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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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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 Apr 25, 2016, 8:41 pm
  #1336  
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Originally Posted by xolinlevh
Im seeing similar when using DTW outbound and no DTW on the return, calendar view shows $5-6k, but clicking on dates displays prices which price out in the $800s
-DTW-JFK- on the return had an overnight layover in JFK on the samples I clicked through.
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Old Apr 25, 2016, 11:34 pm
  #1337  
 
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Originally Posted by Zorak
-DTW-JFK- on the return had an overnight layover in JFK on the samples I clicked through.
I found the same. I was hoping to snag a 747 both ways out of dtw and try for the upper deck both times. Looks like I'll have to settle for the direct to jfk on my way back
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Old Apr 29, 2016, 3:04 pm
  #1338  
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Smile Fares Apr 29 SFO Dep

SFO JFK NRT SIN NRT JFK SFO 25,318 MQM
$871 ai 3.44 cpm Oct 17-20, 24-27, Nov 7-10, Jan 9-12, 24-26, Feb 6-9, 13-16, Mar 6-9 BEST FARE
$894 signs 3.53 cpm Jan 16-19 out thru DTW
$948 ai 3.74 cpm Oct 31-Nov 3, Nov 14-17, Mar 20-23
$960 ai 3.79 cpm Dec 5-8

SFO ATL NRT SIN NRT JFK SFO 24,926 MQM
$871 ai 3.49 cpm Oct 17-20, 24-27, 31-Nov 3, Jan 23-26, Feb 6-9, 13-16, 27-Mar 2, 6-9, 20-23
$876 ai 3.51 cpm Jan 9-12, 16-19
$948 ai 3.80 cpm Sep 26-29, Oct 10-13, Nov 14-17, 21-24, 28-Dec 1
$960 ai 3.85 cpm Dec 5-8
$1076 ai 4.32 cpm Nov 7-10

Fares from Google.com/flights, dates not given higher fares
Happy Travels! Have a Great Weekend! Post comments and lower fares! Thanks to Zorak, Xolinlevh and recent posters for comments and discussion! Blessings!

Last edited by Csfing1; Apr 29, 2016 at 4:22 pm Reason: Spellingg
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Old Apr 29, 2016, 4:04 pm
  #1339  
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
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Originally Posted by jonexplores
Wanted to spend a few days in Singapore so I booked this one for late April!

April 18 - 24
LAX>CVG>ATL>NRT>SIN>NRT>JFK>LAX
$875 25k mqd 3.5cpm
I figured I would give a review of the trip now that I'm back. Being a PM I did the entire trip without any GUC. On the ATL > NAR and NAR > JFK segments I sat in 29G which gave me unlimited leg room (I am 6'4" so this is a must ). On the NAR > SIN and SIN > NAR segments I sat in 17F which also provides unlimited leg room. Applied a RUC on the JFK > LAX segment and was 1 of 3 on the upgrade list but did not clear as first was full. Overall the flights were good and I was able to get some decent rest.

Once in SIN I had a few days to explore. I had delicious Kaya toast and Kopi at the airport (Killiney located in Terminal 2 & 3 24hrs) upon arrival. I then bought a $15 metro card which was more than sufficient for the time I was there. The various places I visited were:

Changi Village Hawker Center - Try the Lasi Lemak from the International food stall and purchase an ice cold lime drink at the next stall for $6 singapore dollars

Changi Museum - Museum featuring artifacts and guides tours of the Japanese occupation of Singapore during WWII. Museum is free but audio tours are $7 singapore dollars. Definitely an informative experience and worth the visit.

Chinatown Hawker Center - Had the clay pot chicken and rice with more Kaya toast and milk tea, $12 singapore dollars

Little India - Tried the Chicken Tiki Masala curry and butter Nan from Muthu's, $20 singapore dollars

Botanical Gardens - I payed the $5 to see the Orchard Garden and was thoroughly impressed. The gardens as a whole are stunning and one can easily spend a few hours walking around. Make sure to visit early in the morning before it gets too hot!

I stayed at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza hotel on points and was satisfied with the property. The lounge serves an amazing breakfast spread in the morning: omelets, pastries, fruits, yogurt, espressos, prosciutto etc. In the evening there are hors d'ouevres, small desserts, cocktails, and beer. The hotel is centrally located over the metro which made getting around super easy. Overall it was a great trip and I will definitely be doing the run again if just to eat Kaya toast
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Old Apr 30, 2016, 9:19 am
  #1340  
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Thanks for your report

Originally Posted by jonexplores
I stayed at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza hotel on points and was satisfied with the property. The lounge serves an amazing breakfast spread in the morning: omelets, pastries, fruits, yogurt, espressos, prosciutto etc. In the evening there are hors d'ouevres, small desserts, cocktails, and beer. The hotel is centrally located over the metro which made getting around super easy. Overall it was a great trip and I will definitely be doing the run again if just to eat Kaya toast
Glad you enjoyed SIN and thanks for your great report. Were you on NRT SIN Apr 20? If so I was on same flight. Glad you like Kaya, you can buy it and bring some back. Did you go to Mustafa Center on Serangoon Road or Jurong Bird park, if not something to look forward to on your next trip. Have a great weekend and thanks for your very informative post!

Last edited by Csfing1; Apr 30, 2016 at 9:53 am Reason: Add information
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Old May 1, 2016, 9:52 pm
  #1341  
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
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Oct 8

Hey CSFing,

We'll be on this run this Thursday-Sunday!

We are trying to do the same trip with a day stop on Oct 8th in ATL for a wedding, but cant seem to make any of the dates work.

Is that just a bad date to try and book the run? We may end up having to go straight to ATL and back from SFO if so
Thanks ^_^
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Old May 1, 2016, 10:07 pm
  #1342  
 
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sfo-jfk 10-5
jfk-sin 10-5
sin-atl 10-7
atl-sfo 10-8

for $1021 is the best i can find per ticket. Compared to $450ish to go straight to ATL. you think it worth the extra $550?
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Old May 2, 2016, 12:47 am
  #1343  
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Smile Enjoy your MR!

Originally Posted by Myopia
sfo-jfk 10-5
jfk-sin 10-5
sin-atl 10-7
atl-sfo 10-8

for $1021 is the best i can find per ticket. Compared to $450ish to go straight to ATL. you think it worth the extra $550?
If you want Sat for the wedding in Oct if it is in the am you can do it for around $965 but you will have to leave Atlanta by 3 otherwise price is much much higher and you will have to start on Tue Oct 4 as flight ATL NRT SIN dep around noon on Oct 5 and you get to SIN about midnight Thr and leave Fri for ret
For the extra $ you are getting 15,000 + MQM so it depends how much you want MQM. Your decision.
Enjoy your MR. Happy Travels! Blessings!
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Old May 6, 2016, 3:55 pm
  #1344  
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Smile How is your MR?

[QUOTE=Myopia;26563754]Hey CSFing,

We'll be on this run this Thursday-Sunday!
----
Please give us a report, if you left Thr you should be between JFK NRT now, how was the first leg, hope you have access to SC in JFK and NRT and SIN. Keep us updated.
Happy Travels! Enjoy! Blessings!
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Old May 7, 2016, 12:40 pm
  #1345  
 
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Originally Posted by Zorak
Still good deals for Thanksgiving week as well as the week before Labor Day and over the weekend, from $858 for Sat/Sun/Mon departures and a few low $900s midweek. Late Aug through early Dec.

I chatted with Csfing1 recently and he asked how I usually search for these -- generally I start with ITA Matrix. Here's a screenshot of sample advanced codes and the results calendar for late Aug/early Sep:

Attachment 4755

Attachment 4756

Note that on ITA the length of the stay is effectively the number of midnights between the last outbound flight arrives and the first return flight departs (in contrast to Google Flights which is first outbound departure to first return departure). So if for example you are looking for the immediate ~6-hour turn, it could be 0 or 1 depending on whether the NRT-SIN flight arrives before or after midnight.
I cannot thank you enough for this post! It used to take me forever to search for flights. And now it's amazingly fast. I have some credits on Delta and I'd like to get a SIN run in before the fall.

Thank you for sharing.
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Old May 8, 2016, 11:23 am
  #1346  
 
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When I pop the advanced codes in I get zero flights found. Odd. *edit* Fixed spacing error....

Fine to end up in ATL on the return if possible.
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Old May 8, 2016, 7:38 pm
  #1347  
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Smile

Originally Posted by dinanm3atl
When I pop the advanced codes in I get zero flights found. Odd. *edit* Fixed spacing error....

Fine to end up in ATL on the return if possible.
What is your routing and what dates are you looking at?
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Old May 8, 2016, 8:25 pm
  #1348  
 
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Could someone please show me an easy way to book one of these? I cannot replicate this at all in Google Flights and I've never used ITA Matrix (I get a 503 error when I try to go to http://matrix.itasoftware.com/).
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Old May 8, 2016, 8:32 pm
  #1349  
 
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What class does this book into?
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Old May 8, 2016, 9:02 pm
  #1350  
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Originally Posted by dinanm3atl
When I pop the advanced codes in I get zero flights found. Odd. *edit* Fixed spacing error....

Fine to end up in ATL on the return if possible.
You could certainly book something like {SFO,LAX}-{JFK,ATL,DTW}-NRT-SIN-NRT-ATL-{SFO,LAX}...

Originally Posted by PirateJeff
Could someone please show me an easy way to book one of these? I cannot replicate this at all in Google Flights and I've never used ITA Matrix (I get a 503 error when I try to go to http://matrix.itasoftware.com/).
I use https: instead of http: but both are working for me. Try again? Or different browser?

Here's a Kayak sample:

https://www.kayak.com/flights/SFO-JF...SFO/2016-10-20

Google Flights sample:

http://goo.gl/flights/dZIu

Basically for reasonable layovers you want a red-eye from the west coast to the US gateway, so if that leaves on day 1, you can enter JFK-SIN on day 2 (the NRT connection will happen automatically because that's the only route from US-SIN on DL). Depending on time of year this arrives in SIN shortly before or after midnight. For the 6-hour turn, the return SIN-NRT-XXX-west coast will thus start on day 4 (or 3) and can be done in one calendar day thanks to the International Date Line.

However currently ITA Matrix is showing $873 available for the above dates 10/17-20 whereas Kayak comes up $1026 (or $964 with longer layovers) and Google Flights says "call to book".

So ITA Matrix + the userscript (see link in wiki) would still be my first choice.

Originally Posted by skchin
What class does this book into?
Typically V for anything MR-worthy. I had date constraints when I did it last year and had V outbound and X on the return.
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