What’s the biggest mistake you see travelers make over and over, and what do you recommend they do instead?

The biggest mistake: Not preparing a Plan B, should there be delays and/or cancellations. Download the airline’s app — know all its features and how to use it! Plan on possible alternate connecting flights if things go wrong.

What is your favorite carry-on luggage? Do you have any packing tips?

Love the Tumi “spinner” carry-on. Built to last! Try to pack light and only use a carry on. Most places have inexpensive laundromats within walking distance.

What comfort aids do you use?

I don’t carry around pillows and blankets. It’s all about my electronics (fully charged) and the chargers I need. Nothing comforts me like relaxing to beautiful music.

My husband and I always buy one-way tickets only (added flexibility). How long before our return flight is the best time to book?

I tend to go with one-way tickets as well, but one can argue that round trips are usually less expensive and just as flexible. Book your return segment ASAP to get the best price and best seats. There are no change fees on United, however, if you make last-second changes, you are at the mercy of paying the difference in fares if they have gone up.

Have you ever flown United’s “Island Hopper” route?

This is the three times per week flight from Honolulu to Guam (and back) that makes five mid-Pacific island stops en route at Majuro and Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and at Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk in Micronesia. Never been on the “Island Hopper.” It’s on my bucket list, though. I hear nothing but great stories and have seen fantastic photos. Get a window seat for sure. For better tips, log on to FlyerTalk.com . Safe travels everyone — see you in the sky!

Opinion The man who’s flown ‘more miles than any human’ answers travel questions

By Washington Post Staff

July 11, 2023 at 6:15 a.m. EDT

Tom Stuker poses at Buffalo Niagara International Airport in June. (Lauren Petracca for The Washington Post)

2 min

A recent Rick Reilly column stirred strong reader interest in the story of a New Jersey car dealership consultant who paid $290,000 in 1990 for an unlimited, lifetime pass on United Airlines. So far, Tom Stuker has logged 23 million miles in the air, piling up highly redeemable frequent flier miles along the way. Reilly’s column offered some of Stuker’s travel tips, but readers wanted more. Here are a few of our favorite reader queries, with Stuker’s replies.

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