True, for this year, re the price differential....However, the original idea floated for *Mega Do III was to have the charter flight from ORD-GRU-DEN, in which case the F fare was going to be about $3,000 (vs. about $1,200 or $1,500 for Y). So, the length of the charter will play a substantial role in the pricing structure.

You are not restricted to staying at the event hotels, but I would highly recommend doing so for the following reasons:

1) The shuttle buses arranged for the Mega Do provide transportation to/from the event hotels, and given the punishing schedule, this is one instance where I would choose convenience over price.

2) Last year Tommy was able to score SPG Gold status (or other bennies for those who held Gold or higher status -- can't remember what), and this year Hyatt Diamond status (which special bennies for current Diamonds) for those of us who stayed in the event hotels in the nights surrounding the charter. (This wasn't a requirement for the NY or European add-ons.) This year, just one night apiece in each of the 3 Hyatt properties in Chicago, Montreal & Denver will score us Hyatt Diamond status.

3) Tommy and other organizers really stick their collective necks out, so it's also a matter of courtesy (but certainly not a requirement) to the organizers to reward the hotels providing us with the good rate and other goodies with our business.

The rule of thumb with the Tommy Mega Do's is to always expect the unexpected. There is never any guarantee that he will be able to get the travel partners/sponsors to commit to EQM's/hotel status, but if they do, it's a net positive.

Also, don't forget that the cost of the charter also includes other costs surrounding the Do (like the shuttle buses and some meals).

With those kind of hotel perks, one would be a fool not to stay with those chains. I would agree that with the schedule and timing, it pays to pay a premium to be safe (timing wise).

again, thanks for the helpful post

The charter flight for the first Mega Do left at around 5:30am from FRA. The 99 Euro rate at the FRA Sheraton + ability to walk to the terminal = no brained. We didn't get back to our rooms until around midnight.

This year, several are checking out of the Denver Hyatt after the first night, and heading to the Hyatt Place after Saturday night's party, to save $, and be closer to the airport for early Sunday am flights. But this is after they will have fulfilled the required stays for Diamond.

I'd personally love to see Malev involved. And for the SMD II, at least, the shorter than 4 hour flights were fun and had just the right breaks, so perhaps LAX-DFW-ORD-JFK (all the AA hubs) domestically, and HEL/BUD/BCN in Europe? I'm sure Malev and AA would love to show off that new service!

Touring the maintenance hangars at DFW could be very interesting...

Of course a QF leg on the A380 would be nice, too!

Have I missed that thread?

We're going to be in LA that weekend anyway, staying at the Agoura Hills Sheraton on a grand opening double starpoints special, so coming to the kickoff would be a blast!

Actually, SMD II, SPG gave attendees PLATINUM status. I've used the hell out of it this year and it's pulled a lot of my business away from Hilton, both out of usefulness and appreciation to the sponsors.

Tommy does a hell of a job coordinating these things - and if he needs any help I'm glad to offer my assistance!

I believe that the Platinum status was only for people who had equivalent status in another hotel program. Those of us who were dirt with the other chains only got SPG Gold.

Correct.

Thanks for the summaries provided above because I hadn't even gone into this part of the board before.

I hear that Lima and the beach is nice in January. Virtually no visa requirements, hotels are decently priced without group rates and its only a few hour trip from any North Americian oneworld gateway city. Easily reached by a three or two class 767.

I'm interested. Look forward to the details.

sounds interesting
would be cool to have something with BA in the UK. It would be easier to get to for a few of us Europe FTers

I've got it!

LAX-DFW-ORD-DEL-SYD-JHB-LHR-HEL-BUD-MAD-JFK

10 segment path: 33558 EQM, 66176 RDM, up to 50037 EQP (halfway to EXP in one shot if you fly F/J!)

why are you starting at LAX?

Why not?

Assuming it starts in the USA why wouldn't it start at an AA hub such as DFW or maybe ORD? Not only is an AA hub but it is probably the easiest place for the most people to transit too. ~3-4 hours from most of the west coast & most of the east coast

the only reason I think LAX was mentioned was for the A380 but that could be addressed in your itin by the SYD stop