NJ's Tom Stuker Racks Up Nearly 20 Million Frequent Flier Miles

Tom Stuker is not afraid to fly. Just the opposite. He is afraid of being on the ground too long.

Stuker has racked up nearly 20 million frequent flier miles. More than 19 million have been with United Airlines, including more than 1.1 million just last year.

Stuker is the owner of Stuker Training. He trains automotive sales professionals and hosts a weekly show on the CBT Automotive Network. A Chicago native, he has lived in Nutley for the past 22 years with his wife.

"I was scared to death to fly until my mid to late 20s," Stuker said. "Now, I love being in the air. There's a peace about it. I get a lot done. Some of my best ideas have come at 35,000 feet."

Stuker has racked up the miles he has because of his frequent trips overseas. He has traveled to Australia more than 300 times for business. He also likes to travel with his wife on the weekends. But these aren't day trips where they get into a car and go for a drive. They hop on planes to Europe.

"We'll take a Friday night flight to Paris and come back a few days later," Stuker said. "I'll go to Amsterdam for a few days, then go to Israel for a few days and then it'll be off to Thailand. I plan most of my trips in advance, but my wife and I are very spontaneous."

Stuker also uses his love of flying to help others. He has raised more than $200,000 escorting cancer patients and others around the world who need medical treatment.

Stuker said flying and the airline industry in general get a lot of criticism from people because there are a lot of things about flying that people do not like.

"The coach seats, sitting in a little seat on a long flight on a Friday night during the summer, that's what people hate the most," Stuker said. "There is also a lot of rudeness on flights."

People also expect more and more from airlines and do not want to pay a lot of money to fly.

"Flying is as cheap as it has ever been. Flying was a lot more expensive in the 1950s and 1960s. For a long time people were spoiled because it seemed like you could go coast-to-coast for $299," Stuker said. "Everyone is expecting something for nothing. The consumer has a choice, and they can pay a lot of money for unbelievable service and value, or they can not pay a lot and not get a lot either. People want much more than they pay for."

Stuker said he travels light and does not check bags, which saves him time and money.

"I can go to Hawaii for a week with a carry-on bag. I don't over pack," Stuker said. "I don't like waiting an extra 30 to 40 minutes for a bag. I like to keep moving."

Eating well living the life Stuker does is easier than one might think.

"It's easy for anybody to eat well when they travel. There are a lot of healthy options out there now," Stuker said. "I travel in business and first class, and they usually have very healthy choices like fish and salads. There are plenty of treats, but more and more people are passing on those."

As far as keeping himself entertained and busy in flight, Stuker keeps things simple.

"I just make sure I have all my electronics and plenty of charges with my iPad and phone," he said. "An iPad and a phone keep me in touch with the world. The internet is still a problem on flights. It's a work in progress and systems are being upgraded. I like to read and headphones are an absolute must."

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Photo: Tom Stuker, third from left, with his brother and two United Airlines staff members before a flight. (Courtesy of Tom Stuker)