United Airlines Boeing widebody 777-200.Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In 1990, Tom Stuker bought a lifetime passport from United Airlines. Since then he has flown 23 million miles.
Stuker has redeemed countless miles and once went 12 days without sleeping in a bed.
Stuker told the Washington Post that the passport was the “best investment of my life.”
Tom Stuker is not your typical frequent flyer.
While many travelers speak enthusiastically about luxury resort stays and the premium seating they have been able to book by earning numerous airline miles, Stuker is in a class of its own.
Stuker — a New Jersey-based auto dealership consultant — has flown 23 million miles, more miles than any other human in history, according to the Washington Post.
In 1990, United Airlines advertised a lifetime pass for $290,000, and Stuker quickly accepted the offer.
Now, 33 years later, Stuker frequently enjoys his favorite seat at No. 1B.
According to the Washington Post, Stuker once went 12 straight days without touching a bed while flying from Newark to San Francisco and then to Bangkok and Dubai, only spending time outside of the friendly skies while visiting airport lounges.
Stuker, now 69, told the newspaper that his frequent travels are due to earning airline miles.
“The best investment of my life,” he said.
Stuker said he knew early on that frequent flyer miles weren’t just a way to get more flights; He ended up selling and trading miles with others as well.
He told the Post that he once got so many gift cards with miles that he could renovate his brother’s house.
(United no longer grants such passes on its fliers, according to the newspaper.)
Years ago he even won an auction – bidding 451,000 miles – to guest-star on an episode of NBC’s Seinfeld.
Stuker told the Post that he’s been to 100 countries and honeymooned with his wife for over 120 times.
And United have embraced Stuker and asked him for his input in designing the menu at their Polaris clubs. And according to The Post, the airline has a Mercedes ready on the airport tarmac in case Stuker needs to transfer quickly.
The story goes on
United 800 representatives even recognize Stuker.
This level of service seems almost mythical, but Stuker still benefits from his 1990s passport that really put the world at his fingertips.
Read the original article on Business Insider