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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See post 1329 for some screenshots (which are now out of date, the routing codes and extension code have been split into two separate input boxes)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 Nov 4, 2017, 2:37 pm
  #2281  
 
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Just wanted to post a follow up on my run ORD-DTW-NRT-SIN-NRT-DTW-ORD on 10/25-10/27. Netted 20,450 MQMs for 65,000 miles and $38.49 using pay with miles for 3.3cpm. I was somewhat anxious as I've never done anything like this or even flown outside of North America. Flights were uneventful and layovers smooth. Encountered Delta security at NRT and SIN as well as customs back at DTW. Told each of them I was doing it to get miles and they all laughed. Oddly enough there was a young lady at SIN in the security line that said she was doing the same thing. One thing was concerned about was getting checked back in at SIN and getting my boarding passes. The Delta desk opens three hours prior to departure so count on getting your passes then. I know someone had posted about outlets at SIN but I was able to find 120V right by my gate. One inconvenience at SIN was only being able to get one device connected to WIFI. It required scanning my passport and there may have been a way around it but I didn't want to worry about it too much. Even though it was 2 AM it was still neat to wander around SIN. Enjoyed the 80* and 90% humidity in the Sculptural Tree Garden before heading back to 35* Chicago. My only regret was not taking the time for an actual layover and head out to explore the cities. I guess I'll just have to go back! Thank you all for contributing to this thread and making it possible.
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Old Nov 4, 2017, 5:21 pm
  #2282  
 
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Next time definitely do a lounge. Many are 24 hours and get a shower and plenty of outlets. Plus food/drink.
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Old Nov 4, 2017, 9:46 pm
  #2283  
 
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Wanted to get some peoples opinions on this. I am flying SIN-NYC in a week. My GUC is waitlisted NRT-DTW on the A350 with no D1 Suites open. (GUC expires within a month and won't be flying anymore international)

I can extend my GUC to SIN-NRT and that will most likely clear SIN-NRT but I will be in main cabin for the NRT-DTW.

I can remove the GUC for D1 and apply it to Premium Economy for NRT-DTW, but will be in a middle seat and comfort+ for SIN-NRT.

I can pay $300 and get rerouted through PDX which has 4 D1 seats left for NRT-PDX and hopefully would get D1 from SIN-NRT-PDX. (both flights on 767)
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Old Nov 5, 2017, 12:06 pm
  #2284  
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If anyone knows they'll want extra MQMs for 2018, there's currently one seat for $442 Basic Economy or $502 main cabin NYC-SIN for 20-21k MQMs depending whether you go through ATL on the way back.

Originally Posted by Youngmiler
Wanted to get some peoples opinions on this. I am flying SIN-NYC in a week. My GUC is waitlisted NRT-DTW on the A350 with no D1 Suites open. (GUC expires within a month and won't be flying anymore international)

I can extend my GUC to SIN-NRT and that will most likely clear SIN-NRT but I will be in main cabin for the NRT-DTW.

I can remove the GUC for D1 and apply it to Premium Economy for NRT-DTW, but will be in a middle seat and comfort+ for SIN-NRT.

I can pay $300 and get rerouted through PDX which has 4 D1 seats left for NRT-PDX and hopefully would get D1 from SIN-NRT-PDX. (both flights on 767)
Is NRT-DTW full in D1 if you do a new test booking or just no inventory available? If the latter then yo should be able to have it applied and cleared for SIN-NRT and still waitlist for the NRT-DTW segment.

I'm surprised that if you use it for Premium Select NRT-DTW that they will only give you C+ SIN-NRT, I would have thought similarly that you could then extend the GUC to waitlist and possibly clear into D1 SIN-NRT.

Early reviews seem generally favorable:

First A350 premium-economy review

There've also been reports of decent buy-up offers:

Premium Select upgrade offers
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Old Nov 5, 2017, 7:51 pm
  #2285  
 
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Originally Posted by Zorak
Is NRT-DTW full in D1 if you do a new test booking or just no inventory available? If the latter then yo should be able to have it applied and cleared for SIN-NRT and still waitlist for the NRT-DTW segment.
NRT-DTW is currently sold out when you try to do a booking, but on the upgrade list in the app it shows as 1 seat available, so currently just keeping NRT-DTW wait-listed in case I decide closer to departure that I want to just use it on PE for NRT-DTW.

Originally Posted by Zorak
I'm surprised that if you use it for Premium Select NRT-DTW that they will only give you C+ SIN-NRT, I would have thought similarly that you could then extend the GUC to waitlist and possibly clear into D1 SIN-NRT.
Delta GUC policy is either D1 or PE - had a nice discussion with the Diamond line supervisor. I don't like the policy, but I think its designed to burn more GUCs.

Originally Posted by Zorak
Early reviews seem generally favorable:
Reading the reviews, PE does seem quite nice and I wouldn't mind giving it a try.
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Old Nov 5, 2017, 8:08 pm
  #2286  
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Originally Posted by Youngmiler
Delta GUC policy is either D1 or PE - had a nice discussion with the Diamond line supervisor. I don't like the policy, but I think its designed to burn more GUCs.
I know that's the rule on the A350 leg, that if you use a GUC to clear from Y into PS then you have to burn another one for PS to D1. But it seems to me SIN-NRT ought to be independent of that. Might be worth calling that out on the main GUC thread -- if that's really the policy for the connecting flights, it's pretty unfriendly
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Old Nov 5, 2017, 10:20 pm
  #2287  
 
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Originally Posted by Zorak
I know that's the rule on the A350 leg, that if you use a GUC to clear from Y into PS then you have to burn another one for PS to D1. But it seems to me SIN-NRT ought to be independent of that. Might be worth calling that out on the main GUC thread -- if that's really the policy for the connecting flights, it's pretty unfriendly
The rule is that I am using a GUC for the trip from Main Cabin to PE, I am ineligible for any D1 upgrades. Since SIN-NRT doesn't have a PE, they can only "upgrade" me to Comfort+ (which I am already in).
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Old Nov 6, 2017, 9:55 am
  #2288  
 
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Originally Posted by dinanm3atl
Next time definitely do a lounge. Many are 24 hours and get a shower and plenty of outlets. Plus food/drink.
+1 to that. I either get a hotel in the airport, shower and doze....or if im going stir crazy after 20+ hours on a plane, use the gym. Or take a cab over to Marina Bay Sands and get a drink on the roof.

Last edited by xolinlevh; Nov 6, 2017 at 10:02 am
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Old Nov 6, 2017, 2:23 pm
  #2289  
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Originally Posted by Youngmiler
Wanted to get some peoples opinions on this. I am flying SIN-NYC in a week. My GUC is waitlisted NRT-DTW on the A350 with no D1 Suites open. (GUC expires within a month and won't be flying anymore international)

I can extend my GUC to SIN-NRT and that will most likely clear SIN-NRT but I will be in main cabin for the NRT-DTW.

I can remove the GUC for D1 and apply it to Premium Economy for NRT-DTW, but will be in a middle seat and comfort+ for SIN-NRT.

I can pay $300 and get rerouted through PDX which has 4 D1 seats left for NRT-PDX and hopefully would get D1 from SIN-NRT-PDX. (both flights on 767)
Go through Portland. Or you could always try Minneapolis-Tokyo Haneda, if the flight times line up for you to get to Narita for the Singapore flight.
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Old Nov 6, 2017, 2:26 pm
  #2290  
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Originally Posted by Youngmiler
The rule is that I am using a GUC for the trip from Main Cabin to PE, I am ineligible for any D1 upgrades. Since SIN-NRT doesn't have a PE, they can only "upgrade" me to Comfort+ (which I am already in).
Unfortunately, Delta isn't going to make an exception for the handful of intra-Asia flights out of Tokyo-Narita, including Saipan, Palau and Guam (until it ends in January) -- three flights that are basically akin to transcontinental, domestic first-class service.
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Old Nov 7, 2017, 5:30 pm
  #2291  
 
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Originally Posted by hockeyinsider
Unfortunately, Delta isn't going to make an exception for the handful of intra-Asia flights out of Tokyo-Narita, including Saipan, Palau and Guam (until it ends in January) -- three flights that are basically akin to transcontinental, domestic first-class service.
Update - as of right now my GUC is only waitlisted for NRT-DTW for D1 suite, but when I checked in on Delta App I am on upgrade list for PE and D1. I wonder if I applied the GUC to SIN-DTW, what would happen to my name on the upgrade list for PE with NRT-DTW.
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Old Nov 12, 2017, 5:37 am
  #2292  
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What happened?

What worked out or didn’t work out for you? That is one of the potential problems with DTW NRT legs in 350, no C+ and if GUC only get PS would rather do ATL NRT but that routing often costs more as they are trying to fill 350s. Currently in MSY for 3 days then HNL 2 days and then home till next trip to SIN Nov 29-Dec 13 starting at IAH ATL SIN DTW IAH. Have a great week and a belated Happy Veterans Day to all who served to give us our freedom. Thank you for you freedom and sacrifice! Blessings and Happy Travels!
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Old Nov 12, 2017, 9:45 am
  #2293  
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This is clearly the fault of poor planning. While connecting passengers in the new premium-economy product are booked into domestic first-class there is no accommodation for connecting passengers at Delta's increasingly smaller Narita hub for intra-Asia flights.

The service between Narita and Guam, Palau and Saipan is basically the domestic first-class service you would get between New York-J.F.K. and San Diego, except you have printed menus on the intra-Asia flights. When I last flew to Manila (November 2015), the flights had the Delta One business-class bedding, but I don't know if they still do. Singapore and Hawaii do, but the U.S. island flights don't.

The problem is the flights out of Narita may not last much longer, but Delta should do something to accomodate the premium-economy passengers.
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Old Nov 13, 2017, 8:23 am
  #2294  
 
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Originally Posted by Csfing1
What worked out or didn’t work out for you? That is one of the potential problems with DTW NRT legs in 350, no C+ and if GUC only get PS would rather do ATL NRT but that routing often costs more as they are trying to fill 350s.
I ended up in Main Cabin for NRT-DTW (PE and D1 went out full, upgrade list has 13 pax for both list with identical names (I was in the middle of the list). Only two cleared for PE and none for D1.

I think a couple of D1 seats were Airbus or DL engineers because after boarding we had some issues and I noticed people moving around with laptops accompanied by crew and maintenance staff.

I second doing ATL-NRT on 777 over DTW-NRT on A350.
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Old Nov 13, 2017, 11:20 am
  #2295  
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Originally Posted by Youngmiler
I second doing ATL-NRT on 777 over DTW-NRT on A350.
And it's more MQMs.

Just a FYI: You should be able to route home through Honolulu, which should net you at least 2,000 more MQMs.
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