I set my iPhone alarm to 3 a.m. and awake minutes before. Can’t sleep? Hardly. Actually, can’t wait. This is going to be a blast of an event and an even better mileage run.

Out the door for flight to Chicago and nothing eventful there. United flight left one minute early and despite forecast of light rain, the skies open up to sunshine — another good omen. Meet with event organizers and discover my role — mule. I’m the guy with very good elite status with Mileage Plus (UGS) and they want to use me to bring on the heavy luggage. No dummies there. So I’m in charge of two 50 pound duffle bags. A sneak peek inside (hey, those warnings from the TSA about taking things from strangers is echoing inside my head!) and I discover the souvenir t-shirts for the event. Since I’m lugging these things around, seems fair that I give the readers of this blog the ‘inside’ look, so photo of shirt to follow. Worn out already, it’s time to plot a good night’s sleep as tomorrow will become known as the longest day.

The most infamous mileage run ever conceived is ready for flight with nearly 250 frequent flyers from around the globe gathering in Chicago, New York, Frankfurt and Oslo to partake in a series of flights that serve no purpose other than to boost one’s mileage balance and to be able to talk about frequent flyer miles non- stop for four whole days … might as well include the nights as well.

It is called the Star Alliance MegaDO.

And this blog will take you up close and personal with what goes on at 33,000 feet.