 on qualifying purchases and another $3,000 EQDs after $50,000 on qualifying purchases.
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Old Sep 28, 2017, 8:46 am
  #2177  
 
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Originally Posted by mnbp
At SIN, DL's counter opens about 3-4 hours prior to the single flight per day. Unlike most DL stations, at SIN, every DL customer must have a boarding pass issued at the airport. Mobile/web check-in is not available for SIN departures.

https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...pass-faqs.html
(includes long list of mobile/web-eligible cities, a list of NON-eligible cities would be much shorter).

Without a SIN-airport-issued BP, it is not possible to enter the secure portion of the airport.
I have a run in 2 weeks that will have 5-6 hours before i turn around right back from SIN.
Not sure if i'm reading this correctly, but are people experiencing difficulties of if they stay within security, that they are unable to get their boarding pass printed at the transit desk? I was not planning on going through customs and leave the airport.

My plan was:

land in Sin--> walk to transit desk--> ask for boarding pass--> go to aerotel in T1 (already reserved) and sleep for 5 hrs -->go to gate--> go back.

thanks for any insight you may have!
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Old Sep 28, 2017, 9:18 am
  #2178  
 
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Usually, the transit desk does not open until about 3 hours before your departure time (a security guy setup at the transit desk checks your passport and travel papers before you can walk up to the counter to get your boarding pass). I would go to the Aerotel and get your sleep first.

I think the OP said there was a problem after going through immigration/customs and then trying to get back in before the check-in desk opened.

Originally Posted by Speedis1
I have a run in 2 weeks that will have 5-6 hours before i turn around right back from SIN.
Not sure if i'm reading this correctly, but are people experiencing difficulties of if they stay within security, that they are unable to get their boarding pass printed at the transit desk? I was not planning on going through customs and leave the airport.

My plan was:

land in Sin--> walk to transit desk--> ask for boarding pass--> go to aerotel in T1 (already reserved) and sleep for 5 hrs -->go to gate--> go back.

thanks for any insight you may have!
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Old Sep 28, 2017, 10:40 am
  #2179  
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Originally Posted by canuck_traveler
Usually, the transit desk does not open until about 3 hours before your departure time (a security guy setup at the transit desk checks your passport and travel papers before you can walk up to the counter to get your boarding pass). I would go to the Aerotel and get your sleep first.

I think the OP said there was a problem after going through immigration/customs and then trying to get back in before the check-in desk opened.
Right, the main thing is that if you leave the airport, you will not be able to re-enter and use any of the airside facilities until you get your boarding pass, which you won't be able to do until ~3 hours before your flight.

If you remain airside you also will not be able to obtain your BP until ~3 hours before your flight, but you will at least be able to access lounges etc.

However I will reiterate my experience doing the 5-6 hour turn that since I wasn't saying in SIN on that trip I found it beneficial to "remain" in my home US time zone for the entire trip as much as possible, which meant staying awake for the 5-6 hours. For those who enjoy walking, and especially exploring spaces when they are mostly deserted, it can be quite interesting but I grant you that that's not everyone's cup of tea.
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Old Sep 28, 2017, 11:15 am
  #2180  
 
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Originally Posted by canuck_traveler
Usually, the transit desk does not open until about 3 hours before your departure time (a security guy setup at the transit desk checks your passport and travel papers before you can walk up to the counter to get your boarding pass). I would go to the Aerotel and get your sleep first.

I think the OP said there was a problem after going through immigration/customs and then trying to get back in before the check-in desk opened.


Thank you both! - For some reason I thought i read somewhere though, that we need our boarding pass to use Aerotel? can it be the ticket we used to land into SIN i assume?
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Old Sep 28, 2017, 12:45 pm
  #2181  
 
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Yes, you can use the boarding pass from your incoming flight (that's what I have done in the past.)

Originally Posted by Speedis1
Thank you both! - For some reason I thought i read somewhere though, that we need our boarding pass to use Aerotel? can it be the ticket we used to land into SIN i assume?
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Old Sep 28, 2017, 4:45 pm
  #2182  
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Originally Posted by Speedis1
I have a run in 2 weeks that will have 5-6 hours before i turn around right back from SIN.
Not sure if i'm reading this correctly, but are people experiencing difficulties of if they stay within security, that they are unable to get their boarding pass printed at the transit desk? I was not planning on going through customs and leave the airport.

My plan was:

land in Sin--> walk to transit desk--> ask for boarding pass--> go to aerotel in T1 (already reserved) and sleep for 5 hrs -->go to gate--> go back.

thanks for any insight you may have!
I had no problem getting a boarding pass at the transit desk about 3 hours before departure, which, as others have said, is about when it opens. There are plenty of huge padded benches and even recliner chairs by the transit desk that you could safely sleep. Or go to the DNATA lounge, accessible with Priority Pass, which is maybe 4 minutes by foot from the transit desk.
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Old Sep 30, 2017, 8:42 am
  #2183  
 
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Originally Posted by hockeyinsider
I had no problem getting a boarding pass at the transit desk about 3 hours before departure, which, as others have said, is about when it opens. There are plenty of huge padded benches and even recliner chairs by the transit desk that you could safely sleep. Or go to the DNATA lounge, accessible with Priority Pass, which is maybe 4 minutes by foot from the transit desk.
thanks everyone!!
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Old Oct 1, 2017, 6:25 am
  #2184  
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One more thing. The DNATA lounge (and I presume the others) allow you in with your old boarding pass, though they do ask you leave when the transit desk opens to retrieve a new boarding pass as supposedly you are only allowed in the lounge for three hours per boarding pass. Dinner service in the lounge, which included a decent make-your-own Caesar salad buffet, went until around 2 a.m. Breakfast service started thereafter. Self-serve wine and booze was served all night, along with self-serve Coke/Diet Coke, water and so forth. The showers were help yourself.
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Old Oct 2, 2017, 12:00 pm
  #2185  
 
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If you are awake enough when you land, I'd recommend going out a bit. Last run I did, i took a cab over to the Marina Bay Sands. Got a Singapore Sling at the rooftop bar looking over the city. Wandered around and got some snacks in the hotel before heading back a few hours later.
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Old Oct 2, 2017, 8:32 pm
  #2186  
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Originally Posted by xolinlevh
If you are awake enough when you land, I'd recommend going out a bit. Last run I did, i took a cab over to the Marina Bay Sands. Got a Singapore Sling at the rooftop bar looking over the city. Wandered around and got some snacks in the hotel before heading back a few hours later.
I highly recommend this. The Gardens by the Bay with the super trees is pretty neat. It's illuminated until 2-3 in the morning.
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Old Oct 3, 2017, 10:04 am
  #2187  
 
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Booking a lot of creative fares for clients this 4th quarter (the MQM panic has set in for the season) and I thought I would share a simple and very cheap Mileage Run here...I am seeing a lot of dates...but this one is easy and simple.

Works out to 17,804 MQM's at 3.7CPM and is 'Pay With Miles' eligible, if you have a co-branded AmEx/Delta Credit Card


laptoptravel is offline  
Old Oct 3, 2017, 12:52 pm
  #2188  
 
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Originally Posted by John DELTA
Booking a lot of creative fares for clients this 4th quarter (the MQM panic has set in for the season) and I thought I would share a simple and very cheap Mileage Run here...I am seeing a lot of dates...but this one is easy and simple.

Works out to 17,804 MQM's at 3.7CPM and is 'Pay With Miles' eligible, if you have a co-branded AmEx/Delta Credit Card


Does pay with miles allow MQM earning?
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Old Oct 3, 2017, 1:52 pm
  #2189  
 
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Yes it does!

Pay With Miles only reduces the REDEEMABLE miles earned.

I do it all the time...
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Old Oct 3, 2017, 2:43 pm
  #2190  
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Originally Posted by John DELTA
Yes it does!

Pay With Miles only reduces the REDEEMABLE miles earned.

I do it all the time...
and also reduces the MQDs, which may not be as relevant this year, but next year...

https://www.delta.com/content/www/en...ith-miles.html

"Pay with Miles tickets are eligible for MQMs and MQSs. In addition, Pay with Miles tickets will earn mileage and MQDs for the portion of the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges remaining that is paid in currency after miles are applied to the ticket total."
Zorak is offline  


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