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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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)
Feb 18, 2017, 12:28 am
#1862
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
I have one this weekend: LGA-DTW-NRT-SIN-NRT-DTW-LGA + the positioning flights. I didn't use any GUC's at all on this one so I'm anticipating doing the whole thing in C+ in bulkhead seats. I have another one in March but I used GUC's on that one.
This will be my first one for the year since I didn't actually fly for the last one!
This will be my first one for the year since I didn't actually fly for the last one!
Blessings and safe travels!
Feb 18, 2017, 12:52 am
#1863
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 337
LAX-DTW-NRT-SIN-NRT-DTW-LAX - 16-19 Feb
So I booked this trip before I even flew my first SIN quick turn trip done in Mid Jan 2017. I had GUC's that were going to expire in June and expect to not be able to travel for a bit due to expecting delivery in mid June. Will net ~24k MQM's, price was $760 - $200 credit, so not as cheap, but had to get it in this month really. And wanted to try luck on another 747 flight.
When this was booked, I had already got cleared both ways on my mid Jan 2017 trip, but had not yet traveled it. I saw I still (oddly I thought at time) two more GUC's when I thought I should have had one. But thought what the heck, if it shows two and I already got the upgrades assigned on the Jan trip, apply the two GUC that show on this Feb trip. They applied to both, no issues about a 3 weeks later flew the Jan flight and only less than a day prior to the return, did I realize it was THEN they "pulled" the second GUC for the return in Jan trip. Seems they cleared me but never had the ticket re-issued (should have realized this, didn't get the customary email showing ticket "purchase". Anyway, I wondered what would happen to one of the legs cuz they both still continued to show waitlisted. Couple week later I cleared the NRT-DTW return on 19 Feb (with something like 28 seats remaining) Never got cleared before checkin on the DTW-NRT, but that was cuz availability kept going down. By 4 days prior there was only 1 seat. When I checked in I wondered if I would still show up on the waitlist, considering that I really didn't have a GUC anymore. Well I was still on it. In the end I was #1 of 10 with zero seats (I waited to board til zone 2 and check with GA that it boarded full) So it seem the GUC process can go a bit odd when you end up having your GUC applied to two different flights and even when the first clears, if they don't "pull" it, you might get it used on the second flight, if timing was right.
Right now (Sat, 18 Feb) in NRT SC, waiting to go to Singapore 2 hours before we landed, got a Delta message that flight was delayed for 1 hour 20. So little less time to "walk around" and go to the lounge and shower in SIN.
This has been pretty decent so far, even if in EC on the DTW-SIN (and SIN-NRT legs) Flight was full out of DTW (6 open seats remained) had aisle seat (24-H) so could get up when wanted. Certainly nothing like having flatbed to sleep if UG would have cleared, but its not that bad. Food is certainly a let down from what you get when in D1 cabin :~), waiting for bathroom, etc But also manageable if you time it correctly. Will do the "normal" things to do on a "SIN Quick turn", lounge, walk around, shower get back on the same plane and head home.
When this was booked, I had already got cleared both ways on my mid Jan 2017 trip, but had not yet traveled it. I saw I still (oddly I thought at time) two more GUC's when I thought I should have had one. But thought what the heck, if it shows two and I already got the upgrades assigned on the Jan trip, apply the two GUC that show on this Feb trip. They applied to both, no issues about a 3 weeks later flew the Jan flight and only less than a day prior to the return, did I realize it was THEN they "pulled" the second GUC for the return in Jan trip. Seems they cleared me but never had the ticket re-issued (should have realized this, didn't get the customary email showing ticket "purchase". Anyway, I wondered what would happen to one of the legs cuz they both still continued to show waitlisted. Couple week later I cleared the NRT-DTW return on 19 Feb (with something like 28 seats remaining) Never got cleared before checkin on the DTW-NRT, but that was cuz availability kept going down. By 4 days prior there was only 1 seat. When I checked in I wondered if I would still show up on the waitlist, considering that I really didn't have a GUC anymore. Well I was still on it. In the end I was #1 of 10 with zero seats (I waited to board til zone 2 and check with GA that it boarded full) So it seem the GUC process can go a bit odd when you end up having your GUC applied to two different flights and even when the first clears, if they don't "pull" it, you might get it used on the second flight, if timing was right.
Right now (Sat, 18 Feb) in NRT SC, waiting to go to Singapore 2 hours before we landed, got a Delta message that flight was delayed for 1 hour 20. So little less time to "walk around" and go to the lounge and shower in SIN.
This has been pretty decent so far, even if in EC on the DTW-SIN (and SIN-NRT legs) Flight was full out of DTW (6 open seats remained) had aisle seat (24-H) so could get up when wanted. Certainly nothing like having flatbed to sleep if UG would have cleared, but its not that bad. Food is certainly a let down from what you get when in D1 cabin :~), waiting for bathroom, etc But also manageable if you time it correctly. Will do the "normal" things to do on a "SIN Quick turn", lounge, walk around, shower get back on the same plane and head home.
Feb 19, 2017, 4:47 pm
#1866
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 337
Not much else to report on the trip. Went well. Been waiting for the last few hours in DTW SC, another 2 hours before leg to DTW. In the end the NRT-DTW flight had significant reduction in number of open seats (@ 24 hours before it had 130 available seats according to waitlist, of which 10 were DeltaOne. Heard that the flight the same day out of HND-MSP was delayed and many folks were moved to the NRT-DTW flight and then accommodated to MSP, etc from there.
I also got to meet another fellow MR'er that visits this thread (nichelle) which was great, on the SIN Departure, she recognized that she had seen me in SIN on the arrival. We got to talk more at the NRT SC.
At this time, I don't have any more of these SIN MR's scheduled, but this one will just help with a big rollover next Jan 2018. Also will almost surely be the last time I am in a 747 (Delta or otherwise I expect) But at least I got something like 4 different trips on it in the last July, all but 1 direction, on one trip was not successful with GUC's and Upper Deck seats.
Happy Travels all.
I also got to meet another fellow MR'er that visits this thread (nichelle) which was great, on the SIN Departure, she recognized that she had seen me in SIN on the arrival. We got to talk more at the NRT SC.
At this time, I don't have any more of these SIN MR's scheduled, but this one will just help with a big rollover next Jan 2018. Also will almost surely be the last time I am in a 747 (Delta or otherwise I expect) But at least I got something like 4 different trips on it in the last July, all but 1 direction, on one trip was not successful with GUC's and Upper Deck seats.
Happy Travels all.
Feb 20, 2017, 12:23 am
#1867
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Fares Feb 19
Rizrizriz thanks for your post. Visited UD but haven't been sitting up there for a while.
Not many dates with decent fares tonight. None from SFO with lowest being from LAX. Fares from Google.com/flights - disclaimer, some may be E fares which are not upgradeable.
SFO dep
$894-898 ai 3.64 cpm Oct 9-12, 16-19, 30-Nov 2 other dates over $900 SFO ATL NRT SIN ATL SFO 24,634 MQM
LAX dep
LAX ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL LAX 24,248 MQM
$734 ai 3.03 cpm Feb 20-23 lowest fare
$757 ai 3.12 cpm Sep 4-7, 18-21, Oct 16-19
$825 ai 3.40 cpm Sep 25-28, Oct 23-26
$835 ai 3.44 cpm Nov 6-9
$840-846 ai 3.49 cpm Apr 17-20, Oct 30-Nov 2
Summary of our MR SFO ATL DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW ATL SFO 24,918 MQM
Flying time 48:42 lift off to touch down, which gives a 511.66 mph average for trip. Driving time SMF SFO about 2:15 each way plus $42.50 for parking which was very reasonable at Aloft Hotel which is 5 min shuttle from SFO. Great MR and was very glad to have the company of my wife. That was her Valentine's Day "present" although I think she would have enjoyed a cruise to Alaska or Caribbean more so will have to see what I can work out for her sometime this year. This wasn't her first MR and probably wont be her last if I want her to keep her DM although she says it doesn't make any difference to her. The 8 GUC are nice for 2017 but we have already used 4 of them. I still think the SIN MR is the easiest and fastest for the most MQM with the lowest cost although John Delta has gotten some good fares on China Eastern to SIN but you have to get the correct fare to get MQM. If you have questions contact him via PM. He has been very helpful and a good resource individual and Zorak has been great for doing the WIKI which is invaluable for new readers. This MR is done to help you get the most MQM in the shortest time at the lowest cost with the least hassle.
Keep posting and keep flying, plan ahead, don't wait till Nov or Dec
Not many dates with decent fares tonight. None from SFO with lowest being from LAX. Fares from Google.com/flights - disclaimer, some may be E fares which are not upgradeable.
SFO dep
$894-898 ai 3.64 cpm Oct 9-12, 16-19, 30-Nov 2 other dates over $900 SFO ATL NRT SIN ATL SFO 24,634 MQM
LAX dep
LAX ATL NRT SIN NRT ATL LAX 24,248 MQM
$734 ai 3.03 cpm Feb 20-23 lowest fare
$757 ai 3.12 cpm Sep 4-7, 18-21, Oct 16-19
$825 ai 3.40 cpm Sep 25-28, Oct 23-26
$835 ai 3.44 cpm Nov 6-9
$840-846 ai 3.49 cpm Apr 17-20, Oct 30-Nov 2
Summary of our MR SFO ATL DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW ATL SFO 24,918 MQM
Flying time 48:42 lift off to touch down, which gives a 511.66 mph average for trip. Driving time SMF SFO about 2:15 each way plus $42.50 for parking which was very reasonable at Aloft Hotel which is 5 min shuttle from SFO. Great MR and was very glad to have the company of my wife. That was her Valentine's Day "present" although I think she would have enjoyed a cruise to Alaska or Caribbean more so will have to see what I can work out for her sometime this year. This wasn't her first MR and probably wont be her last if I want her to keep her DM although she says it doesn't make any difference to her. The 8 GUC are nice for 2017 but we have already used 4 of them. I still think the SIN MR is the easiest and fastest for the most MQM with the lowest cost although John Delta has gotten some good fares on China Eastern to SIN but you have to get the correct fare to get MQM. If you have questions contact him via PM. He has been very helpful and a good resource individual and Zorak has been great for doing the WIKI which is invaluable for new readers. This MR is done to help you get the most MQM in the shortest time at the lowest cost with the least hassle.
Keep posting and keep flying, plan ahead, don't wait till Nov or Dec
Last edited by Csfing1; Feb 20, 2017 at 12:47 am Reason: Correct and add information
Feb 20, 2017, 7:08 pm
#1868
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
Hi!
My trip was actually pretty uneventful. I flew from my home airport into LGA to start the run. The positioning flight was delayed so after exiting the plane, I made a mad dash to the next gate. I walked up to hear the announcement that the plane would start boarding as soon as the flight crew arrived. It was the same flight crew from my positioning flight Ha. So I got to see them all again.
And yes, I met rizrizriz who is an incredibly nice guy. While waiting at the gate, I logged into FT and read his post. I then realized that someone I'd seen on the flight in was also boarding the flight out. Coincidently enough, it was him.
Including doing some airport shopping and visiting the Dnata lounge for a shower and breakfast, it was all pretty 'normal'. I remembered the agent at the transit desk from my last MR (last year). She was a bit surprised as she said there are more MR's at the end of the year. Like before she asked where I 'stayed' while in the airport, recommended against getting a hotel room and suggested places in the airport to sleep.
So, all is well. I'm sticking with my plan to do these earlier in the year rather than later. I'm looking forward to the next one which is now *almost* entirely upgraded with GUC's. Last night I received another notification so I'm only waiting for the SIN to NRT leg to clear. All others are now clear!
My trip was actually pretty uneventful. I flew from my home airport into LGA to start the run. The positioning flight was delayed so after exiting the plane, I made a mad dash to the next gate. I walked up to hear the announcement that the plane would start boarding as soon as the flight crew arrived. It was the same flight crew from my positioning flight
Ha. So I got to see them all again.And yes, I met rizrizriz who is an incredibly nice guy. While waiting at the gate, I logged into FT and read his post. I then realized that someone I'd seen on the flight in was also boarding the flight out. Coincidently enough, it was him.
Including doing some airport shopping and visiting the Dnata lounge for a shower and breakfast, it was all pretty 'normal'. I remembered the agent at the transit desk from my last MR (last year). She was a bit surprised as she said there are more MR's at the end of the year. Like before she asked where I 'stayed' while in the airport, recommended against getting a hotel room and suggested places in the airport to sleep.
So, all is well. I'm sticking with my plan to do these earlier in the year rather than later. I'm looking forward to the next one which is now *almost* entirely upgraded with GUC's. Last night I received another notification so I'm only waiting for the SIN to NRT leg to clear. All others are now clear!
Feb 23, 2017, 12:39 pm
#1870
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
Hi bretthexum. Yes, I'm also a hub captive here in MSP. My next run is next week but I want to do another this year. I'd love some company! Another poster contacted me about joining, too. Maybe we can all coordinate dates and do a run together?
Feb 23, 2017, 7:37 pm
#1871
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DTW
Programs: DL Diamond/AA Platinum, Hyatt/Hilton Diamond
Posts: 245
Searched the thread, it seems stopover in NRT is impossible? With NYC-SIN available around ~$800, adding a stopover in NRT increases the price to ~$1600. I guess it's because HIP check forces a higher fare? Anyway, if anyone finds a way to book NRT stopover, please let us know!
Feb 24, 2017, 9:03 am
#1872
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: DL DM / GE / APEC
Posts: 61
Searched the thread, it seems stopover in NRT is impossible? With NYC-SIN available around ~$800, adding a stopover in NRT increases the price to ~$1600. I guess it's because HIP check forces a higher fare? Anyway, if anyone finds a way to book NRT stopover, please let us know!
Feb 24, 2017, 10:37 pm
#1874
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Programs: Delta Diamond, Delta 2MM, HHonors Gold, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 693
Booked a creative routing for November:
LAX-MCO-ATL-ICN-SIN-NRT-ATL-DTW-LAX
ICN-SIN on KE.
Not the cheapest (3.4 CPM) but over 25K miles. No GUCs this time around so looks like C+ (except Korean segment).
Should be interesting.
LAX-MCO-ATL-ICN-SIN-NRT-ATL-DTW-LAX
ICN-SIN on KE.
Not the cheapest (3.4 CPM) but over 25K miles. No GUCs this time around so looks like C+ (except Korean segment).
Should be interesting.
Feb 25, 2017, 7:11 am
#1875
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: BNA
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 41
Abandoned another MR due to poor chance of upgrades using GUC but found this:
JFK-LAX-HNL-NRT-SIN-NRT-HNL-SEA-JFK leaving 3/4 returning 3/7(landing 3/8) at JFK. V fare $755 and 24k+ MQMs. Upgraded TPAC at booking/wait listed TCON using GUC's. All Delta metal with upper deck 747's between HNL and NRT.
JFK-LAX-HNL-NRT-SIN-NRT-HNL-SEA-JFK leaving 3/4 returning 3/7(landing 3/8) at JFK. V fare $755 and 24k+ MQMs. Upgraded TPAC at booking/wait listed TCON using GUC's. All Delta metal with upper deck 747's between HNL and NRT.
Last edited by Grun68; Feb 25, 2017 at 7:19 am