Tom Stuker has flown about 23 million miles (37 million kilometers) in three decades, the same as 48 round trips to the moon, but he says he is not concerned by his carbon footprint.
Stuker, dubbed the world’s most traveled air passenger, estimates he has spent the equivalent of three of his 69 years on planes and in airports. The businessman from New Jersey travels an average of 1.6 million kilometers a year, although in 2019 he clocked up 2.4 million kilometers.
Stuker owes his travel to a lifetime pass he bought from United Airlines for US$290,000 in 1990. At the time, his auto industry consulting business was expanding, particularly in Australia, and he wanted to save money on travel. He later took up the option of a companion pass, bringing his total spent to US$510,000, for which he took out a loan.
Photo: AFP
Then he was scared of flying, but not anymore.
The pass has likely saved him millions of dollars, but United appear happy with his business — they’ve put his name on three of their planes.
Stuker has flown an average of 35,406km a week since acquiring his pass and visits Australia about 20 times a year.
He has been featured in several US publications and has endured some abuse on social media, with users accusing him of contributing to global warming.
“Recently a person posted a comment saying he hopes that myself and my entire family die from my carbon footprint,” Stuker says.
The airline industry contributes up to 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, but experts say its impact on warming temperatures is worsened by its emission of other gases and condensation trails.
Scientists say the industry’s contribution to further warming can be halted with a 2.5 percent annual decrease in traffic using current fuels or a transition to a 90 percent carbon-neutral fuel mix by 2050, an industry target.
“The problem isn’t the passengers,” Stuker says. “The only way to solve the problem is with the airline industry itself, which is spending millions of dollars to reduce its overall emissions.”
So what is his top tip to ensure the smoothest possible travel? Catch the first flight of the day because it is usually cheaper, less busy, and not impacted by delays.
“Get your butt out of bed early!” Stuker says.
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