What do you get when you mix 170+ frequent flyer junkies with one part Boeing 737-900, one part flight simulator, one part Randy Petersen, three parts alcohol, one part Hyatt, one part Gary Leff, four parts great food and one part Tommy? You get Star Mega Do 3…in all of its glory.
Most people in the world don’t know what StarMegaDo is. This is expected. Most people in the world also don’t know what a “Trekkie Show” is unless you’re into that kind of thing. But for those of us who have made flying a passion – everything from collecting miles and points to planning mileage runs – the Star Mega Do events hold a special place in our hearts.
The annual event is organized for members of the Star Alliance, the largest airline alliance in the world that facilitates flight-sharing between member airlines. The MegaDo was founded by Tommy Danielson at the end of 2008. His vision was to charter a plane and take 200+ airline enthusiasts all over the world to tour airports, airplane manufacturers, and basically experience all things flying. His vision was also to throw a big party – in the sky, in fancy hotel receptions hosted by sponsors of the trip, and in many of the events throughout the week. These parties facilitate connections between members who may only know each other from chatting on popular frequent flyer forums like Milepoint and Flyertalk.
It’s hard to understand why some people would spend thousands of dollars and use their coveted vacation time to go on a trip in which they spend most of their time up in the air. But for these flyers, it is a dream trip come true…and the best part? You earn miles throughout the entire trip! This year, all of these high-flyers earned miles AND were automatically granted instant Hyatt Diamond status, the highest level in Hyatt with the best benefits.
Highlights of the trip this year included touring the Frankfurt Airport and Bombardier factory in Canada, parties hosted by United, Lufthansa, Air Canada/Aeroplan and Hyatt, time for some in the United Flight Simulator, tours of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, and a beautiful afternoon at the Coors Stadium to watch a Rockies win!
UsingMiles was a proud sponsor of this amazing annual event. In fact, we paid for the busses. I know it doesn’t sound sexy, but somebody’s gotta do it and we were delighted to be involved. We launched a fun contest in coordination with eBags at the event (see pics below) and even gave away “Decoding Air Travel” books to help frequent flyers travel better.
At the end of the day, nothing explains this event quite like the pictures. Please take a moment to share them with us and don’t forget to book your ticket next year (and to renew your passport!)
This is THE MAN. Tommy Danielson is the founder of Star Mega Do and the visionary. He talks a lot. We love listening to him.
Mega Do'ers out in Chicago. Brian, "The Points Guy," Darin, Richard and Brad. These guys were awesome!
The Hyatt was an amazing sponsor. We all got instant Diamond Status, and chatting with Jeff Zydell, head of loyalty, was a treat.
So how’s that for an event? Tired?
And a great time was had by all! Thanks for sharing the photos! Had a wonderful time at lunch and look forward to seeing you the next time I am in Denver…. or before