In 1990, United Airlines advertised a lifetime pass for $290,000, and Stuker quickly snagged the offer. Now, 33 years later, Stuker frequently enjoys his favored perch in seat 1B.

Yes, United Airlines famously sold a lifetime flight pass for $290,000 during a period of financial difficulty in 1990. The most legendary purchaser of this pass is Tom Stuker, who has since flown over 24 million miles, making him the world's most frequent flyer. The original offer allowed individuals to purchase unlimited first-class travel for life, with an optional "companion pass" addition that brought the total to $510,000. While the airline likely lost millions in potential revenue from Stuker alone—who famously took 373 flights in a single year (2019)—the cash infusion was vital for United at the time. In 2026, these passes are no longer available for purchase and are considered one of the greatest "travel gambles" in history. Stuker continues to use his pass today, having earned enough miles to visit the moon multiple times over and enjoying perks that include millions of dollars in gift cards and airport transfers via private Porsche.