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Star Mega Do 5
Details of the itinerary/schwag are still TBA, but participation has changed significantly:
Private Charter | Membership Information MegaDOs are operated by the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation (FTEF)—a nonprofit 501c3 organization. Here is information on how to become a member to fly on a MegaDO. MegaDOs are operated by the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation (FTEF)—a nonprofit 501c3 organization. As a private charter, you must be a member of the FTEF to participate. To be a member costs $10 a year and must be charged prior to your buying a MegaDO ticket. You can cancel the membership at any time, but you have to be a member at the time of purchasing the ticket and at the time of the charter. ETA: THIS MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS CHARTER TOUR (see post 2 for details) |
website and quirky booking engine now live: http://www.megado.com/
The program has been posted on MilePoint: Tuesday October 22nd arrival Toronto, no program (optional, you can of course some in in Wednesday) Registration open from 6-7PM at the host hotel (Ritz Carlton Toronto or Toronto Marriott Downtown) Wednesday October 23rd Breakfast at the host hotel, registration opens at 8AM 1000 Buses to Rimowa's factory. Tours and BBQ 1100 Buses from the airport to Rimowa's factory for people arriving Wednesday morning. Return back to the hotel at 4PM Welcome reception hosted by Marriott Thursday October 24th Breakfast 0930 Buses to YYZ for a day with Air Canada. Return to the hotel at 4-5PM Reception hosted at hotel by Air Canada Friday October 25th 0730 Buses to YYZ, charter departs at 0930. Arrival TUS at 1115AM. Buses to the AF base, return to TUS at 230, departure at 3PM, Arrival at SFO at 530PM Hangar party hosted by United Airlines from 6-830PM, buses to designated hotel downtown San Francisco. Event ends Friday night. The charter: This year it will be operated on an Air Canada A321, the first ever MegaDo on an Airbus.. http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/fleet/a321-200xm.html Prices will be ready on Monday May 13th Miles miles miles… and hotel points.. Same procedure as every year (2500 EQM for coach, 7500 EQM and 15K EQM for First, but we’re working on offering BOTH AC Aeroplan miles and United miles. Stay tuned to get all details confirmed. And of course our new partner Marriott Rewards will put on their charm to win the hearts of new customers and also thank their loyals Exciting news on the hotel campaign to follow soon Membership So what’s up with this membership stuff you’re offering you ask? Well, we’ve been working with the DOT closely to make the charter a private affair, meaning we’ll save a bunch on money that needs to be set aside and a boatload of paper work. The system is a win win for everyone and United has been on us to get this done for operational purposes. We’re still working with the DOT and are hoping to implement the memberships, but to be on the safe side, we are filing this as a public charter, so no 10 dollar membership will be necessary to buy a ticket on this MegaDo. So there you have it! SMD5 will go on sale May 20th at noon central US time Business $2799 Tommy Class Emergency Exit $1999 (middle seat blocked) Tommy Class $1799 (middle seat blocked) Coach $1199 Unfortunately, the prices this year are a little bit higher than usual. There are a few reasons for this: The flights are longer, the cost is 20% higher than last year, the taxes are also almost 30% higher than last year, costs for buses are up 150% and we don't have as many premium seats for sale, actually the lowest we've ever had. |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20705389)
It appears that right now only those who received an email are eligible to sign up for FTEF membership. Apparently only a certain number of memberships are available at certain membership levels, so surely a membership offer to the public is forthcoming.
The premium memberships are an interesting thing and some may love them (obviously some did as they pretty much sold out) while others don't. But the overall concept of a membership club to do this is absolutely sound. |
Trust me we tried to get around the 'public' vs 'private' charter when CO demanded it for SMD2. CO asked for it due to some valid reasons, some of it being consumer protection.@:-):cool:
Also the DoT is pretty clear on the art what constitutes an organisation that can do private charters. Just dropping 10 bucks in a pot when you enter the door to sign up probably doesn't do it. But hey, they should be knowing what they are doing. :o |
Mr. Pickles speculates that there could bel MegaDO competitors relatively soon based on this new membership scheme.
I kind of tend to agree. If a 'real' charter company with overhead and resources in place looked at the market for what amounts to $3000-$5000 (membership fee plus megado fee) seats on a charter flight...well....how hard would it be for a company like that to create a charter catering to points and miles hoarders? (that is a sincere rather than a rhetorical question...I honestly don't know the answer) |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20706564)
If a 'real' charter company with overhead and resources in place looked at the market for what amounts to $3000-$5000 (membership fee plus megado fee) seats on a charter flight...well....how hard would it be for a company like that to create a charter catering to points and miles hoarders? (that is a sincere rather than a rhetorical question...I honestly don't know the answer)
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Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 20706867)
Getting a plane, picking a few airports and flying between them is pretty easy. Getting the other companies involved is rather more difficult. It sin't like United, American or Lufthansa is offering up tours of their operations to 150+ people on a daily basis and the MegaDo crew just picked a slot. Ditto for some of the FF-related benefits which have come from the events. Buying the points - especially EQPs - outright from the airlines isn't simply a matter of calling up the main number and giving them a CC number for the deal.
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There is a market for commercial operators out there, some have operated such tours before, the most well known was Kuoni who arranged for a charter flight by WK & LX from ZRH to TLS and giving participants some briefing on aircraft design and construction and small tours of the plant with active pilots who explained everything in detail. All for aprox 700 CHF.
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I guess I have been informed that future MegaDos will operate under these regs:
http://law.justia.com/cfr/title14/14...0.1.1.10.0.1.5 If so, does that mean the Star Mega Do 5 wont take place for at least 6 months? Also, is there truly a reason to join the FTEF other than merely to travel on a charter flight (from the solicitation, that seems to be the only reason to join FTEF)?: (d) “Bona fide members” are members of an organization who: Have not joined the organization merely to travel on a charter flight; and who have been members of the chartering organization for a minimum of six months prior to the date of commencement of the affected flight; provided, that the “six month” rule does not apply to: (1) Employees of a single commercial establishment, industrial plant, or government agency, or (2) Students and employees of a single school. Also, doesn't this regulation preclude selling seats for different prices as well as comping seats to the press, etc: (e) The charter price due the direct air carrier shall be prorated equally among all the charter passengers, except that children under 12 may be offered discounted or free transportation. This is truly a bureaucratic nightmare, it seems. Good old Uncle Sam, making things as difficult as possible. :rolleyes: |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20717357)
I guess I have been informed that future MegaDos will operate under these regs:
http://law.justia.com/cfr/title14/14...0.1.1.10.0.1.5 If so, does that mean the Star Mega Do 5 wont take place for at least 6 months? Also, is there truly a reason to join the FTEF other than merely to travel on a charter flight (from the solicitation, that seems to be the only reason to join FTEF)?: (d) “Bona fide members” are members of an organization who: Have not joined the organization merely to travel on a charter flight; and who have been members of the chartering organization for a minimum of six months prior to the date of commencement of the affected flight; provided, that the “six month” rule does not apply to: (1) Employees of a single commercial establishment, industrial plant, or government agency, or (2) Students and employees of a single school. Also, doesn't this regulation preclude selling seats for different prices as well as comping seats to the press, etc: (e) The charter price due the direct air carrier shall be prorated equally among all the charter passengers, except that children under 12 may be offered discounted or free transportation. This is truly a bureaucratic nightmare, it seems. Good old Uncle Sam, making things as difficult as possible. :rolleyes: I wonder if being a "member" also puts you at financial risk if there is a claim by another passenger of the charter? Many things to sort out. Happily it is not my problem. :p |
Originally Posted by mrpickles
(Post 20731152)
Not only will they have the government watching every move, but pissed off FlyerTalkers who are ready to blow the whistle, just because they can. I am glad that I am just an outside observer.
I wonder if being a "member" also puts you at financial risk if there is a claim by another passenger of the charter? Many things to sort out. Happily it is not my problem. :p |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20731380)
Which FlyerTalkers are pissed off and why?
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(some) details posted in post #2.
Looks like this one will still be a public rather than a private charter. Guess those pesky regs got in the way on the timing after all. :( While I think the USAF base tour is cool, the tour of the luggage factory seems...well...boring. YYZ-TUS in the AM seems like a Bloody Mary blast! :D All in all it looks like a good time...but still not quite interesting enough to earn my $$$. So who is going to try to buy tickets? |
i am slightly considering it, being BUF based, YYZ is a stone throw away, and as easy a start as i could hope for. though we will see the cost, always the X factor
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Originally Posted by freeloader
(Post 20744391)
i am slightly considering it, being BUF based, YYZ is a stone throw away, and as easy a start as i could hope for. though we will see the cost, always the X factor
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Expensive for such a short timeframe.
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Originally Posted by airbus320
(Post 20747957)
Expensive for such a short timeframe.
I just bought an AA A fare IAD-POS AND a UA P fare DCA-DEN for less than $2800 combined. Then again, I won't get to tour a luggage factory on either of those two trips. :o |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20748387)
$2800 for F is quite dear indeed. (prices updated in post #2)
I just bought an AA A fare IAD-POS AND a UA P fare DCA-DEN for less than $2800 combined. Then again, I won't get to tour a luggage factory on either of those two trips. :o |
Wow... Just saw the prices. Even living 60 mins from the starting point, this is way outta my league. It's be about $2k for four days when all is said and done.
Kudos to those out there still organizing FT events on the cheap. My hat goes off to all of you |
I think registration just opened. I wonder if it is sold out yet.
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Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20781460)
I think registration just opened. I wonder if it is sold out yet.
Registration now closed pending resolution. |
Originally Posted by airbus320
(Post 20782120)
IT problems with registration.
Registration now closed pending resolution. My wife grew up in IT and always says that even today her favorite part of development is testing because, even as the PM these days, she likes to try to break things. :) Looks like these guys could have used my wife before their go-live. :( |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20782183)
Not surprised. As I noted in post #2 above, that booking engine was Mega Quirky.
My wife grew up in IT and always says that even today her favorite part of development is testing because, even as the PM these days, she likes to try to break things. :) Looks like these guys could have used my wife before their go-live. :( |
Originally Posted by airbus320
(Post 20782268)
My comment on another site was: Did they hot test the registration site before the launch.
But it HAS to be done if you want a smooth go-live. Worse, it appears that their booking engine confirmed not only reservations but also payments of those who booked but did not pay before it was shut down. Those folks are in the fascinating situation of being the beneficiaries of a MegaDo fare mistake in their favor....will the DOT be informed if they do not honor the $0 booking and payment confirmations? Will lawsuits be threatened? :D;) Seriously, though, this is why one tests. |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20782183)
Looks like these guys could have used my wife |
Originally Posted by hobo13
(Post 20782667)
Must. Refrain.
Actually I should be careful. One down-side of marrying a flyertalker is that she knows how to use the search feature for my name.... :eek::eek: Update as of 4:30pm EDT: "We'll reopen booking once payment details are cleaned up. Sorry for any confusion and there is plenty of it. Always a payment snag, this time not PayPal but Authorize.net." Bummer. :( |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20782694)
Take my wife...please. :D;)
Actually I should be careful. One down-side of marrying a flyertalker is that she knows how to use the search feature for my name.... :eek::eek: Update as of 4:30pm EDT: "We'll reopen booking once payment details are cleaned up. Sorry for any confusion and there is plenty of it. Always a payment snag, this time not PayPal but Authorize.net." Bummer. :( |
Website updated: SMD5 charter booking 2.0 scheduled to start at noon Central Time on Wednesday May 22
Randy says to those who booked before the booking engine went quirky: "We'll email you individually once we solve the payment glitch. We have that list ready to go, just need confirmation of the payment problem." Here's yesterday's update from the Chairman of the FTEF: Folks, Thank you all for the 100000000000000 emails and PMs. No need to show up at my house just yet. I can't give you any information other than we're having some big issues here and Randy and his crew are working on it. ( tried it myself and it's not working the way it's supposed to) I'm not onsite and I've stopped bugging them for now. Thank you for your patience. Please watch this thread for new info from the Boss himself OPERATOR-PARTICIPANT CONTRACT This agreement sets forth the terms and conditions under which we MEGADO, LLC and The Frequent Traveler Education Foundation (“MEGADO”), 18 Legacy Lane, Wheeling, Illinois, 60090 in return for payment of the amount indicated as the total charter price, agree to provide you this charter flight. ETA: I realize that with the fires they are currently fighting that no answer is likely to come anytime soon. But I checked the Delaware Division of Corporarations and here is what they say about MEGADO, LLC: Entity Details THIS IS NOT A STATEMENT OF GOOD STANDING File Number: 5181487 Incorporation Date / Formation Date: 07/10/2012 (mm/dd/yyyy) Entity Name: MEGADO LLC Entity Kind: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) Entity Type: GENERAL Residency: DOMESTIC State: DE |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20786532)
MEGADO, LLC!?!? That's a new one to me. I thought this shebang was run as a nonprofit by the FTEF?
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Originally Posted by hobo13
(Post 20782667)
Must. Refrain.
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Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 20789473)
Amazing what happens when one continues to post as though they know all the details when, in fact, they don't. Seems to be a pattern of sorts in this forum for that type of behavior. A shame, really, as it has the potential to be useful to the community as a place for reasoned discussion instead of misinformation.
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Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 20789473)
Amazing what happens when one continues to post as though they know all the details when, in fact, they don't. Seems to be a pattern of sorts in this forum for that type of behavior. A shame, really, as it has the potential to be useful to the community as a place for reasoned discussion instead of misinformation.
And to be frank, I am asking these same questions in an open forum that many others ask and wonder about in PMs and emails, providing points and miles service providers an opportunity to publicly set the record straight. So rather than an attack, a simple 'thank you' will do. :) Anyway, if you know how the Megado is structured and operated and why a for profit LLC is listed alongside the FtEF as the operator of the charter, could you please enlighten the rest of us? After all, sharing information is what this place is all about. ^ |
Looks like those who tried to book on Monday have been accommodated:
Originally Posted by Randy
No do over. all those "in the system" have been contacted to book their seats and most have replied and been taken care of. When MegaDO reopens, it will pick u[ where it left off with available seats, right now about 40 in coach, two in TC Emergency Exit and a single business class seat.
I wish the FTEF and MEGADO, LLC better luck with their go-live this time! ^ |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20791597)
Actually, please note all the question marks.
I don't know the full story and it isn't my company to speak on behalf of. But I did know that FTEF wasn't the charter company for this one before it was posted here. I don't think it matters, really, but that's because I have better things to do than pick apart every twist and turn of an organization whose existence has no material impact on my well being. |
Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 20794470)
I don't know the full story and it isn't my company to speak on behalf of. But I did know that FTEF wasn't the charter company for this one before it was posted here.
Most of us were lead to believe that Megados were non-profit productions of the FTEF (bolding mine): Private Charter | Membership Information MegaDOs are operated by the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation (FTEF)—a nonprofit 501c3 organization. Here is information on how to become a member to fly on a MegaDO. MegaDOs are operated by the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation (FTEF)—a nonprofit 501c3 organization. As a private charter, you must be a member of the FTEF to participate. To be a member costs $10 a year and must be charged prior to your buying a MegaDO ticket. You can cancel the membership at any time, but you have to be a member at the time of purchasing the ticket and at the time of the charter. The MegaDOs are currently run by the Frequent Traveler Education Foundation (FTEF), a nonprofit 501c3 organization. And for each public MegaDO we sell, there is a substantial capital cost and application cost in getting DOT approval for each event. The FTEF is a well-known, approved DOT charter operator, but the paper work costs us a lot of money every time. It also excludes us from using General Aviation terminals, which would also make things a lot easier. Not judgment, accusation or anything even negative. Just a question! I don't think it matters, really, but that's because I have better things to do than pick apart every twist and turn of an organization whose existence has no material impact on my well being. |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20794804)
I mean, there must have been times when you were mocked for all the time and effort you put into your hobby nitpicking at points and miles programs...
It is also not clear to me where there is any mocking going on in my posts here. Perhaps you can have a moderator make that call if you feel them inappropriate. |
Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 20795076)
Not that I'm aware of.
It is also not clear to me where there is any mocking going on in my posts here. Perhaps you can have a moderator make that call if you feel them inappropriate. Anyway, we are getting far afield from the topic of this thread, which is Star Mega Do 5. @:-) |
I am just wondering if the price point for charter, hotels and positioning flights kept people away.
I was not prepared to pay 2K in my case for a four day trip . Air Canada is an expensive airline. |
Originally Posted by airbus320
(Post 20796100)
I am just wondering if the price point for charter, hotels and positioning flights kept people away.
I was not prepared to pay 2K in my case for a four day trip . Air Canada is an expensive airline. So it seems like the market for the $2800 and the $1800 seats is strong, while the market for the $1200 seats is a little softer. Maybe they should make the whole plane Tommy class? @:-) |
Originally Posted by kokonutz
(Post 20796080)
Anyway, we are getting far afield from the topic of this thread, which is Star Mega Do 5. @:-)
Regards Oliver2002 Mod EM&PR forum |
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