Get closer to your free ticket to the Star MegaDo here…

AvGeek or not, this should definitely interest you. A MegaDo, as some of us airplane and travel nerds define it, is an opportunity to get behind the scenes with airlines and alliances and see how an airline works. I was on the oneworld MegaDo in January 2012, and I met people from all over who were excited about flying. Check out the full details of that experience here. Here are a few of the experiences we shared:

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A simulated water evacuation

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A trip to the Boeing 737 plant in Everett

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Inside the charter flight…at 35K feet

BoardingArea is giving away a couple of seats on the StarMegaDo 4 charter this year. You get to hobnob with the United executives, fly with Randy Petersen, collect swag along the way and make new best friends who share your passion for flying. You can look up this thread on MilePoint for all the details on the MegaDo.

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The Contest: Me and 28 other BoardingArea bloggers will be participating in a giveaway for 2 seats on the SMD4 charter. We will all pick one winning entry each, out of which two winners will be chosen by the BoardingArea team.

How to Enter? In the comments segment below, tell me which is your favourite Star Alliance airline and why? You can only participate once in this contest on this blog. Your entries should be coming in by 23:59 Mountain Time on October 7, 2012.

What do you win? A seat next to Randy Petersen on the upcoming StarMegaDo to be held between November 13, 2012 and November 16, 2012. Additionally, your tab for a night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, Hyatt Regency Houston and Hyatt Regency Schaumberg and $250 for spending along the way are also yours.

How to increase your chances of winning? You can participate and answer once in each of the BoardingArea blogs who are participating in the contest. Here are the links to their entry posts:

I will update this with other participating posts as soon as they go up so do check back. Here are the rules of the contest spread across BoardingArea.

Just one thing I ask of you, if you are the winner, do make sure you get your correct email address in the post which will make life easier to get across to you! And while you are here, let’s connect for future contests, giveaways and promotions via email, Facebook or Twitter.

Good Luck!! Now just tell me which is your favourite Star Alliance Airline and why?

Disclosure: If you get to win the BoardingArea SMD4 seat giveaway (this giveaway), I get a yet-to-be-launched version of the iPad.

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About Ajay

Ajay Awtaney is the Founder and Editor of Live From A Lounge (LFAL), a pioneering digital platform renowned for publishing news and views about aviation, hotels, passenger experience, loyalty programs, travel trends and frequent travel tips for the Global Indian. He is considered the Indian authority on business travel, luxury travel, frequent flyer miles, loyalty credit cards and travel for Indians around the globe. Ajay is a frequent contributor and commentator on the media as well, including ET Now, BBC, CNBC TV18, NDTV, Conde Nast Traveller and many other outlets.

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Comments

  1. i want to love us airways b/c i’m in their hub, but i haven’t flown them for so long…. maybe my love for them will be renewed soon!

  2. I’m going to have to go with US Airways for the simple fact that I don’t know if I’ve been on another star alliance carrier (old Continental, I guess but I don’t have any memories of them fond or otherwise). With US Airways we’ve been able to do a number of inexpensive last minute trips, including Ireland last year in April.

  3. I actually don’t have a favorite Star Alliance airline due to not being part of Star Alliance, HOWEVER, I really want to begin building my United program (always have let miles expire in the past) ad really want to fly Singapore Airlines.

    MOD Comment: Did not stick to the question, hence disqualified!

  4. My favorite is Aegean due to the ability to hit SA Gold with only 20K miles! And then keeping it appears to be really simple too!

  5. I will try to win this although the chance is slim.

    MOD Comment: Disqualified since the answer was not inline with the question

  6. Right ow United is my favorite as i have had good luck with them. My first ever airline and elite status was US and i don’t like them very much. I have not flown any other Star Alliance carriers so i cannot comment on others

  7. Even though I have never flown Aegean, it is my favorite because of its generous Star Alliance Silver and Gold qualifications.

  8. United. For someone who’s flown 4 million miles on United, and lives by the Chicago hub, there really is no other airline that gives as many options.

  9. Air Canada. Free, individual, inflight entertainment in all seats, all classes, and all flights. Even on short haul domestic flights.

  10. My favorite is TACA, it’s got an exotic and exciting route map, great redemption rates, and a modern fleet. The crew’s are always laid back and friendly! I love that part of the world, so I may be a bit partial.

  11. My favorite Star Alliance Airline is United because they have a relatively new fleet because of the continental merger (Especially the 737 fleet, which they use for hub-hub flights out of Newark and Houston), more hubs because of the merger, and whenever I fly, I either get excellent service in which I am happy with them, or I get completely terrible service in which I send them an email and get a lot of money from them (In the form of a voucher, so either way, Im happy. Also, I can have the miles be put on my US Airways account.

  12. My favorite Star Alliance airline is United because they are the largest, so there are the most options for flights, as well as the fact that they have the best frequent flier program (in my opinion).

  13. US Air. They are the only SA carrier that services the tiny airport in the Tennessee town where my extended family lives (hence where I end up flying each year for the holidays).

  14. I’ll got with United. They’ve taken lots of wonderful places and still in business! Thanks for the contest.

  15. I haven’t flown them yet, but I’m intrigued by Singapore. But given that I can’t call an airline my favorite when I actually have no experience, I will say United given that I know them better than the other Star alliance members.

  16. Hard for many of you to believe but my favorite Star Alliance airline is United (when you live in ASE you have to learn to like them … and I do).

  17. I also like Singapore Air, though I’ve flown few of their flights. Luckily, one of the flights I did fly was EWR to SIN

  18. SQ – from my home country. Every single time I step into an SQ plane, hear the Singlish accent, it just feels SO much like home, even though we’re 10,000 miles away. It’s like I’ve reached home earlier.

  19. Lufthansa without a shadow of a doubt. One of the widest networks in the world, especially ideal for someone like me flying out of DEL, superior in-flight product, brand new aircraft & dedicated lounges. What more can you ask for?

  20. My favourite Star Alliance partner is Air New Zealand. Great seats, great entertainment, great customer service, and I loved that the Kora Club lounge in Sydney had a hot dog cart.

  21. Turkish Airlines – because its Turkish name ‘Türk Hava Yolları’ (THY) sounds fun. And not to mention that Turkey is an awesome place as well. Good food, pretty air hostesses. Aye, there isn’t a better way to start a journey this way to Istanbul. Cheers.

  22. Definitely Swiss. Traveled with an 18 month old by myself from delhi to Zurich and the level of care I got on the flight was absolutely fantastic. Helpful staff, went the extra mile to make us comfortable on the flight and after disembarking.

  23. Emirates, because it’s now a partner with Alaska Airlines!

    MOD Comment: Disqualified since this does not answer the contes question

  24. Singapore Air – because they’re currently at the top of my aspirational list. Gotta start somewhere, why not the best?

    MOD Comment: Disqualified, since only 1 entry allowed per person

  25. I’ve only flown United so far, I really like how I can combine my UA miles with Chase UR points. I’m really looking forward to flying Singapore and Thai airlines in the future!

  26. Singapore by far — always polite service, always clean rigs, always had a great experience flying (in various classes)!

  27. My favorite is actually United. Their Mileage Plus program makes redeeming on their excellent partner premium cabins possible at very low cost and generous routing possibilities.

  28. United, but not for flying but for mileage accumulation. I like to use them on Lufthansa and other *A airlines to get to Europe.

  29. Although I ended up in Asiana economy by accident, I have to say I was so pleased with the quality of their product. The staff and food and entertainment selection were fabulous, so I’m a bit sweet on them right now.

  30. Lufthansa. I’ve had status with them for a long time and they treat me well. More than that, they’re just a class act.

  31. My favorite is SIA,for their great quality of service,the great food and booze even in the cheapest economy seat.They make feel like a king

  32. I’ll have to say United because of economy plus, But if could afford more biz class… I’d say Thai airways, amazing service. (better than SQ for me)

  33. My favorite star alliance airline is the Singapore Airlines – their service, care, attention to detail is top notch and you don’t feel different regardless of whatever class of service you travel – economy, business or first. I also love hanging out in Singapore airport 🙂

  34. Aegean Airlines is my favorite star alliance airline since it is so easy to earn Silver status and keep it for a few years. It saves you a lot of money in checked bag fees.

  35. Guess I have a place in my heart for US…not from fond in-flight experiences or anything good about their organization, but because I’m from the Philly area. Weird, I know.

  36. US Airways… For its convenience for my airport……and partner awards. Plus, running about 100% on upgrades this year.

  37. My favorite Star Alliance airline is United Airlines (UA). Why? That one is easy — it’s because I haven’t flown on any other *A airline yet!

  38. My favorite Star Alliance airline is US Airways. It’s great when you’re in a hub city with low level status.

  39. I am an x B727 pilot , and would love to fly the B787 and take a look at the cockpit to see how much things changed.

    MOD Comment: Disqualified since does not answer the question

  40. Lufthansa. Why?
    (1) I love the name.
    (2) Service is excellent.
    (3) Flew them on my first trip to Europe. They have a special place in my heart as a result.

  41. United because I mostly travel domestic USA and haven’t had any opportunity to try the vast majority of the network.

  42. My favorite Star Alliance airline will be United, as it has favorable member flights with decent reward requirement =)

  43. Swiss is my favorite alliance carrier…..like the country itself that I discovered 27 years ago, I feel safe and well taken care of on this airline which I co tenuously fly between Zurich and Tel Aviv and the States!

  44. Earn on UA and burn on SQ/LH/LX. Based in SFO and HNL UA provides the most frequent service to build the miles and the opportunity to burn them on many high quality international *A carriers.

  45. United – because I like the Million Miler companion benefit and the way my status is reflected on award reservations I make for others

  46. Five years is a long time. But, pessimisim aside, we are all going to keep finding ways to travel the world through incredible deals. Especially by communicating great finds instantly throughout our unique, if diverse and sometimes fragmented, community. Its always going to be too hard for the average traveller to follow this fastinating pursuit.

    MOD Comment: Disqualified since does not answer the question

  47. United for me. Living in SFO and DEN let me build up a good deal of miles and good memories of Business and First Class on United.

  48. USAirways, I get lots of upgrades there. And extra miles are super easy since the hub is a 15 min flight from my origination city!

  49. Thats a tough one…Id have to say United for all domestic, but internationally I would probably have to say Turkish for a great Premium Econ experience, and Singapore for everything else.

  50. I would say Singapore Air, never have floan but I hear nothing but nice things about their servicce.

  51. To clearly answer your question about favorite Star Airline – United

    Although that SA 380 business class is nice 🙂

  52. Yes I am excited about the United 787. More excited than I was to Meet Randy – which was a lot! Growing up and living in Iowa, United was my way out so I have a long love of United (My husband & I flew Global First to AMS this spring to see the Tulips)

    And very excited for the 787. After following the development since the Sonic Cruiser morphed into the 787, we toured the factory in July this year, in August I won a contest at IAD to welcome the 1st 787 commercial flight where we got to get up close and personal with Ethiopian Airline’s new 787 (I can send pics of me in front of the engine and enjoying champagne in the business class seat as well as the beautiful wing) BTW knocking my knuckle on the fuselage does sound like plastic.

    UNITED 787: I’m booked for a December weekend RT in BusinessFirst EWR-IAH-SFO-IAH-DEN 14 hours worth of Flying.

    And I have 787 squeeze toys for all the contest judges

    Thanks!

    MOD Comment: Disqualified since does not answer the question

  53. Believe it or not, AA. I am a loyal customer, even if they seats are wobbly…

    MOD Comment: Disqualified since does not answer the question

  54. Lufthansa, by a mile.

    Because no matter how you got that First Class ticket, they treat you like a king in their Frankfurt First Class Terminal, drive you over the tarmac in a Mercedes like you are a private jet passenger, and give you a seat AND a separate bed for your trip.

    Magic.

  55. My favorite *A is the founding member: Thai Airways(TG).Last Dec-Jan I flew them many times for my vacations and they impressed me a lot totally giving me relaxed vacation flights.A classic Thai care from great Thai meals to great Thai customer service even to economy.Their Boeing 777-200 flew me out from Bangalore to Singapore,Thailand made a great trip.

  56. United, because I live in the US and fly them quite frequently, it’s easy to earn miles with them through Chase, and their website makes redemption pretty hassle-free!

  57. My favorite Star Alliance Airline would be Singapore Airlines; they have the best premium seating/cabins of all the Star carriers….and the overall best premium experience for Business/First class passengers.

  58. My favorite Star Alliance partner is Air New Zealand because they had Richard Simmons do the safety video! No really, the exercise nut, Sweatin’ to the Oldies and all that. It was great. I don’t know if they’re still doing it, but that was a great idea.

  59. I didn’t really have a favorite until I started to learn more about the various programs. I am starting to come around to United because of all the great things I read about them and the award availability. I also like that the Chase Sapphire Preferred transfers 1:1

  60. My favourite star alliance member is Aegean. What better way to explore the magical Mediterranean islands of Myknos, Santorini and Paros.

  61. I like United. It’s easy to work their system (a little harder since the merger) and I can almost always get the flights I need with some flexibility

  62. I fly most on United, but I think my favorite is either LH, LX or SQ – at least on intercontinental premium flights. The food and lounge are also great on TK

  63. My favorite is probably United, because they’re the one that has taken me all over the world or given the ability to earn points to use to travel all over the world.

  64. United, I have been a mileage plus member since I was 9 years old and flew unaccompanied. I have loved flying ever since.

  65. United, because they travel to the places I need to go and usually get me there without the hassles i’ve had with other airlines.

  66. Since UA is the only star airline I have flown I guess they auto are my favorite.. Though I would love to try out Lufthansa and visit the first class Terminal.

  67. I would have to say UA.

    The only *A I’ve flown is UA/TG, but I will be flying NH/UA/TG later this year, thus that might change.

  68. I would love to fly Aegean. Their name is so romantic and ethereal, I can only imagine that would translate to destinations I have never been.

  69. My favorite Star Alliance airline is Lufthansa. I got to visit/use the first class terminal once at FRA, and I knew this was the way I always wanted to fly.

  70. Lufthansa is my favorite Star Alliance Airline- their economy service is not that bad, but when you travel in business or first it is awesome! Not to mention the FCT and FCLs

  71. My favorite Star Alliance airline is none other than Singapore Airlines.With a great inflight service and unlimited entertainment options,it makes it easier for me to thoroughly enjoy my flight if i can’t get sleep.
    Plus it allows me to travel the many destinations with good connections which most other airlines do not.
    So,for me it is SINGAPORE AIRLINES from STAR ALLIANCE,my perfect cake with the best icing!!

  72. My favorite Star Alliance airline is United! It gives me great service to places I want to visit in Latin America.

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