In what may be one of the greatest travel hacks in history, a man who purchased an airline’s lifetime unlimited pass decades ago has now saved an estimated $2.37 million in airfare — and has flown more than 20 million miles across the globe.
The globe-trotting frequent flyer, whose identity has become legendary in aviation circles, secured the lifetime first-class pass in the late 1980s when the airline launched the program at a steep upfront price — around $250,000 at the time. While it seemed extravagant then, it has since paid off in sky-high returns.
He has since taken thousands of flights, often visiting multiple continents in a single month. From last-minute getaways to spontaneous international trips, he’s turned the sky into his second home.
“He’s practically part of the crew,” joked one airline staffer. “We see him more than we see some of our coworkers.”
Beyond personal travel, he’s also used his pass for humanitarian missions, attending family events across the world, and even helping stranded travelers by offering them companion tickets (a perk included with some lifetime passes).
While many airlines have discontinued or heavily restricted such programs due to massive long-term losses, this traveler’s story remains a testament to a rare moment in aviation history — and to a man who truly took “unlimited” to the skies.
