Celebrating the generosity of StarMegaDo
One of the larger components of StarMegaDo has always been a focus on charity. The even operates on a break-even budget and any surplus has always been donated to charities associated with the airlines and other programs we work with. In addition, we hold a charity raffle on-board the charter flights, selling tickets and giving away awesome airline-related prizes (and an iPad this year because every raffle should have one, apparently).
Today I was fortunate to participate in one of the more enjoyable aspects of my role as an organizer. High up in the Empire State Building in New York City we are meeting with Lufthansa to present them with a donation to support Help Alliance, the primary charity affiliated with the group. This year the various events associated with StarMegaDo raised over $12,000 through several different channels and events. Of that, we are quite honored to be able to present $5,000 to the Help Alliance group.
Attending the event are Tommy Danielsen, the head of StarMegaDo, Martin Riecken, Lufthansa’s Director of Corporate Communications for the Americas and Seth Miller, Director of Communications for StarMegaDo.
Related Posts:
Goodbye, Adieu, Auf Wiedersehen…
Twenty-hour hours after departing Paine Field, it’s safe to say Star Mega DO2 is over. The charter has returned to Houston; the FlyerTalk moderators are in Seattle, and everyone else is scattering to the winds. (I finally had a chance this week to earn some miles on Delta. Yes, I’m that guy.)
On behalf of the official blogger-in-residence, I’d like to thank Tommy, Oliver and Reb for having me, Seth for writing the funny posts while I wrote the boring ones, everyone who came along for the journey, and all of our sponsors (especially Starwood, which prepared an awesome meal for 200 exhausted, euphoric fliers). I’ll see you all at the next Frequent Traveler Awards, if not before, and let the countdown to Star Mega DO3 begin… now.
UPDATE: The @StarMegaDo Charter Aircraft Is Now…
Continental Airlines 757-33N N57864
Due to operational concerns (a potentially tight turn time), our friends and hosts at Continental Airlines have swapped aircraft so we can avoid any potential delays. This aircraft will be overnighting here in Houston after a flight from Las Vega$ and they may just need all of that time for Chelsea to do their magical catering!
Airfleets.net Data:
| Serial number | 32588 LN:985 |
| Type | 757-33N |
| First flight date | 27/09/2001 |
| Test registration | |
| Plane age | 9.1 years |
| Delivery date | Airline | Registration | Remark | |
| 12/10/2001 | American Trans Air | N554TZ | Correct | |
| 19/03/2003 | ATA Airlines | N554TZ | Correct | |
| 30/12/2005 | Continental Airlines | N57864 |
Photo: StarMegaD0 2010 Charter Aircraft – Continental Airlines Boeing 757-300 N74856
Photo Courtesy Chuck Slusarczyk Jr. (www.opshots.net)
And The #smd2010 Aircraft Is…..
Continental Airlines Boeing 757-324 N74856
Some interesting tidbits about the scheduled* aircraft for the StarMegaDo 2010 Charter
Airfleets.net:
- Serial number 32815 LN: 1039
- Type 757-324
- First flight date 17/12/2003
- Plane age 6.9 years
Continental.com Aircraft Specification:
- Cruise Speed: 540 mph
- Propulsion: Two (2) Rolls Royce RB211-535E4B “Phase 5″ High Bypass Ratio turbofan engines rated at 42,540 pounds of thrust each.
- Wingspan: 124 feet, 10 inches
B757.info:
- Roll out: 25/11/2003
- First flight: 17/12/2003
- Type: 324
- Engines: Rolls Royce RB211-535E4-C
- 27/01/2004 delivered to Continental Airlines.
- 27/01/2004 registered to Continental Airlines Inc.
- 28/01/2004 ferried Boeing Field to Orlando as COA9971
Flightaware.com History:
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N74856/history
Seatguru.com Seat Map:
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Continental_Airlines/Continental_Airlines_Boeing_757-300_New.php
FAA.gov Registry Information:
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N74856
* Aircraft Assignment Subject To Change Without Notice Based On Operational Requirements
Photos Used With Permission of Opshots.net Webmaster
Earn US Airways points on StarMegaDo charter flight
US Airways is the latest carrier to join us as a mileage-crediting partner for StarMegaDo 2010. Much like Continental, Lufthansa and bmi, US Air will be providing full credit for the whole itinerary at a flat rate, even if you choose to not take the charter flight back to Houston on Saturday morning. United is also an earning partner for the event. The miles will credit as both RDMs and EQMs.
We’re almost sold out so sign up now and make sure you get a spot to join us for this aerophilic adventure!
As a reminder, here’s the itinerary for the charter portion of the event:
Nov. 4
Houston – Continental/United day in Houston
Meet with the new management of United Airlines. See the inner workings of the Houston hub, etc.
Houston – The Frequent Traveler Awards
Representing the Voice of the Frequent Traveler, The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs across several categories. Experience the thrill of attending the award presentation in person.
The cost of this event is NOT included in the price of the StarMegaDO charter. RSVP here if you wish to attend.
Nov. 5
Houston – Fly to Phoenix
Our chartered Continental Airlines 757-300 aircraft will be waiting for us at terminal E. There will be dedicated checkin counters for our flight.
Phoenix- US Airways program
Upon arrival in Phoenix, we will park at the US Airways hangar to deplane. US Airways has a special program prepared for us. This includes meetings with Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways as well as other members of the company’s senior management.
Phoenix – Lufthansa Flight Traning program
A select group of participants will be whisked off to Lufthansa’s nearby training facility. There, they will be given a private tour and experience how Lufthansa trains its elite pilots in the Arizona desert.
Phoenix – Flight to Paine Field, Everett, WA
In addition to other amenities, there will be an on-board raffle with a variety of great prizes.
Paine Field – A visit with Boeing
Upon landing at the Boeing factory in Everett, WA we will be given very special private tours on the factory floor. These include the 787 and 748 assembly areas and a number of surprises.
Seattle – Starwood reception
Starwood welcomes the participants to a meet-and-greet reception. Participants will be able to provide feedback on future product innovations. Senior Sheraton and SPG executives will be there.
Nov. 6
SeaTac – Return flight to Houston
The cost of the charter is the same regardless of whether or not you take this flight.
Welcome to StarMegaDo 2010!
- Are you ready for an exciting flight full of your fellow frequent travelers?
- Would you like to party while winging your way across the USA?
- Does getting behind the scenes at airports and airplane manufacturers sound better than your normal workaday plans?
- Would you like to earn miles at the same time?
If you answered yes to any of the above – or even paused to think about it – then StarMegaDo is for you! Our annual StarMegaDo charter flight is scheduled for November 5, 2010. This year we have chartered a Continental Boeing 757-300 to take 216 enthusiasts across the USA. We’ll be meeting with top executives from several different airlines, getting an exclusive tour at Boeing – up close and personal with the 787 and 747-8i – and getting to go behind the scenes at an airline or two along the way. Some lucky participants will even get to go through flight simulator training. StarMegaDo is the ultimate aerophile adventure and it is almost sold out.
Sign up now and reserve your spot!
Our Partners:



Itinerary
Oct. 31
NYC – Pre-DO party in NYC
A small gathering of food and booze to get us started for the week of festivities.
Nov. 1
NYC – Starwood Tour in NYC
SPG will put on a program in NYC.
JFK Airport – Lufthansa sendoff / party
Lufthansa will give those headed to Frankfurt a special sendoff in the Lufthansa Flagship Lounge. There will be food, beverages, and few people from Lufthansa to mingle with.
JFK Airport – Scheduled flights to Frankfurt
After lots of liquid libations in the lounge, we’ll depart for Frankfurt on three different flights. This will allow us to compare and contrast the service and on-board amenities.
Nov. 2
Frankfurt Airport – Tours and focus groups
During the afternoon and early evening, Lufthansa will host tours and focus groups with its Star Alliance partners. You will be able to peek at product, service and technology innovations currently in development.
Frankfurt Airport – Evening Events
A special dinner will be held for all event participants. There will be several special guests from The Lufthansa Group in attendance. This will be followed by a very special nightcap reception in a very special location.
Nov. 3
Frankfurt – Fly to Houston
As the day begins, event participants will get set to jet off to Houston, TX, USA for more festivities.
Nov. 4
Houston – Continental/United day in Houston
Meet with the new management of United Airlines. See the inner workings of the Houston hub, etc.
Houston – The Frequent Traveler Awards
Representing the Voice of the Frequent Traveler, The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs across several categories. Experience the thrill of attending the award presentation in person.
The cost of this event is NOT included in the price of the StarMegaDO charter. RSVP here if you wish to attend.
Nov. 5
Houston – Fly to Phoenix
Our chartered Continental Airlines 757-300 aircraft will be waiting for us at terminal E. There will be dedicated checkin counters for our flight.
Phoenix- US Airways program
Upon arrival in Phoenix, we will park at the US Airways hangar to deplane. US Airways has a special program prepared for us. This includes meetings with Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways as well as other members of the company’s senior management.
Phoenix – Lufthansa Flight Traning program
A select group of participants will be whisked off to Lufthansa’s nearby training facility. There, they will be given a private tour and experience how Lufthansa trains its elite pilots in the Arizona desert.
Phoenix – Flight to Paine Field, Everett, WA
In addition to other amenities, there will be an on-board raffle with a variety of great prizes.
Paine Field – A visit with Boeing
Upon landing at the Boeing factory in Everett, WA we will be given very special private tours on the factory floor. These include the 787 and 748 assembly areas and a number of surprises.
Nov. 5
Seattle – Starwood reception
Starwood welcomes the participants to a meet-and-greet reception. Participants will be able to provide feedback on future product innovations. Senior Sheraton and SPG executives will be there.
Nov. 6
SeaTac – Return flight to Houston
The cost of the charter is the same regardless of whether or not you take this flight.
Map Created By Great Circle Mapper
Earn US Airways points on StarMegaDo charter flight
US Airways is the latest carrier to join us as a mileage-crediting partner for StarMegaDo 2010. Much like Continental, Lufthansa and bmi, US Air will be providing full credit for the whole itinerary at a flat rate, even if you choose to not take the charter flight back to Houston on Saturday morning. United is also an earning partner for the event. The miles will credit as both RDMs and EQMs.
We’re almost sold out so sign up now and make sure you get a spot to join us for this aerophilic adventure!
As a reminder, here’s the itinerary for the charter portion of the event:
Nov. 4
Houston – Continental/United day in Houston
Meet with the new management of United Airlines. See the inner workings of the Houston hub, etc.
Houston – The Frequent Traveler Awards
Representing the Voice of the Frequent Traveler, The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs across several categories. Experience the thrill of attending the award presentation in person.
The cost of this event is NOT included in the price of the StarMegaDO charter. RSVP here if you wish to attend.
Nov. 5
Houston – Fly to Phoenix
Our chartered Continental Airlines 757-300 aircraft will be waiting for us at terminal E. There will be dedicated checkin counters for our flight.
Phoenix- US Airways program
Upon arrival in Phoenix, we will park at the US Airways hangar to deplane. US Airways has a special program prepared for us. This includes meetings with Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways as well as other members of the company’s senior management.
Phoenix – Lufthansa Flight Traning program
A select group of participants will be whisked off to Lufthansa’s nearby training facility. There, they will be given a private tour and experience how Lufthansa trains its elite pilots in the Arizona desert.
Phoenix – Flight to Paine Field, Everett, WA
In addition to other amenities, there will be an on-board raffle with a variety of great prizes.
Paine Field – A visit with Boeing
Upon landing at the Boeing factory in Everett, WA we will be given very special private tours on the factory floor. These include the 787 and 748 assembly areas and a number of surprises.
Seattle – Starwood reception
Starwood welcomes the participants to a meet-and-greet reception. Participants will be able to provide feedback on future product innovations. Senior Sheraton and SPG executives will be there.
Nov. 6
SeaTac – Return flight to Houston
The cost of the charter is the same regardless of whether or not you take this flight.
Welcome to StarMegaDo 2010!
- Are you ready for an exciting flight full of your fellow frequent travelers?
- Would you like to party while winging your way across the USA?
- Does getting behind the scenes at airports and airplane manufacturers sound better than your normal workaday plans?
- Would you like to earn miles at the same time?
If you answered yes to any of the above – or even paused to think about it – then StarMegaDo is for you! Our annual StarMegaDo charter flight is scheduled for November 5, 2010. This year we have chartered a Continental Boeing 757-300 to take 216 enthusiasts across the USA. We’ll be meeting with top executives from several different airlines, getting an exclusive tour at Boeing – up close and personal with the 787 and 747-8i – and getting to go behind the scenes at an airline or two along the way. Some lucky participants will even get to go through flight simulator training. StarMegaDo is the ultimate aerophile adventure and it is almost sold out.
Sign up now and reserve your spot!
Our Partners:



Itinerary
Oct. 31
NYC – Pre-DO party in NYC
A small gathering of food and booze to get us started for the week of festivities.
Nov. 1
NYC – Starwood Tour in NYC
SPG will put on a program in NYC.
JFK Airport – Lufthansa sendoff / party
Lufthansa will give those headed to Frankfurt a special sendoff in the Lufthansa Flagship Lounge. There will be food, beverages, and few people from Lufthansa to mingle with.
JFK Airport – Scheduled flights to Frankfurt
After lots of liquid libations in the lounge, we’ll depart for Frankfurt on three different flights. This will allow us to compare and contrast the service and on-board amenities.
Nov. 2
Frankfurt Airport – Tours and focus groups
During the afternoon and early evening, Lufthansa will host tours and focus groups with its Star Alliance partners. You will be able to peek at product, service and technology innovations currently in development.
Frankfurt Airport – Evening Events
A special dinner will be held for all event participants. There will be several special guests from The Lufthansa Group in attendance. This will be followed by a very special nightcap reception in a very special location.
Nov. 3
Frankfurt – Fly to Houston
As the day begins, event participants will get set to jet off to Houston, TX, USA for more festivities.
Nov. 4
Houston – Continental/United day in Houston
Meet with the new management of United Airlines. See the inner workings of the Houston hub, etc.
Houston – The Frequent Traveler Awards
Representing the Voice of the Frequent Traveler, The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flyer and frequent guest programs across several categories. Experience the thrill of attending the award presentation in person.
The cost of this event is NOT included in the price of the StarMegaDO charter. RSVP here if you wish to attend.
Nov. 5
Houston – Fly to Phoenix
Our chartered Continental Airlines 757-300 aircraft will be waiting for us at terminal E. There will be dedicated checkin counters for our flight.
Phoenix- US Airways program
Upon arrival in Phoenix, we will park at the US Airways hangar to deplane. US Airways has a special program prepared for us. This includes meetings with Doug Parker, Chairman and CEO of US Airways as well as other members of the company’s senior management.
Phoenix – Lufthansa Flight Traning program
A select group of participants will be whisked off to Lufthansa’s nearby training facility. There, they will be given a private tour and experience how Lufthansa trains its elite pilots in the Arizona desert.
Phoenix – Flight to Paine Field, Everett, WA
In addition to other amenities, there will be an on-board raffle with a variety of great prizes.
Paine Field – A visit with Boeing
Upon landing at the Boeing factory in Everett, WA we will be given very special private tours on the factory floor. These include the 787 and 748 assembly areas and a number of surprises.
Nov. 5
Seattle – Starwood reception
Starwood welcomes the participants to a meet-and-greet reception. Participants will be able to provide feedback on future product innovations. Senior Sheraton and SPG executives will be there.
Nov. 6
SeaTac – Return flight to Houston
The cost of the charter is the same regardless of whether or not you take this flight.
Map Created By Great Circle Mapper
bmi joins the StarMegaDo party
StarMegaDo is happy to announce that bmi has signed on as a mileage-earning partner for the charter flights. Similar to Lufthansa and Continental, bmi will be issuing points at a flat rate for all participants of the charter flights. The points will be issued at the 100% level (4031) for Y passengers and 300% (12093) for F passengers. Status bonus for Gold and Silver members will also apply. These points will count for both award and level miles.
Representatives from bmi will also be participating in the events at Frankfurt during our stop there.
There are only a few seats left on the charter. Sign up now!
Public Charter flights operated under Title 14CFR Part 380 DOT PC 10 153 by TomOli, LLC with flights on Continental Airlines. Conditions applicable to the charter are in the operator-participant contract, available here.
Earn with United Airlines’ Mileage Plus program on StarMegaDo 2010
We’re happy to announce that we’ve reached an agreement with the folks at United Airlines so that members of their Mileage Plus program can earn points as part of the StarMegaDo 2010 event. This is in addition to the participation of Lufthansa and Continental as mileage earning partners.
For participants who choose to credit to United the following rules will apply:
- United will give both Mileage Plus Award Miles and Elite Status Miles (EQM) to Mileage Plus members on the CO charter flight
- Mileage Plus miles will be awarded as if the customer were ticketed on a paid Continental flight, crediting to their Mileage Plus account
- Miles will be awarded based on the actual routing flown by the customer-i.e. if one flies IAH-PHX-PAE and takes a different return flight, miles will only be earned on IAH-PHX-PAE
- Mileage Plus elite members will receive the appropriate number of Elite bonus Award Miles, based on their elite status at the time of the charter flight
- Customers ticketed in the First Class cabin will receive the appropriate Class of Service bonus for Award Miles and Elite Status Miles
We’re very happy to have United as a partner again this year and look forward to a phenomenal event this November!
Not registered yet? Sign up now. You know you want to.
Registration for StarMegado 2 is now open!
Registration for our 2010 event is now open. Use this URL to sign up.
Please take a moment to carefully go through all the information on the FT master thread (posts 1-6) and the text in the form.
After filling the form, the system will display you the information it received. Once that is acknowledged, you will receive an email in a few days with a link to the page where you can press a button to initiate the paypal payment process for the 100$ deposit.
Please note that you have to send the 100$ deposit via Paypal to validate the registration. If we don’t receive the deposit, your registration will be deleted. The timestamp of submitting the form with the registration will count for all matters where we have restrictions (F/Y choice, seating, etc)
The registration form is primarily for the charter and the deposit will be applied to the charter only. We will use the information in the form to make reservations for you at the event hotels and prepare the group reservations for the scheduled flights. You will pay the hotel yourself when you stay there. The scheduled flights will be ticketed by the airlines after you confirm the booked flights and provide us a method of payment.
The dinners and events are planned to be sponsored by the participating airlines and hotels. However, the dinner at the frequent traveller awards will have to be paid by yourself. The reason for this is that the award ceremony is not only attended by the Starmegado participants and the organization is done by a separate entity. The price for this dinner is going to be approximately 35$ which will include some drinks. The exact details for this will be announced once the sponsors confirm their participation.
In that spirit we’re looking forward to your responses and seeing you all again at the event in less than five months!
Regards Oliver, Tommy, Reb & Seth
Star Mega Do 2010 Bookings open on Friday!
By now you’ve probably read all about the itinerary and just how much fun is going to be had during Star Mega Do 2010, so much so that you’re ready to book. Right? The wait is almost over. Booking will open this Friday, June 11, at 12 noon EDT.
The best part is that you do not need to pay the full booking price this Friday. You will need to pay a non-refundable $100 deposit for your space on the charter. The balance of the payment will be due towards the end of July. Space on the charter is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you want to guarantee a space for yourself – particularly in the highly demanded first class cabin – you’re going to need to book quickly.
The booking process will require you to specify, among other bits:
- Your personal details
- The legs and class of service for the charter
- which of the scheduled flights you intend to book and on which date (UA feeder flights, TATL eastbound on LH/OS/LX, TATL westbound on LH, final TATL eastbound SEA-Europe on LH)
- Specify if you require a discount / Continental MeetingWorks code to get to/from IAH and later SEA
- Indicate if you will stay at the Starwood properties that will host the event on the ground
If you do choose to stay as part of our negotiated group at the hotels then we’ll take care of all the ground transport issues and the booking process; you’ll be responsible for paying the hotel directly at the time of the stay.
Got any questions? Post a comment or send an email to airbusdo@gmail.com.
A Mega itinerary for a Mega Do!
This past Friday night the itinerary for the 2010 Star Mega Do was announced at a party in Marina del Ray, California. The room was packed with veterans from the 2009 edition and other FlyerTalkers who all wanted to be involved in the event as well as folks looking for a good party out on the West coast. Some of the photos suggest there were upwards of 50 folks crowded into the room for the event; the bar tab suggests even more. Either way, this luck group was the first to hear the official news.
And now that I’ve recovered from the rather vicious hangover (Marty, I’m gonna get even!) here’s the itinerary for everyone else to chew on:
Monday, November 1
JFK-FRA: We expect that to be on the LH A380 though the aircraft is not yet confirmed to be on that route.
Tuesday, November 2
Arrive FRA. Party with *A and LH in FRA.
*For folks starting in Europe you will be invited to join on Tuesday evening
Wednesday, November 3
FRA-IAH. Arrive IAH and dinner with CO.
*For folks who want to only do the USA part of the event you’ll be joining us in IAH for the dinner or tomorrow morning for the tours.
Thursday, November 4
CO tours in IAH.
Thursday, November 4 – Evening
The First Annual Frequent Traveler Awards!
Built on the legacy of The Freddies, the FT Awards will allow the community to honor the loyalty programs that make everything we do just a bit more fun.
Friday, November 5
Charter flight!
IAH-PHX: Meet with US Airways in PHX
PHX-PAE: Fly in to an airport that doesn’t really see traditional commercial service (cool new dot/line) and go on a special tour of the Boeing factory where the 747-8i is being built.
Party in Seattle area Friday night
Saturday, November 6
Charter flight back to either Chicago or Houston, depending on which aircraft we end up chartering.
We thought we had figured out the details of which aircraft we’d be using for the charter but we had a last minute entrant from another carrier that is interested in providing us with that service. So we are still working out the details and hope to have more specific pricing and an answer to which aircraft we’ll be using (747, MD-11 or 753/73E/738s) in the very near future.
Regarding pricing of the event, we expect that the charter price point will be at or below last year’s price. Depending on the aircraft selected there will be a mix of F, C, E+ and E- available. The TATL flights will be about the same price in Y (~$600) and will be more expensive in C (~$3000).
We’re getting a great rate with Starwood for the hotels along the way and there will likely be a Fast Track promo for status associated with it.











