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Home » United Airlines » Tom Stuker Surpasses 24 Million Miles On United Airlines
United Airlines

Tom Stuker Surpasses 24 Million Miles On United Airlines

Matthew Klint Posted onMay 18, 2024May 18, 2024 29 Comments

a man in a pilot's hat

Tom Stuker, United’s most frequent flyer, has just surpassed 24 million miles on United Airlines. This is an important milestone, though it will hardly slow down his gallivanting around the globe.

Tom Stuker, The Most Prolific Flyer In The History Of United Airlines, Reaches 24 Million Miles

On May 17, 2024, Stuker flew from Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO), crossing over the 24 million-mile lifetime threshold on United Airlines.

Full disclosure, Tom and I are friends and I’ve written a very detailed post on his life, travels, and flight pass, and offered a rebuttal to the shameful hit piece by The Washington Post on his lifestyle. I’ve traveled with him several times, including to Cape Town and Hawaii.


> Read More: The Real Tom Stuker, United’s Most Frequent Flyer


So I approach his latest milestone with the perspective of one who knows Stuker well.

I notice that people continue to question why he does what he does…what would drive someone to fly so many miles each year on United when he does not even receive miles based upon distance flown any longer? (United awards miles based upon dollars spent, and Stuker travels on a pre-paid flight pass he bought in 1990)

Sure, the millions of frequent flyer miles earned over the decades were not just icing on the cake, but a valuable consideration of the package, but Stuker never flew just for the miles. And yes, his business required frequent travel to Australia, hence the reason he bought the pass in the first place, but there’s something even more going on: he loves to fly.

And that is something I can relate to. Some of my favorite people in the world seem to have lost their love of flying, viewing it as a tedious duty rather than something that wows and amazes each time, as it once did. Some people keep to themselves when they fly and do not want to talk to flight attendants, seatmates, or anyone else…and I get that. I have those days too.

Stuker is not like that, though. He’s charming and humorous and derives great pleasure from the sort of small talk with the ground staff and flight attendants who serve him or the seatmates he flies around. He likes the food United serves (I guess I do too, if I’m being honest) and enjoys the familiar rhythms of travel…the airport is his home away from home and I can surely relate to that.

His travel pass also drives family travel, even if he has to pay for additional tickets…he has been with his family to some amazing places around the world that were always possible, but that the pass made easier. And his family loves him…I know that because I’ve heard him talk to his wife and children.

As I’ve said before, I think this “habit” of flying certainly beats other addictions like sports, which I view as a total waste of time.

CONCLUSION

Congrats to Tom Stuker for hitting 24 million miles on United! Next stop: 25 million!

I don’t think United Airlines would ever sell a pass again and even if it did, I am not sure I would buy one (though I’d certainly strongly consider it). But at this point, I think it’s fair to say that Stuker made a very wise choice in 1990…


image: ua1flyer / Instagram

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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29 Comments

  1. Alert Reply
    May 18, 2024 at 10:44 am

    So he puts an anti-covid mask on the right side of his airplane control column . He suspects the right side of the control column was in China . That’s taking the covid fiasco too far .

  2. Chi Hsuan Reply
    May 18, 2024 at 12:34 pm

    I heard United took his pass away and circulated a memo to all agents that he’s not a VIP anymore, partly because of that WaPo article.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 18, 2024 at 12:36 pm

      That’s not the case – I’m curious where you heard/read that.

      • Chi Hsuan Reply
        May 18, 2024 at 12:47 pm

        Just the rumor mill. Glad to hear it’s not true since I thought it was unfair.

        • Thomas Stuker Reply
          May 18, 2024 at 3:48 pm

          United has always any continues to treat me like a VIP. Love my United family!

      • bmwe92fan Reply
        May 19, 2024 at 8:03 am

        Matthew – clear your FT PM’s…..

      • David Reply
        May 19, 2024 at 9:34 am

        I read the same thing here from someone claiming to have personally discussed it with Tom : https://www.reddit.com/r/unitedairlines/comments/14h8ie7/comment/kv8c1rf/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

    • N1120A Reply
      May 19, 2024 at 6:31 am

      United constantly features Tom in social media and he certainly is treated as a VVIP

  3. cy Reply
    May 18, 2024 at 4:04 pm

    self indulgent loser is what this guy is…riding around with a vest with his name and miles on it. As annoying as the guy talking loudly in the lounge you complained about the other day.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 18, 2024 at 4:59 pm

      Don’t judge a man by his vest. He’s a great guy.

      • Troy Reply
        May 18, 2024 at 7:11 pm

        I agree, Matthew. I met him only once in UA Global First on a SFO-SYD flight… what a very sincere/nice guy!! Congrats, Tom!!

    • Mr. Marcus Reply
      May 18, 2024 at 10:22 pm

      I have never met the guy. I think his story should make all of us reflect about the way we live our lives in a variety of ways, but as for wearing the vest with his name and miles on it, I think I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on that…

      The guy probably gets asked several times per flight “hey are you Tom Stuker?”, and “how man miles are you up to now?”– at some point it just makes sense to put it right out there for everyone, and give up the even more annoying routine of pretending like he’s not who he is.

      Similarly, it is actually probably very helpful for the United employees. The reality of his situation is that he gets treated differently from other passengers, and he is actually supposed to be treated differently. So, if he doesn’t identify himself clearly and unequivocally to the rank-and-file employees as someone who the bosses think should be treated differently, then he’s basically setting a trap for the regular employee and setting them up for failure, which isn’t a nice thing to do.

      On the other hand, maybe he is just self-absorbed. I went for a walk at the beach early in the morning once on vacation, and came to a coffee shop in a small village. I got a coffee and sat down and thought “Is that Ted Koppel drinking a coffee at the next table?” Then I noticed that he was wearing a sweater that said “Ted Koppel, Nightline” on it– in Florida, in August. Some people are just like that.

    • Christopher Reply
      May 19, 2024 at 11:00 am

      Envious, aren’t you? Why not just be happy for the man?

  4. JorgeGeorge Paez Reply
    May 18, 2024 at 5:56 pm

    So we’re supposed to celebrate this mindless conspicuous consumption
    while the planet burns from climate change?
    This man is not a hero.
    The fact this exists means the human race is doomed…..

    • Chi Hsuan Reply
      May 18, 2024 at 7:08 pm

      Relax pal, the only thing harmed by Tom Stuker’s near constant flying is his own health, what with spending hours in a sedentary position and subsisting on a steady diet of United spare ribs and beef filets.

    • N1120A Reply
      May 19, 2024 at 6:32 am

      Do you understand the miniscule relative carbon footprint of aviation?

      • Jerry Reply
        May 19, 2024 at 11:41 am

        2.5% – 4%

        I suppose we could debate whether or not that is miniscule.

  5. Rob Reply
    May 18, 2024 at 9:31 pm

    At an average of 500mph, that’s 5.5 years in airplanes. On United. Ouch.

  6. Frank Reply
    May 18, 2024 at 9:54 pm

    This whole situation just reekes of unfairness. He says United always treats him like a VIP even though he is not paying for tickets. He has an unlimited lifetime pass for free air travel. I am shocked they didn’t just cancel the pass and make it invalid. United has cancelled many of their Million Miler benefits and that was backed up in civil court that it was perfectly legal and fine to cancel the benefits. I personally have over 1.8 million miles on United and had to pay for almost all of the tickets. United definitely doesn’t treat me like a VIP. Can you image how much it costs to acquire 1.8 million miles. Even if it was all in coach but many times, I flew Business. Maybe if I become an elite 2 million miler, they will start treating me like a VIP

    • N1120A Reply
      May 19, 2024 at 6:35 am

      1) He has lifetime GS status anyway.

      2) They can’t cancel the pass. They made a deal with him and have to honor it.

      3) The only MM benefit that was removed is LT RCC. MM benefits were added in LT Plat, 1K and GS.

      4) You really think they want to lose such good press?

      • Frank Reply
        May 19, 2024 at 8:47 pm

        They made lifetime deals with the MMs and they diluted/cancelled the deal. Well they get plenty of bad press almost daily.

  7. Lou Reply
    May 19, 2024 at 3:22 am

    I was unfamiliar with the wapo hoopla, and a little surprised, so I went back to read it.

    Next time, all you need to say is Rick Reilly. arguably the Tom Stuker of douchy sportswriters. If there’s someone that I can’t believe is still hanging around, it’s Rick Reilly.

    Now as far as sports being a waste of time – not so sure about that.

    Signed, a former sports illustrated employee

  8. John A Reply
    May 19, 2024 at 9:27 am

    I just read the Washington Post article that you linked. I’m sure the editors there are thanking you for the clicks. That aside, I don’t get why you call it shameful and a hit piece. Was anything inaccurate? I thought it was interesting and a fun read. Sure didn’t make me dislike the guy.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      May 19, 2024 at 10:25 am

      The WaPo piece you read has been revised. The principal was far less flattering.

  9. D3Kingg Reply
    May 19, 2024 at 11:27 pm

    Suppose he has only been to Australia 110 times and not 300. I’m skeptical. The story doesn’t add up. Somethings seem a bit off but It doesn’t matter . Undisputed world’s most frequent flyer.

  10. Bob Reply
    May 20, 2024 at 7:36 am

    Often overlooked is that he bought the pass in 1990 for inflation adjusted $1.2million

    Curious as how that was possible without a silver spoon?
    How many 20/30-somethings have made that kind of money themselves

  11. GUWonder Reply
    May 21, 2024 at 1:54 pm

    I had gotten word that Flyertalk late last year or earlier this year was looking to suspend this 24M+ United mega-flyer’s Flyertalk account and/or his relative’s account because some on the site thought the 24M+ flyer was using a duplicate FT account. But instead of pursuing the matter, the former CT Community Director reportedly stepped in and said something like he is one of the site’s few celebrity members and thus the Admin/CD/moderators should walk carefully and not alienate him.

  12. Matt Reply
    August 14, 2024 at 10:57 am

    I have read the WaPo “hit piece” multiple times and I still re-read it sometimes. It has only made me more interested in Tom’s story. I don’t blame him for anything, he made a great deal back then when he bought the pass. I wish airlines came back with something like that, like a monthly or annual pass for a certain number of flights per month/year. Wizz does, but they are an ULCC.

  13. M. Casey Reply
    October 21, 2024 at 9:09 pm

    The “Reddit” post was from a year ago! I’m gonna say – “no one was in the room where it happened”

    THEN it didn’t happen!

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