Posted on Wednesday, 9 January 2019

Not all of us love air travel - particularly if we have to take frequent business trips or opt for no-frills airlines for our holidays. But one man, Tom Stuker, appears to adore flying, so much so that he's already celebrated travelling 10 million miles with United Airlines - and expects to hit the 20 million mark very soon.

To celebrate the 10m milestone, United threw a special party in his honour. Since then, he has often been called "the world's most frequent flier", thanks in part to his many years running a consulting firm which led him all over the globe. He estimates that he spends between 200 and 250 days a year in airports or in the air. Speaking to Time.com, Stuker explained that not all of his air miles have been racked up in business - the semi-retiree has also clocked up many on holidays. And over the years Stuker has learned a thing or two about making air travel smooth and enjoyable - both for himself and others.

Be polite to the flight attendants

It may sound like a given, but Stuker thinks it's worth re-iterating: when you board a plane, it's important to be polite to the flight attendants.

Stuker said: “When I get on the plane the first thing I say is, ‘How are you doing? Glad to be on this flight. What's really been missing in the past couple years on planes are the words ‘please' and ‘thank you.'”

Be nice to your neighbours

Stuker also highlights the importance of being polite and respectful to the people you're sat next to. With many long distance flights under his belt, Stuker understands what it's like to be stuck in a metal tube for hours on end.

“You don't need to be on a Skype call 20 minutes before the flight takes off and bother everybody with those loud noises,” says Stuker.

The flight attendant's lot

Stuker is only too aware that if a plane gets delayed, flight attendants do not receive additional pay - something to bear in mind when one gives in to annoyance at having a holiday or business trip delayed by a few hours.

A white lie

When it comes to showing flight attendants his appreciation, Stuker is prepared to tell a little white lie: “I might say to a flight attendant, ‘I think I've flown with you before and if that was you, I don't think I had time to say thank you, you were great.”

He believes this can set the tone for the remainder of the flight.

Customer loyalty

Stuker also believes that remaining loyal to one airline pays dividends - particularly in relation to that airline's rewards program. Since most airlines belong to an alliance of various carriers, Stuker says you can accrue and spend air miles beyond your regular airline. It should be noted however that many travel experts say this approach means missing out on good deals from other carriers.

Stuker has also used his air-miles to pay for hotels, hire cars and even cruises. He has also taken loved ones on holiday - to places they might not otherwise visit.

Why does Stuker keep flying?

Being the world's most frequent flier might sound tiring to many of us, so why does Stuker keep flying?

       

“It's the people I meet that keep me flying,” says Stuker, suggesting his commitment to politeness has worked out very well. What's more, out of 10,000 flights with his airline, his baggage hasn't been lost a single time.              

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