Man With 10 Million Air Miles Gets Plane Named After Him

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Man With 10 Million Air Miles Gets Plane Named After Him

Posted by samzenpus on Tuesday July 12, 2011 @02:54AM from the fly-me-to-the-moon dept.

Chicago car salesman Thomas Stuker has set a record by accumulating an astonishing 10 million air miles on United Airlines. In the past 29 years Thomas has flown almost 6,000 times - racking up a total mileage that would circle the Earth 400 times. From the article: "Mr Stuker has already been highly rewarded with access to a special lounge at the airlines hub in Chicago, first-class upgrades as a matter of course and even a plane named after him on the fleet."

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Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by elrous0 · 2011-07-12 02:54 · Score: 4, Funny

Congratulations, sir and welcome to first-class. Here is your 4-ounce Dr. Pepper and complimentary half-bag of potato chips.

--
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
1. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by onkelonkel · 2011-07-12 02:58 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  You're doing it wrong. You should be working on your second Rusty Nail about the time the economy class passengers are filing by your seat.
  
  --
  None of them can see the clouds; The polished wings don't care.
2. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Ogive17 · 2011-07-12 03:03 · Score: 2
  
  What do you fly? I fly coach and have touched just about every major US airline in the past 3 years.. they always give me a full can of soda and if I get thirsty later in the flight they will give me a 2nd can if I request.
  
  I agree with you about the snack, though. Need 4 or 5 of those to tide me over on a cross-country filght. But again, usually once everyone has gotten 1 they will let you have more.
  
  --
  "Action without philosophy is a lethal weapon; philosophy without action is worthless."
3. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by JoeMerchant · 2011-07-12 03:14 · Score: 5, Interesting
  
  Here is your 4-ounce Dr. Pepper and complimentary half-bag of potato chips.
  Apparently, you've never flown First Class. On a KLM hop from London to Amsterdam, I sat in First - the chips and soda were in the back, but it was lunchtime and a decent meal was provided in First. More impressive than the food was the fact that one man took a little longer to finish than the rest of us. When he did hand his tray to one stewardess, another stewardess pressed a button that set off a chime in the cockpit - within 5 seconds the pilot announced and started our descent into Amsterdam.
  If you're not paying full fare, you're just baggage.
4. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Mike+Buddha · 2011-07-12 03:15 · Score: 2
  
  If you ask for a can of pop, they'll give you a can of pop, even in coach, dude.
  
  --
  by Mike Buddha -- Someday the mountain might get him, but the law never will.
5. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · 2011-07-12 03:21 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  It's weird. The labor cost of passing out the tiny snacks must exceed the cost of the tiny snacks.
  The labor cost is free. Instead of doing nothing, the steward(ess) is passing out snacks. It's not like they'll hire more people to pass out snacks... but the FAA requires them to have so many people onboard already.
  Now, if you don't get your 2nd snack b/c the steward(ess) is busy, then they don't give a damn.
  Besides, every time you ask for a refill is another attempt to get you to buy an alcoholic beverage/meal/whatever other upcharge.
  
  --
  Your ad here. Ask me how!
6. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by JoeMerchant · 2011-07-12 03:21 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  The "service" personnel in coach are actually safety officers - but rather than have them sit around looking like air marshals, they attempt to get them to keep the customers happy. Of course, at the wages they pay, it's amazing there aren't more dramatic Take this Job and Shove It events.
7. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by heroid1a · 2011-07-12 03:25 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Soooo if he never finished eating, the plane would never land? Hmmmmm...
8. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by demonlapin · 2011-07-12 03:34 · Score: 2
  
  In first class, the other half of that drink is booze.
9. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by JoeMerchant · 2011-07-12 03:35 · Score: 2
  
  He paid for his seat, and he was given consideration in return, I imagine after they burned a few hundred pounds of jet fuel waiting for him they might have prompted him to finish up, but that's not how it worked out that day.
10. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by TheRaven64 · 2011-07-12 03:52 · Score: 2
  
  Last time my father flew first class, they gave him a glass of champagne almost as soon as he sat down. In fact, they were so generous, they also gave his laptop one! He sticks to business class now...
  
  --
  I am TheRaven on Soylent News
11. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Raenex · 2011-07-12 03:55 · Score: 2
  
  He paid for his seat, and he was given consideration in return
  By being inconsiderate to all the other passengers on the plane, including first class ones. This story doesn't make any sense.
12. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Abstrackt · 2011-07-12 04:17 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  I know! I've been here for years and that asshole Taco still hasn't given me a bag of peanuts!
  
  --
  They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Terry Pratchett
13. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Calos · 2011-07-12 04:42 · Score: 2
  
  The (anecdotal) evidence seems to disagree with you and your snarky attitude, which was totally uncalled for, by the way.
  To add even more anecdotal evidence, I've flown a few times recently (on 3 different airlines) and have had full cans of soda or whatever. Even got free beer in the Seattle area, though that was probably promotional money paid by Red Hook.
  So yes, the original poster's concept of what is given on flights is, in general, wrong, and if we accept that his experience was characteristic of the time period in which he flew, then yes, apparently airlines are now in better shape to offer more free things to their customers (or customer service has just become more important).
  So no, the other poster doesn't appear to have been naive in their assertion, rather it is you who seems to feel the need to be overbearingly callous in your dealings with insignificant trifles on the internet. Also, the evidence suggests you are wrong.
  
  --
  I vote based on politicians' actions, unless contrary to my preconceptions. Often wrong, never uncertain. #iamthe99%
14. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by CohibaVancouver · 2011-07-12 04:48 · Score: 2
  
  One time I got a 3/4 ounce bag of peanuts. The next time I flew that route it was only 1/2 ounce of peanuts.
  I once drove my car six hours from Vancouver, BC to Portland OR. NO ONE gave me free food! Can you believe it? I actually had to bring my own in the car.
15. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by tripleevenfall · 2011-07-12 05:02 · Score: 2
  
  Go easy on him, he's probably just wondering how the plane flies with no propellers.
16. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by MacGyver2210 · 2011-07-12 05:11 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  That sounds remarkably like a coincidence of timing. The flight attendants do tell the pilot when the passengers have started/finished eating/getting snacks and when they have finished picking up baggage, but not with a chime. That's what the little phones with blinky lights are for.
  The chime that she pressed was likely letting the pilots know that the attendants are done and can now sit down and buckle up - something still required of them during takeoff and landing. The pilots, furthermore, have the discretion to begin an ascent/descent at any time they wish, by simply requesting it of the ATC operator. It is probably the case that they started descending to avoid weather, traffic, or some other factor...or simply because the pilot felt like beginning his descent at that point. Pilots will rarely ever wait until the last waypoint they cross before an altitude requirement to begin a descent - that means steep drops that upset passengers' stomachs.
  A plane will never hold a landing for a passenger, unless there is a security issue with said passenger, or a medical emergency which would be worsened on descent. Even if you're in first class: if you take too long to eat, the attendants will still come by and tell you it's time to pack it up and stow the tray table.
  
  --
  If the only way you can accept an assertion is by faith, then you are conceding that it can't be taken on its own merits
17. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Kelbear · 2011-07-12 05:35 · Score: 2
  
  My interpretation of the posts above is not that JoeMerchant is implying that all flight attendants are Air Marshalls. He's saying that their primary purpose is promoting safety from accidental harm, and that they simultaneously work to provide a more comfortable atmosphere rather than passively sitting around like an Air Marshal would in their respective role of promoting safety.
  It's less intimidating to have a steward/stewardess, than to have a "safety officer" patrolling the aisles, even if they both share the same primary purpose.
18. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by gl4ss · 2011-07-12 05:45 · Score: 2
  
  there's a certain amount of float about when the announcement to land can be made, so they used that. big deal.
  
  --
  world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
19. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Mister+Whirly · 2011-07-12 06:16 · Score: 2
  
  Well, that is kind of hard to do when you live in the US and are traveling to the US. (I can't help but notice Qantas or Ryan Air doesn't offer a lot of flights originating in and destined for US cities.) My choice is fly US airlines, or drive. That said I have gotten some bargain basement flight prices on some small US airlines that offer no perks. I am fine with that. I would rather save the $70 on my 3 hour flight than have the crew kiss my ass a little when odds are I will be drunk, sleeping, reading, or watching a movie the entire time. However flying on an international 12 hour plus flight i may consider spending a little extra.
  
  --
  "But this one goes to 11!"
20. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by chimpo13 · 2011-07-12 06:27 · Score: 2
  
  When I'm in the US, I prefer to drive, ride or take the train. I'll fly if I have to, but I don't like going through TSA. I'm not a picky traveler. I'll eat whatever and sit wherever but just the general tone of foreign airlines is much nicer. Metal knives and forks (that TSA wouldn't let you bring anyway). Staff that doesn't seem as dickish, often actually polite! I like tilting at windmills and one of them is US based airlines. I see spending the extra $70 as well worth it.
  
  --
  riding round the world on an old motorcycle
21. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by Sunshinerat · 2011-07-12 06:33 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  You're doing it wrong then...
  I am at a million and have not seen economy seats in the last two years, even though I buy nothing but economy tickets...
  You may be stuck on an airline that does not have 2+ class service.
  Again, you are doing it wrong by not participating in an airline program, or have not flown a million miles, or have been flying for the last 20 years and not hitting 50.000 miles a year on one airline, or always fly the same route, weekday and time on a plane where upgrades are impossible (planes with a small number of business/first class seats, while flying hub to hub).
  The trick is, say with one airline (or hotel chain) as much as possible.
  Silver level (typically 25.000 miles plus) will give you a small chance of upgrades (it happens on off-days/times).
  Gold (typically 50.000 miles plus) will give you a decent chance of upgrade on many routes, however, if you fly between hub airports you may be out of luck.
  Platinum (or whatever; 75.000 miles or more) is what you aim for. Almost certain to upgrade on flights unless your flight is an international feeder or hub to hub with nothing but status people. I have seen flights where United Global Services people (special invitation only) fly middle seat economy.
  And finally, if you have status, most airlines will give you ways of getting free booze in economy in case you are stuck there (vouchers or friendly flight attendants).
  
  --
  Load New Commander (Y/N)?
22. Re:Yet *still* no full-sized soft drink by JoeMerchant · 2011-07-12 08:19 · Score: 2
  
  Most times I eat lunch at a restaurant, I end up waiting for the entire table to finish before our check(s) are brought around - this wasn't much different - about 12 seats total in First that day. As to whether or not it makes sense, it was something I experienced - I have experienced lots of things that make less sense than this.
And more importantly by suso · 2011-07-12 02:57 · Score: 3, Insightful

He is still alive.
1. Re:And more importantly by mr1911 · 2011-07-12 03:02 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  He may be alive, but is he sane? I can't imagine dealing with TSA, gate agents, and all of the other hassles that go with air travel that many times.
  
  --
  This post comes with a double-your-money-back guarantee!
  Any offense taken to this post is at your sole discretion.
2. Re:And more importantly by RazzleFrog · 2011-07-12 03:10 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  He flies first class. They actually get to molest TSA agents instead in first class.
3. Re:And more importantly by Bastardchyld · 2011-07-12 03:31 · Score: 2
  
  Honestly flying coach and flying business/first class are totally different experiences, as someone who flies both rather regularly. As a coach passenger you are really treated more akin to luggage. The upper classes come with automatic respect (except of course from the coach passengers). Even the TSA experience is usually better, though shoes come off so they can better grab your sack no matter what your ticket says.
  
  One interesting observation, in the articles photo he is flanked by two attractive flight attendants. So all it takes is 10M miles?
  
  --
  $diff terrorists hippies
  $
  $rm -rf *terrorists *hippies
4. Re:And more importantly by Abstrackt · 2011-07-12 03:46 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  It's like any other B.S. in life, if you do it enough, it doesn't bother you. TSA will always be a sore spot for a lot of people because they just don't encounter it often enough to develop the social callouses.
  I fly at least monthly and it still bothers me, it has since 2001. The only way to get through the TSA line quickly is to smile politely and be half-naked by the time it's your turn. Take off your belt, stuff your watch in your jacket pocket before it goes through the X-ray (because they tell you to keep it on, it always beeps though, leading to a pat down), remove your shoes and hold your boarding pass in your teeth so your hands are free to throw everything on the belt. It kind of takes the fun out of traveling for some reason....
  
  --
  They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Terry Pratchett
5. Re:And more importantly by Guppy · 2011-07-12 04:52 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  Sounds like some kind of dance.
  Yes, it's called the Safety Dance.
6. Re:And more importantly by Macgrrl · 2011-07-12 14:53 · Score: 2
  
  I had one trip with transfers where I was pulled aside for the random explosives check at every boarding opportunity both ways. A traveling companion remarked on it at one of the smaller airports, the security officer said I looked "too innocent".
  Go figure.
  
  --
  Sara
  Designer, Gamer, Macgrrl in an XP World
Re:Plane named after him by Kohath · 2011-07-12 03:52 · Score: 3, Funny

Amazingly enough, his real name is Airbus A320.
Re:What level? by slartibartfastatp · 2011-07-12 04:03 · Score: 4, Funny

Were it not a NP Complete problem, he wouldn't get that many miles

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