Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Mileage Run Deals > Mileage Run Discussion
Reload this Page >

[FARE GONE] DL: SFO-ATL/JFK-NRT-SIN $1,232.30 ai RT (25,318 mi; 4.9 cpm)

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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
Print Wikipost

[FARE GONE] DL: SFO-ATL/JFK-NRT-SIN $1,232.30 ai RT (25,318 mi; 4.9 cpm)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 6, 2017, 5:32 pm
  #2086  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: ATL/MOO (Many Others Often)
Programs: DL GM (2MM), Lifetime Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,456
Originally Posted by Csfing1
Many Mon-Wed or Thr dates available Sep up to but not including Thanksgiving week avail for <$850 with some as low as that for Fri-Sun MR. I doubt that they will get much lower unless they are really desperate to fill the planes. If you need MQM pick your dates carefully as some dates are as low as 802.46! These fares are for IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN ATL/DTW IAH MQM given in earlier posts
Csfing1,

I've never had to play the MR game to get back to Diamond but opening a new business locally which demands no travel while keeping in the international non-profit work up and going will mean 3 (argh) IAH to SIN runs tween now and Oct 31. I could neither afford nor sniff out the deals without your help. I've watched this thread for years and always thought, "if I ever DID ACTUALLY NEED a MR, I'd definitely refer to it." I do and I did. Thanks so much. No GUCs available on my dates so I'll Comfort + it and be thankful. I appreciate your attentiveness to this route. All the best...
woody125 is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2017, 6:13 pm
  #2087  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Originally Posted by woody125
Csfing1,

I've never had to play the MR game to get back to Diamond but opening a new business locally which demands no travel while keeping in the international non-profit work up and going will mean 3 (argh) IAH to SIN runs tween now and Oct 31. I could neither afford nor sniff out the deals without your help. I've watched this thread for years and always thought, "if I ever DID ACTUALLY NEED a MR, I'd definitely refer to it." I do and I did. Thanks so much. No GUCs available on my dates so I'll Comfort + it and be thankful. I appreciate your attentiveness to this route. All the best...
Let's hope upgrade space clears on your dates. Did you waitlist?
hockeyinsider is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2017, 6:14 pm
  #2088  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: ATL/MOO (Many Others Often)
Programs: DL GM (2MM), Lifetime Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,456
Originally Posted by hockeyinsider
Let's hope upgrade space clears on your dates. Did you waitlist?
Oh yes. By all means I did. I'm 6-7 but with very foldable legs. I'll be ok if not.
woody125 is offline  
Old Aug 8, 2017, 10:39 am
  #2089  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Smile Go for bulkhead or exit row seats

Thanks for your post. I hope you get the UG you are waitlisted for. With you height even with foldable legs I would encourage you to go for bulkhead seats or exit row even if you have to go back in the cabin. This is what we did on a flight NRT DTW in A350 with PS as we are not eligible for UG even though we are both DM which is the pits so we selected exit rows in back as the bulkhead seats were already gone. I am not about to spend the $ or miles to UG my seats for that leg. Let us know how things work out for you and if you are going on any of the dates we are flying please look for us. Glad the thread has been of service to you and we are glad that you finally took the "plunge." Have a wonderful day and let us know how things work out for you.
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Aug 8, 2017, 12:38 pm
  #2090  
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Iowa...Delta Charter Diamond, now Gold
Posts: 2,066
I am doing basic SIN run out of MDW labor day weekend (sat out, mon back) through dtw both ways.

If anyone needs club access lmk.
Live4Miles is offline  
Old Aug 13, 2017, 2:19 am
  #2091  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Smile Fares Aug 13 IAH SIN BEST FARES THIS MONTH

Best fares this month - need to fill planes IAH ATL/DTW NRT SIN ATL/DTW IAH 21,602-21,734 MQM $707.16-712.76 3.26-3.29 cpm
Fares from DL.com mult dates in Sep and a few in Oct and Nov
$707.16 Sep 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, Oct 2-4, Nov 13-15, 13-16
$712.76 Sep 13-20, 11-14, 18-22, Oct 2-5
Dates not given in Oct and Nov higher fares but didn't check all poss combinations and if you are looking for a weekend trip try the dates as I only checked dates posted. If you get dates with lower fares, please post. Our trip is Sep 13-20 IAH DTW NRT SIN out ret Sep 20 SIN NRT ATL IAH if anyone is going those dates let us know and we an meet at SC or on plane if you give us your seat in a PM. We have UG to J on all legs so far except IAH DTW on Sep 13. Happy Travels. Comments welcome and please post lower fares. Probably not going to get any better than these fares for the rest of the year, if you need a MR to get your DM or PM do it now. Don't delay You can get 10,000 MQM with a Delta Amex (Personal only) Reserve card with $3000 spend in 90 days, card will cost you $450 - Read renespoints.boardingarea.com
Have a Great Week and Happy Travels and if anyone is travelling on dates we are please let us know, would enjoy meeting you.
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Aug 15, 2017, 8:20 am
  #2092  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
Finally - Good News

Last leg UG cleared IAH DTW Sep 13 so now all legs J or Delta One! That was expected but still nice for it to be official. Happy Travels! If you need a MR do it now don't wait!
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Aug 15, 2017, 9:30 am
  #2093  
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: DL ✈️
Posts: 638
Originally Posted by Csfing1
Last leg UG cleared IAH DTW Sep 13 so now all legs J or Delta One! That was expected but still nice for it to be official. Happy Travels! If you need a MR do it now don't wait!
happy for you! A month in advance! Wow

im traveling end of September doing pdx-nrt and nrt-dtw on the way back. Waitlisted on both. Chances of ug? (I have applied 4 certs, traveling +1)

anyone ever did this route with pet in cabin? (Technically possible / under 12hs flights)
tomasdev is offline  
Old Aug 15, 2017, 6:12 pm
  #2094  
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NYC/LAX
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 389
bought myself another MR to SIN because it's so cheap! CHI-ATL-NRT-DTW-CHI $624 in October. same day return, I don't have enough money to spend a day in SIN
Crossinator is offline  
Old Aug 15, 2017, 6:45 pm
  #2095  
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,916
SPG just sent me an email with the subject "Take a trip – close to home" and a message body that begins:

"Escape The Everyday

You don't have to travel far to relax, unwind or have the adventure of a lifetime. There's a whole world just waiting to be discovered, right here in Singapore."

I think they're trying to tell me it's time for another MR
Zorak is offline  
Old Aug 15, 2017, 7:54 pm
  #2096  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Originally Posted by Crossinator
bought myself another MR to SIN because it's so cheap! CHI-ATL-NRT-DTW-CHI $624 in October. same day return, I don't have enough money to spend a day in SIN
That's going to be tough. I did a quick-turn in MNL a couple years ago. I really regretted not leaving the airport. Walking around like zombie was miserable.
hockeyinsider is offline  
Old Aug 16, 2017, 8:56 am
  #2097  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
The SIN airport is much nicer than MNL and many more interesting things to do. Read wiki by Zorak lots of good info.
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Aug 16, 2017, 10:09 am
  #2098  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Originally Posted by Csfing1
The SIN airport is much nicer than MNL and many more interesting things to do. Read wiki by Zorak lots of good info.
I'm aware of that. I've been through Singapore four or five times. I was merely commenting on my past experience during a quick-turn mileage run.
hockeyinsider is offline  
Old Aug 16, 2017, 11:19 am
  #2099  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: DL DM, 2.6 MM
Posts: 1,041
You are brave doing a MR to MNL. The thing I dislike at MNL is how long it takes to clear immigration. On a MR there do you have to exit and come back in or can you get your boarding pass airside?
Csfing1 is offline  
Old Aug 16, 2017, 1:09 pm
  #2100  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Originally Posted by Csfing1
You are brave doing a MR to MNL. The thing I dislike at MNL is how long it takes to clear immigration. On a MR there do you have to exit and come back in or can you get your boarding pass airside?
I don't know if I had to exit, but I did. I had something like 6-8 hours to kill. I used one of the pay lounges to sleep for a bit and hang out. There were lots of options, but not a lot of great ones. In hindsight, I would have went to a nearby hotel.
hockeyinsider is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.