Are You the Perfect Seatmate? If So, Fly First Class With Me on the Star Mega Do 3!
To me, one of the most interesting parts of flying is the seatmate. There's something unique (and strange) about sitting next to someone in a metal tube for hours and we've all heard (and experienced) our fair share of horror stories. In fact, on my flight to Mauritius this week, my seatmate was pretty bad- he was unaware of his surroundings and spilled his drink while getting up from his seat, he put his stinky feet way up on the seat in front of him and he coughed on me all night in his sleep.
However, I've had a lot of really good experiences on planes too. I've met some very close friends on flights, which isn't a surprise since I think I'm naturally pre-disposed towards liking fellow travelers. And now, I'm in search of another great seatmate to join me on the Star Alliance Mega Do 3.
To thank my loyal readers, I’m giving away a frequent flyer’s dream prize: A first-class ticket and hotel accommodation to come along with me on the Star Alliance Megado 3 this September!
What's included?
The winner will spend four days and three nights with me flying first-class on all flights between North America’s Star Alliance hubs of Chicago, Montreal and Denver aboard a privately chartered Continental Boeing 737-900ER; staying at a Hyatt property in each of the cities we visit (your own room, of course); participating in all the amazing experiences that the Star Alliance is putting together for us including tours of Bombardier and Lockheed Martin; and hobnobbing with some of the savviest frequent flyers in the skies and executives from the airlines and Hyatt Hotels. Dates: September 7-10, 2011 (see full program schedule below).
Best of all, you’ll be earning elite qualifying miles and points on either Lufthansa or United (up to 9,440 EQM plus regular elite bonuses), and will receive Hyatt Diamond status valid until 2/2013- which I love and wrote about here (if you’re already a Diamond, there will be special gifts for you instead). The prize is valued at $2,084.
The prize covers the cost of the first class seat, hotel stays and any meals/coffee while we are together during the trip. Any auction purchases, souvenirs, hotel incidentals or other personal expenses are your responsibility.
What's not included?
You must get yourself to Chicago on September 7th by 6pm for the start of the festivities and get yourself home from Denver after the event. The ARV of the trip is $2,084, so you will be responsible for paying any taxes. In the end, this trip will require a decent outlay of personal time and possibly money (if you need help using your miles to get to/from Chicago and Denver, I can certainly assist), so please only enter if you understand the commitment and really want to attend. It is going to be a great time and I promise I am a good seatmate!
I'll also be blogging about the experience, so you will be required to sign a release form and be willing to be featured on the blog. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to comment below or email me.
Eligibility: Limited to US residents over 18 who have a valid passport. I'm sorry non-US blog readers- I love you, but this one has some legal/tax stuff I can't get around! You can still win the other prizes, so feel free to participate.
How to Enter:
1) Follow me on Twitter and send me a Tweet on why you are a great seatmate. At the end of your Tweet include the hash-tag #greatseatmate so I can easily sort through the entries. If you don't have a Twitter account, it only takes a minute to sign up here, but familiarize yourself with the Direct Message feature, because that's how I'll contact you if you win a prize.
2) "Llike" me on Facebook write on The Points Guy's wall about why you would be the perfect seat-mate for me on our whirlwind points-earning trip. Click here to sign-up for Facebook.
I do not sell information gleaned from either Twitter or Facebook. I simply want to increase my social media presence, which is an important thing for all bloggers.
You have from now until 11:59pm EDT on Tuesday, July 19, to enter, then I’ll choose the winner at random on Wednesday, July 20. There is a limit of 5 entries per day per Facebook and Twitter account. Please don't SPAM!
If you want to join in the fun, but won't be able to attend the main event, feel free to comment below on your thoughts about great seatmates or just let me know in your Tweet/Wall post that you can't go and I'll still consider you for some other prizes, including TPG VIP memberships and other assorted points giveaways.
If you want to have fun and write about what makes a bad seat-mate, I have several gag gifts from my recent trip to Tokyu Hands that I'll be giving away to the people who make me laugh the most. Just hashtag your Tweet #badseatmate.
You can learn more about the Star Mega Do 3 here and find all the details plus contest rules below. I'm trying to have fun with this one, so if all goes smoothly, expect more contests and giveaways in the future.
THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM IS STILL IN PROGRESS:
Wednesday September 7th
6PM The United management and Hyatt management welcomes everyone at the Park Hyatt Chicago.
930PM transport to the official SMD3 hotel Hyatt Regency O'Hare
Thursday September 8th
7AM Diamond Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare
730AM-8AM Shuttle service to Terminal 1, O'Hare. United behind the scenes tour at O'Hare.
1045AM The world second greatest magician Al James puts on a show at the C RCC, send off Champagne party.
1130AM Boarding of Star Mega DOs 3rd charter CO1904 starts at the C gates.
12Noon Departure O'Hare. Al James comes with us to Montreal and will entertain on the plane.
3PM Arriving in Montreal. Transportation to Hyatt Regency Montreal
7PM Air Canada, Aeroplan program at Hyatt Regency Montreal.
Friday September 9th
7AM Diamond Breakfast at Hyatt Regency Montreal
8AM Buses depart for Mirabel airport, Bombardier tour
1130AM Buses depart for YUL, Bombardier, Air Canada and Aeroplan program
530PM Our charter CO1904 departs YUL
Official party flight!!
730PM Arrival in Denver
Transport to the Grand Hyatt in Denver Free & Easy night
Saturday September 10th
There will be 3 experiences to choose from this Saturday. The day is hosted in cooperation with our friends at the Jason Dahl's Scholarship Fund who commemorates the 10th anniversary of 9/11 Confirmed: Tour of United Airlines training facilities.
Auction of simulator time on 777 and A320!!
Working on: Air National guard tour and F16 rides!! Lockheed Martin Tour.
5PM Hyatt Program at the Grand Hyatt Denver.
Close at 9PM
END OF PROGRAM
Contest Rules
• Official Rules: No purchase necessary. Entries for contest start Wednesday, July 13, at 8:30am EDT and ends Tuesday, July 19 at 11:59pm EDT. Winner announced Wednesday, July 20. Eligibility requirements: Limited to US residents over 18; entries can be submitted via Twitter and Facebook Wall; five per person per day per medium; odds of winning will depend on the number of entries received; (ARV) of prize is $2,084; winner will be selected at random on July 20 and notified via the Twitter or Facebook account used to enter; an alternate will also be selected in case the original winner is not able to attend the event. Winner will be required to provide their own transportation to Chicago for the beginning of the event and home from Denver after the event close, and must have a valid passport. Winner agrees to give The Points Guy any content based on the trip for use in any medium in perpetuity. The winner will be required to sign a release and affidavit of eligibility.
• Prize will be reported to the IRS as income to the winner on Form 1099-MISC
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.