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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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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 May 6, 2017, 10:21 pm
  #1966  
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Good to Be Home

Thanks Zorak and John Delta for your reminders about basic economy and all readers and MRers pay attention and when you book your flights be sure to avoid if you want UG to C+ or want to use GUC. Read wiki by Zorak if you have any questions and if they aren't answered there please ask and we will answer or send PM with your number and if in US or Canada can call if elsewhere and you have WhatsApp can talk as well. John Delta if you get any reasonable prices please post. In US for next 3.5 wks than off to BHX for 19 days for work. Have a great weekend and healthy recreation or exercise. Blessings to all and have a great week!
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Old May 7, 2017, 8:00 pm
  #1967  
 
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I leave Wednesday morning! First MR and first time in APAC! So excited!^


The best place to exchange money? (Maybe add this to the wiki?)
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Old May 7, 2017, 8:20 pm
  #1968  
 
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Originally Posted by AdamY
I leave Wednesday morning! First MR and first time in APAC! So excited!^


The best place to exchange money? (Maybe add this to the wiki?)
What cards do you have? If AMEX just use that as much as possible. Good protection and no fees. Then just take 100-200 US Cash and exchange once on the ground as needed.

This is if you are there 1-2 days.
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Old May 7, 2017, 8:59 pm
  #1969  
 
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Originally Posted by dinanm3atl
What cards do you have? If AMEX just use that as much as possible. Good protection and no fees. Then just take 100-200 US Cash and exchange once on the ground as needed.

This is if you are there 1-2 days.
Ahh good call. Yep - Got an AMEX.

There for 3 days.
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Old May 7, 2017, 9:56 pm
  #1970  
 
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Probably still good on the 100-200 US Dollars and convert some at airport on arrival. Then others later as needed. The cash will go along way for most of the things you will be required to pay with cash on.
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Old May 7, 2017, 10:39 pm
  #1971  
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When I was there for ~4 days in January I just used my ATM card, but obv. whether that's a good idea depends on your financial institution.
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Old May 9, 2017, 3:09 pm
  #1972  
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Changing money

The best rates for changing money are the money changer at Mustafa Center on Serangoon Road but unless you are changing large amounts more than $1000 it is not worth the time to go there. Banks and hotels usually give the lowest rate and money changers in various locations offer a better rate. If you have ATM card you can withdraw $ from your account and you will get your money in Singapore dollars but I don't know what the exchange rate will be. You will get a better exchange rate for cash than for travelers checks so I usually use cash instead of travelers checks. Beware of pickpockets in crowded locations and don't leave wallet in rear pocket. Much safer than HKG. Probably safest to keep in pouch with your passport which you hang around your neck and keep inside your shirt or blouse! Happy travels keep comments, trip reports and questions coming and please post lower prices. Blessings to all and have a great week!
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Old May 10, 2017, 9:42 am
  #1973  
 
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Originally Posted by AdamY
I leave Wednesday morning! First MR and first time in APAC! So excited!^


The best place to exchange money? (Maybe add this to the wiki?)
Sorry, this is a little late for your trip today...but,

If you are planning to do any amount of travel - domestic or international - I would highly recommend opening an account with Charles Schwab, https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/client_home

You'll need to open both a brokerage account and an attached checking account. The brokerage account requires no funding or activity at all. You will get an ATM card for the checking account.

IMO, this is the best ATM card in the world. You will pay no fees for anything. No min balance or monthly service fees for the checking account, no ATM fees at any ATM worldwide, same currency exchange rate structure that most major banks use, convenient mobile app to make deposits into the account before you travel.

On the rare occasion that an ATM fee makes it onto your account, they will refund it when your statement closes.

So -- before traveling, just write a check to yourself for what you think you'll need and use mobile deposit to fund the account. Now you can use any ATM anywhere. Even for domestic travel, this saves you driving (or walking) all over town hunting for a branch from your bank back home. Just use the first ATM you see.

Lastly, because this account is not tied to any other financial institution you use (esp. your primary bank), your max exposure should your card be stolen or hacked is the relatively small amount you stuck in there before leaving home.

To each his/her own, but carrying US$ cash with you and hunting for the least-smarmy-looking Cambio down some dark alley run by the local mob to exchange it is not my idea of fun. I'd much rather be standing in the lobby of a big money-center bank surrounded by guards while I take local currency out of an ATM machine.

Hope you have a great trip!
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Old May 10, 2017, 10:20 am
  #1974  
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There's also a bunch of threads in the Travel Buzz forum about best places to get cash, ATM cards, etc.

Recent thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...-exchange.html

which included a pointer to another lengthy thread:

Debit cards without forex fee and other-bank ATM fees?

which also has its own wiki, including links to a fairly detailed Google Docs spreadsheet listing fees etc.
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Old May 10, 2017, 11:32 am
  #1975  
 
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I second the Schwab card. I have it and love it. Great exchange rate, no fees.

Anyone flying to SIN in November?
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Old May 10, 2017, 12:18 pm
  #1976  
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Originally Posted by berliner5000
I second the Schwab card. I have it and love it. Great exchange rate, no fees.

Anyone flying to SIN in November?
I am considering a run from SMF in either Oct or Dec...but won't know if I need to do it for status bump until probably August. Awaiting clarity on late calendar year work travel to see if I am going to be 15K short or 5K short...

If I did go I would probably not take the circuitous east coast route and would probably stay in SIN for 48-72 hours as I have never been there before.
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Old May 10, 2017, 12:38 pm
  #1977  
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I'm in a similar boat, won't know until later this year what my 2017 MQMs will likely be, and what I expect my travel patterns to be for 2018, before making a decision on a Q4 MR.
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Old May 10, 2017, 12:54 pm
  #1978  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
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Originally Posted by PV_Premier
I am considering a run from SMF in either Oct or Dec...but won't know if I need to do it for status bump until probably August. Awaiting clarity on late calendar year work travel to see if I am going to be 15K short or 5K short...

If I did go I would probably not take the circuitous east coast route and would probably stay in SIN for 48-72 hours as I have never been there before.
Oh man! Out of SMF?! That would be a dream -- unfortunately, I'm flying out of SFO (I booked one of the 490$ fares). I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a schedule change, so I can switch my routing. I'm not doing a circuitous east coast route -- SFO-LAX-SEA-SIN both ways. Still nets 17k+ MQMS.
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Old May 10, 2017, 1:12 pm
  #1979  
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Originally Posted by berliner5000
Oh man! Out of SMF?! That would be a dream -- unfortunately, I'm flying out of SFO (I booked one of the 490$ fares). I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a schedule change, so I can switch my routing. I'm not doing a circuitous east coast route -- SFO-LAX-SEA-SIN both ways. Still nets 17k+ MQMS.
I will do SFO if the fare is more than $200 cheaper if/when I go to book, but otherwise I can't justify driving there. It's just too much of a pain.

SEA/LAX/SAN/PDX are also possible for starting points since they can usually be positioned with 5000 pesos or AS miles each direction.

Anyway, TBD, zorak and I are in touch and if your flight gets hit with a schedule change feel free to ping us and let us know what you are gonna do with it.
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Old May 10, 2017, 1:41 pm
  #1980  
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Smile

From IAH can get fares for various dates in Sep thru Nov for <$700 for~21,500 MQM at 3.2 cpm haven't seen any more <$500 if anyone knows of some better fares let me know as I can still cancel mine which was booked today IAH DTW NRT SIN NRT DTW IAH to access 744 before retirement. If anyone gets a good fare from LAX or SFO let me know. Also need to go in early Dec.
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