NJ man who travels first class for free dubbed the most traveled person on earth
They say no one has traveled more than Tom Stuker, a New Jersey man who has flown over 20 million miles and counting.
What is even more extraordinary is that he never paid for the bookings and only traveled first class, The Washington Post reported. On top of that, he still accumulates miles rewards. Sometimes, he would travel to the other side of the world and come back the same day just to accumulate miles, the Post reported.
Originally a car dealership consultant, his thousands of flights launched Stuker to become a social media influencer and TV personality.
How he does it?
In 1990, United Airlines offered an unlimited flights lifetime pass for $290,000, allowing him to hop on first class anytime he wants for the rest of his life.
Quite a deal.
2019 was his best year. The Post reported that he took 373 flights covering 1.46 million miles. Without the pass, those 2019 flights would have cost $2.44 million.
And with all his miles, he is rewarded with cruise trips, expensive suites, lavish dinners — even a $50,000 Walmart gift card, among other perks.
Stuker, now 70, was 36 when he bought the pass, The Post said.
Where can I get an unlimited lifetime flights pass?
Unlimited lifetime flight passes used to be offered by airlines, but those passes don't exist anymore.
Still, some airlines do offer unlimited flights passes, but not for life.
Frontier Airlines, for instance, is currently offering "The GoWild! Pass," which offers unlimited travel during a time period. The Summer 2024 pass costs $399; the annual pass is $599.
Airlines that offer unlimited flight passes
Alaska Airlines Flight Pass
Cost: from $49 per month
Overview: This a subscription-based membership granting up to 24 roundtrips yearly among 15 destinations in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.
Details: There are no blackout dates and Mileage Plan Elite Status members receive free upgrades to first- and premium-class seats.
Frontier Airlines GoWild! Pass
Cost: from $149 per month
Overview: An all-you-can-fly-pass covering the U.S. and some international destinations.
Details: Domestic flights must be confirmed one day prior departure; international flights must be confirmed up to 10 days before. There are blackout dates, particularly during holidays.
Air Canada Flight Pass
Cost: from $1,420 per month
Overview: Unlimited flight passes based on zones and destinations. Ideal for regular travelers to and from Canada, particularly for business or student commuting.
Porter Airlines Pass
Cost: Varies per home airport and travel distance; details at FlyPorter.com.
Overview: Porter Pass with prepaid flight credits for 10, 20, 50 or 100 flights, valid for 365 days. Exclusive to VIPorter loyalty program members.
Perks: You can mix and match flight paths and share flight credits.
Air Tahiti Multi-Island Pass
Overview: Allows exploration of multiple islands in French Polynesia. Various passes available, covering different islands.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ man flies first class for free anytime he wants
