Man who racked up a ridiculous amount of miles after paying $290,000 for unlimited flights reveals his top secrets of flying

Tom Stuker made the best investment of his life back in 1990 and has flown millions of miles since.

While most of us would love to see more of the big wide world, the cost of traveling via plane isn’t exactly cheap.

Stuker felt this way back in the 90s and decided to shell out a whopping $290,000 for unlimited travel on what United Airlines was offering at the time, known as the 'lifetime' pass.

Unfortunately, this deal is no longer offered, just in case you had a spare $300k lying around.

Tom Stucker has flown millions of miles over the decades (Instagram/@ua1flyer)

But as you can imagine with unlimited travel, Stuker has traveled like crazy over the last few decades, back in 2024 surpassing 24 million miles.

For context, the average distance between the Earth and the Moon is 238,855 miles - so it's safe to say Stuker has had his money's worth.

Stuker hit the 24 million mile threshold with a United Airlines flight from Newark to San Francisco on May 17, 2024, and he's described the lifetime pass as the 'best investment of [his] life'.

While there is little to no chance you will be flying as much as Stuker, as he said before Covid lockdowns he spent 200 to 250 days a year in the air, he still has some advice in an interview with Simple Flying

Be faithful to your airline

For would-be frequent flyers he said they should be in a ‘monogamous relationship’ with just one airline.

He noted that he has been a United Airlines MileagePlus loyalty program member since 1983 and has certainly been enjoying the benefits.

Switching seats

He also said that as you board, you should keep the airlines seat map app open to take advantage of the airline failing to sell all the seats.

He said if a blocked seat you wanted opens up, take it, as the airline won’t be too fussed. Obviously it goes without saying that if it actually DOES end up being someone’s seat, return to your seat without causing a scene.

Stucker had some tips for those who are expecting to fly frequently (Instagram/ua1flyer)

Get some rest

His next tip was to not adjust your watch to local time when you are on a long-haul flight and instead take a three-hour nap.

Laundromats exist

He very cheekily suggested not to bring a checked bag simply stating that every town and city has a laundromat.

Get the best you can

And his final tip is easier said than done but all the same he said you should attempt to get the best cabin you can and if possible, get someone else to pay for it.

Happy travels.