First trip ever
 

It's been a long time coming, but I finally have the opportunity to plan my own solo trip!

​​​​​​I'm headed to Michigan from Singapore to meet some old friends at the end of November-ish, gonna be flying economy unfortunately as it's all I can afford for my budget.

Since it's my first flight in over a decade, I'd like to ask you more experienced people about any tips to keep note of, about what constitutes a tight layover, and anything to help survive such a long flight.

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Of all the places you could go for a first trip you pick Michigan? I think FT could have recommended some better places, especially in November. :p

On a serious note, welcome to FT. You don't say where you're going in Michigan but if you'll be in or near Detroit at the end of November, while not cheap, I would recommend trying to see if you can get tickets to either 1) the Ohio State-Michigan (American) football game or 2) the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving (American Football) game.

As for your questions about "what constitutes a tight-layover", that depends on where you're connecting and where you're coming from. For example, 1 hour 30 minutes for a domestic connection at ATL is plenty of time. 1 hour 30 minutes for an international to domestic connection at ATL would be very tight. Where are you connecting or what is your itinerary? Is it all one ticket from SIN to Michigan?

For surviving long flights, hydrate well and get up and move around. Sitting in a cramped seat for that long is painful and the effects of dehydration, especially in a low humidity environment, can amplify quickly. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. No need to "dress to impress" these days, especially for longhaul international flights.

Welcome to FlyerTalk!!

try for 90 minute connection in USA domestic
2-3 hours for international trips

Alas Michigan isn't on my list of places to visit in the US, but I am meeting old friends there so it balances out.

My flight itinerary is on a United flight,
SIN to SFO,
2hr 45 min layover,
SFO to ORD,
1hr 30 min layover,
ORD to DTW
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Thanks for the survival tips! I'll make sure to don my comfiest of clothes, and stuff my carry on with water bottles

Cross referencing that with my booking, seems like my timings all fall within the zone

Depends on where your transit points are.

My travel essentials:

• inflatable neck pillow
• eyeshields
• ear plugs
• socks for flight
• lip balm
• comfy clothes as said above; a light sweater or hoodie if the airline over chills the cabin
• water flask that I can fill after security. Flight attendants don't come around all that often so it's nice to be able to manage my own water.

I really enjoy solo trips and always look forward to them. At the risk of appearing completely selfish, I just really enjoy planning a trip where I don't have to spend even a nanosecond considering the needs of others.

From SIN, some tips off the top of my head.

- departing from SIN, the baggage inspection is right before you enter the gate - so make an allowance for this.
- int'l, I'd probably give at least 2 hours on any connections; domestic in the US, 90 minutes should suffice.
- on such a long flight, if you're planning to sleep, the neck pillow is a great idea.
- go with a roller with a front side pocket, since many airports will mandate the removal of laptops or smaller bottles in bags (e.g., if connecting or transferring in Europe).
- noise cancelling headphones & download some music and/or ebooks you like.

Have a great trip! Personally, I'd probably check in a little early and enjoy SIN, airport of the year for 2023 according to some publication.

As a native Michigander (and Detroiter) make sure you visit the Henry Ford Museum. It's a great place for a lot of Detroit history.

Noise canceling headphones help alot with falling asleep even if you don't listen to music. Put on some long white noise audio track if the "active" noise calling mode the headphones come with isn't enough.

And perhaps consider E+ or even an exit row upcharge if the budget will stretch? (For SIN-SFO anyway)

As this is Flyertalk we hope you will be getting some frequent flyer miles :)

A map from the Great Circle Mapper - Great Circle Mapper

Do you get some travel guide? I was planning to go to Singapore to in solo and it's going to be my first time.

If you hold some locally issued credit cards (DBS Altitude, Citi Premiermiles, SCB, etc) that give you Priority Pass lounge visits, you can use the SATS lounge at T3 in Changi (this you probably already know, there are other lounges as well, SATS is better) and three restaurants in SFO that are in T3, T2 and International terminal. If you have AMEX Platinum (as locals call - '1712 card') you can go to Centurion Lounge which is in T3. International terminal, T2/T2 are interconnected airside.

Your luggage won't be checked-thru. You will need to pick up your luggage at SFO and re-check at the final destination. When you pick up your luggage after customs, do not exit to the Arrivals section, rather look for the sign that says Connection. Take your luggage and re-check there. You will avoid the misery of doing this at the departure section and going thru security again.

Michigan in November, from Singapore...can hor? I am sure you are going to pack adequately - you are gonna have at least a 30C-40C difference in outdoor temperature.

P.S. Don't expect any kopi, teh, laksa, char kwai tow, nasi lemak - any food you are familiar with in Singapore to be available there. On the other hand, you will have the opportunity to enjoy excellent steak instead of 'western food' at hawker centers and try Chicago-style deep-dash pizza.

And don't wander alone at night. Even not alone - don't, see what happened at NYC this week...

(a former Singapore resident for >>10 years)

Take a look at ticket prices departing from Singapore... it has been >$2000 USD in Economy since Covid (at least for SQ) and there is no indication to come down - too much demand.

You should ask your questions in the Singapore section - you will get qualified answers.

As invisible has alluded to, the Singapore forum would have some excellent suggestions. As to solo travel, Singapore is one of my favorites because it's so easy to navigate, as a solo traveler. While I've been shown around during my initial visits, in my view, you could more or less see most of Singapore in a day or two. Off the top of my head, the Lion head, that garden, the evening light show (with Star Wars music), hawker stands, Orchard Road stuff, Marina (building with ships on top), Sentosa Island, durian street vendors (if you're into then fruit), Chinatown, pick out some nice restaurants, e.g., Hainan Chicken rice, roast duck, etc.

As a solo traveler, if your budget allows for it, taking taxis and/or Grab is pretty affordable. My last ride from SIN into the city was only about 16 SGD? Beats the subway, in my view.

you both get F in reading comprehension -- OP is traveling *from* SIN *to* Michigan