American Man Travels a Million Miles in 2012

 An American man flew one million miles in 2012. Tom Stuker, 59, passed the million mark on a flight from London to Chicago on December 6. Mr Stuker works as a car sales consultant and has to fly all over the world. He frequently flies to Asia and Australia, and has taken about 400 flights so far this year. He always uses the U.S. airline United. 

He joined the company's frequent flyer program in 1983 and has since flown 11 million miles with United, on over 6,000 flights. A United Airlines spokesperson said that in 2012, Mr Stuker had flown the same distance as 40 times around the Earth. It added that if all of Mr Stuker's miles were put together, he would be in the air for 73 days non-stop.

Mr. Stuker told reporters that 2012 was a record year for him and that he was "tired". He said: "I know I'll never fly this much again in a year." He said he is looking forward to flying a lot less next year – perhaps around half-a-million miles. Stuker said he likes flying but is sad that passengers are becoming less patient. He said: "When you're on a plane, remember certain common courtesies. 

Don't talk so loud on a phone that 18 rows can hear you. And when you take off your shoes, understand that maybe your feet don't exactly smell like roses." Mr Stuker always flies first class these days. He said he didn't think he could spend so long in economy class. He enjoys special services from United other passengers do not get.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS 

1. How old is the man who flew a million miles?
2. How many flights did he take in 2012?
3. When did he join United Airline's frequent flyer program?
4. What does he think of other passengers?
5. What does Mr Stuker advise passengers to not do?

EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS


1. What do you think of flying a million miles in a year?
2. What are the best and worst things about flying?
3. Is flying better than going by train, driving and going by ship?
4. Can you describe a good airline service for you?
5. What do you think of people who talk loudly on their phones?
6. What experiences have you had of other people's smelly feet?
7. How different do you think it is to fly first class?



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