First to answer the basic questions:

How was the value for the money paid in 2009
Value was great. I used C for TATL and Y on the charter and would make similar future choices for long vs short haul. I also used points for hotels which reduced the cost a little.

- How many days can you be away to participate in a DO
I have the luxury of being retired, so time is not a major issue. Some time to sleep along the way would be great. I survived MegaDo 1 but the crash when I returned home and the adrenalin stopped was pretty big.

- How much money will you be willing to spend
It depends on the program. I want to see/do something in each place – flying is fun, but there needs to be a highlight in each destination.

I would go for virtually any program that offered some of the same insights we enjoyed with UA, CO LH SAS etc and of course the exceptional hospitality that each offered. How about another dinner at LH? That was fabulous, and the wines were superb.

For me, the absolute highlight of MegaDo 1 was the TLS flyby – all the more because we did not know it was going to happen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY5raCf88zc

How about a stop in St Martin (SXM) and Maho Beach (and joy rides to St Barts and their famous approach).

Or go to SIN and actually get on a 380.

Montreal would combine AC (if they are willing this time) and Bombardier.

The Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach (LRE) Queensland would be great (but not as part of a Star Do unfortunately)

A trip hopping around the US only would be of least interest to me (but Boeing is high on the list)

And having just read the thoughts on IST etc - absolutely.

I am not the only one wondering if Tommy et al are really crazy, but hopefully simplifying the logistics, and firm details further in advance will lessen the uncertainties for the organizers and participants.