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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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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 Oct 1, 2016, 8:31 pm
  #1576  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Atlanta Ga
Programs: DL Platinum
Posts: 24
Just got back home today...Left LAX 8:00 pm Tuesday night 9/27.. I did LAX-ATL-DTW(747) - NRT-SIN 5.5 hours -NRT-JFK- LAX last night (9/30 @ 11:39pm then 0620 to ATL this morning 10/1... I was lucky enough to get dispatched to LA for Monday 9/26. So I could redeposit my ATL-LAX ticket. C+ and Skyclub the whole way...Skyclub food and showers made it very doable. Singapore guard at D ask if I was a runner... and I thought long and hard about Logan's Run Before I answered... He said 8 came through the night before. that must have been Csfing1's crew. -Mike..
mlavelle3 is offline  
Old Oct 1, 2016, 10:07 pm
  #1577  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SFO/DTW
Programs: DL PM 0.5MM, Hyatt Globalist, HHonors Gold, SPG Plat, Marriott Gold, Avis PC, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,988
Completed my trip on Thursday's night.

Leaving SIN - checked in at 3:40am local since thats when delta desk opened up. Singapore guard asked nature of this trip - mileage run. She had never heard of that before and seemed confused why we would do this crazy flying.

Return legs
SIN-NRT - full flight in a 767. Had a bulk head in C+ so lots of leg room.
NRT-JFK - this flight was very long. 777 with one broken lav on each side of the plane in the middle. Lady to my right would push on the chair in front to prevent the person in front from reclining back. Very hypocritical since she had her seat reclined back all the way.
JFK-LAX - 767 in C+. They gave us a chicken wrap since it was a transcon flight? It also came with a delicious frozen yogurt bar too.

All in all, I felt that this run was very doable. With showers at Skyclubs, it made it more relaxing. Did LAX-MSP-ANC 2 days before this run and the ANC run was much more exhausting for me personally.
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Old Oct 2, 2016, 1:17 am
  #1578  
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Smile Fares Oct 1 LAX and SFO dep

If you can go on Monday still have some fares at a reasonable price, most will require an overnight in ATL as you won't have a red eye out on some dates.

SFO ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL SFO 24,634 MQM
$825 ai 3.35 cpm Oct 3-6 BEST FARE FOR SFO DEP
$873 ai 3.54 cpm Oct 10-13
$883 ai 3.58 cpm Nov-10, 14-17
$920 ai 3.78 cpm Nov 29-Dec 2

SFO ATL NRT SIN NRT DTW SFO 24,121 MQM
$829 ai 3.44 cpm Oct 3-6, 10-13, 17-20
$839 ai 3.48 cpm Nov 14-17
$877 ai 3.64 cpm Nov 7-10
$823 ai 3.49 cpm Oct 3-6, 10-13, Nov 14-17
$859 ai 3.64 cpm Nov 7-10

SFO DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW SFO 23,608 MQM
$823 ai 3.49 cpm Oct 3-6, 10-13
$859 ai 3.64 cpm Nov 7-10

LAX ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL LAX 24,248 MQM
$797 ai 3.29 cpm Oct 3-6 BEST FARE

Fares from Kayak.com, try and see what you get, unfortunately fares may not be available for long and sometimes after you put in all your info including cc on Delta you will get a notice fare no longer available and price is higher but try as it does come thru most of the time.

Happy Travels! Please post lower fares and comments and trip reports always welcomed. Blessings!

Last edited by Csfing1; Oct 2, 2016 at 2:08 am Reason: Add fares
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Old Oct 2, 2016, 1:58 am
  #1579  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Smile Check post with fares for Oct 1

Originally Posted by Myopia
Waiting for Sfo departures and returns!
Look at fares posted tonight for SFO Dep. If you can go on Monday some reasonable fares available. Blessings and Happy Travels! If you need miles for this year better get soon as fares only will go up.
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Oct 2, 2016, 5:07 pm
  #1580  
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Programs: Delta DM / 1M, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, Emerald Club Exec
Posts: 500
I received a schedule change notice for an upcoming run. I now have 55 minutes of connection time at NRT.

Thoughts on whether this is too tight of a connection?
nichelle is offline  
Old Oct 2, 2016, 5:47 pm
  #1581  
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,895
It shouldn't be a problem. Narita security screening is pretty efficient.

Originally Posted by nichelle
I received a schedule change notice for an upcoming run. I now have 55 minutes of connection time at NRT.

Thoughts on whether this is too tight of a connection?
canuck_traveler is offline  
Old Oct 2, 2016, 5:57 pm
  #1582  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
Originally Posted by nichelle
I received a schedule change notice for an upcoming run. I now have 55 minutes of connection time at NRT.

Thoughts on whether this is too tight of a connection?
There is an ATL-NRT running on same day and the MQM difference is almost nill. Delta probably will switch you or can ask.
dinanm3atl is offline  
Old Oct 2, 2016, 6:16 pm
  #1583  
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Programs: Delta DM / 1M, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, Emerald Club Exec
Posts: 500
Originally Posted by canuck_traveler
It shouldn't be a problem. Narita security screening is pretty efficient.
Thanks!

Originally Posted by dinanm3atl
There is an ATL-NRT running on same day and the MQM difference is almost nill. Delta probably will switch you or can ask.
Thank you.

I just looked at my new reservation online and compared it to the one on my receipt from 2 months ago. It seems they've not only changed the outbound legs (shortened connection time), but the return has me going through Atlanta instead of Detroit. I normally wouldn't care but I was skipping the very last leg of the flight. This kind of screws up my plans.

Time to make a call and see what we can work out...

Follow Up: Just got off the phone with the Platinum desk. The agent was great and adjusted my itinerary for the positioning flight (changed it from Detroit to Atlanta). I'm still skipping the last leg of the Singapore itinerary in order to keep to my previous schedule. We had a nice chat about Singapore and mileage running. After this trip, I'll make Diamond for the first time ever.

Last edited by nichelle; Oct 2, 2016 at 6:49 pm
nichelle is offline  
Old Oct 2, 2016, 8:04 pm
  #1584  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
Excellent. Glad they worked it out for you.
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Old Oct 3, 2016, 12:58 pm
  #1585  
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Smile FYI

FYI Most of you know this but for those who don't and make international trips for mileage runs and you don't have Global Entry (costs $100, good for 5 years and if you have the correct AMX card you will get a credit for that if you use card to pay the fee), please get the Mobile Passport App which is free and it will save you much time when returning to the US at most major points of entry. Not available for LAX at present. Personally I like Global Entry because you will automatically get PreChek which is far better than standard TSA screen) for domestic travel. Make your MR now don't wait till the prices go up.

Happy Travels! It is also about time to get your Flu immunization. Please post lower fares, comments encouraged and welcomed! Blessings! Have a wonderful week, for those on a MR please give us a report and may you get your UG and if on the 744 DTW NRT may you get the UD. Thanks to all for your posts and contributions!
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Oct 4, 2016, 5:34 pm
  #1586  
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: East Coast
Programs: Delta Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 441
Originally Posted by Csfing1
FYI Most of you know this but for those who don't and make international trips for mileage runs and you don't have Global Entry (costs $100, good for 5 years and if you have the correct AMX card you will get a credit for that if you use card to pay the fee), please get the Mobile Passport App which is free and it will save you much time when returning to the US at most major points of entry. Not available for LAX at present. Personally I like Global Entry because you will automatically get PreChek which is far better than standard TSA screen) for domestic travel.
Arrived today from NRT to MSP mid day and the line for immigration and customs was extremely long, fortunately I had GE and cleared in 5 minutes (they have expedited line for customs after you get your print out). I definitely recommend anyone with a CC that reimburses to get GE if you do any international travel. I believe those without GE today probably spent 45+ minutes entering the US.
Youngmiler is offline  
Old Oct 5, 2016, 1:49 am
  #1587  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Originally Posted by Youngmiler
Arrived today from NRT to MSP mid day and the line for immigration and customs was extremely long, fortunately I had GE and cleared in 5 minutes (they have expedited line for customs after you get your print out). I definitely recommend anyone with a CC that reimburses to get GE if you do any international travel. I believe those without GE today probably spent 45+ minutes entering the US.
Similar experience at JFK on Sep 28 arrival from NRT about 3:45 pm. Out thru customs, changed to earlier flight to LAX, upstairs to use PreChk for TSA and in SC by about 30 min after leaving plane. It also helps to have Priority Tags on bags if you check any which we did but on a MR I don't check bags, only carry on! Thanks for your post which reinforces advantage of GE! Happy Travels! Keep comments coming! Get your flu immunization! Blessings!

Last edited by Csfing1; Oct 5, 2016 at 1:51 am Reason: Spelling
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Oct 6, 2016, 11:35 am
  #1588  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Fares on Oct 6

Very few dates and reasonable prices for 2016 at this time and I don't anticipate they will decrease and will only go higher, will post what I have found. If you need MQM for 2016 don't wait any longer. It is time to begin thinking about 2017. Dates not given are usually higher prices. Prices from Kayak.com and they change daily. Best prices usually out of LAX.

SFO ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL SFO 24,634 MQM
$910 ai 3.69 cpm Oct 10-13 overnite (ON) in ATL
$919 ai 3.73 cpm Nov 14-17 ON in ATL

LAX ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL LAX 24,248 MQM
$775 ai 3.20 cpm Nov 7-10 Will have ON in ATL. OB thru SEA, short connection time but should be ok and return can be thru DTW, will get a few more MQM 24,491(243 more MQM) (3.16 cpm with that routing)! Best Fare

LAX ATL NRT SIN NRT DTW LAX 23,828 MQM
$833 ai 3.5 cpm Nov 7-10
$999 ai 4.19 cpm Nov 14-17

Happy Travels! Time for Flu immunizations again! Blessings and Have a Great Weekend! Anybody on a MR please share your experiences good or bad!

Last edited by Csfing1; Oct 6, 2016 at 1:29 pm Reason: Spelling, add information
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Oct 6, 2016, 11:38 am
  #1589  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
7-10 date might be popular.
dinanm3atl is offline  
Old Oct 6, 2016, 1:05 pm
  #1590  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
MR Nov 7-10

Originally Posted by dinanm3atl
7-10 date might be popular.
Be sure to vote and get your absentee ballot in before leaving. I won't tell you who to vote for but please vote and express your preferences because if you are not happy with the election results and you didn't vote, don't complain! Have a great day!
Csfing1 is offline  


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