A man who once bought a lifetime first-class plane ticket, allowing unlimited global travel, had his privilege revoked years later. In the 1980s, American Airlines, needing quick cash, offered lifetime first-class tickets for $250,000 (£190,000), despite the long-term costs to the airline.
One notable buyer, Steve Rothstein from Chicago, purchased his ticket in 1987 and added a $150,000 (£110,000) companion pass, allowing him to bring guests. He traveled freely until 2008 when he received a letter at the airport informing him that his ticket had been canceled.
The airline accused Rothstein of fraud, alleging he made bookings under fake names like “Bag Rothstein” and “Steve Rothstein Jr” and allowed others to use his extra seat. Records indicated that from 2005 to 2008, he reserved two seats over 3,000 times, often canceling or failing to show.
According to his daughter Caroline, in a 2019 Guardian interview, her father’s frequent calls to American Airlines were his way of coping after the loss of his son, Josh, in 2002. She described how he called the airline’s reservation staff late at night for conversation and comfort, occasionally ending with, “Oh yeah, I need to go to San Francisco next week,” without actual plans to fly.
Steve said the additional bookings helped him avoid explaining his grief to fellow passengers, denying any fraudulent intent. Reflecting later, he said, “I wish I never bought the thing,” in reference to the ticket.
After a legal dispute, he and American Airlines eventually reached an out-of-court settlement.