It seems like only yesterday when racking up one million miles of flying with an airline was a big deal, but an Anchorage man has blown that out of the water by becoming the first 3 Million Miler at Alaska Airlines, earning lifetime MVP Gold status which can be shared with a companion.
How did he get to three million miles with Alaska?
This summer, Anchorage resident Stephen Routh became the first Alaskan Airlines guest to hit 3 Million Miler status, the equivalent of flying around the earth more than 120 times. Or if he headed in a different direction, it would be enough miles to fly to the moon and back six times, so either way, it’s a lot of time sitting on an Alaskan Airlines aircraft.
Photo: Wangkun Jia | Shutterstock
It took Routh a lot more time than six moon visits to hit the milestone as he has been flying with Alaska Airlines (Alaska) as an Alaska Mileage Plan member for more than 35 years. His miles mainly came from flying two to three days a week throughout the West and in Hawaii to support his title insurance company’s growth.
Earn miles as you enjoy business and vacation travel with Alaska Airlines and its partners.
His three-millionth mile ticked over on a flight from Seattle to Orlando, Florida, and the flight crew was ready for the achievement, celebrating with balloons, cake and a personalized “Golden Nugget Service” luggage tag crafted from a vintage Convair CV-240 aircraft.
Photo: Alaskan Airlines
The Golden Nugget limited edition luggage tag has a history
For its most frequent fliers, Alaska dips back into its history to present something special to recognize the loyalty shown by the traveler. For 2 Million Milers and above, it presents a special edition Golden Nugget luggage tag, which is hand-cut from the fuselage of a vintage “Golden Nugget Service” jet to create a unique and useful piece of art.
The Convair CV-240 was manufactured between 1947 and 1954 as a possible replacement for the Douglas DC-3. This particular aircraft was first delivered to American Airlines in June 1948. Later, it spent a short time at TOA Airways before being delivered to Cordova Airlines in May 1965.
When Alaska and Cordova merged in 1967, the Convair-240 became part of Alaska’s historic “Golden Nugget Service.” This service paid homage to the 1890s gold rush in Alaska, and the Nugget service ushered in the jet age in Alaska, starting the legacy that has been cemented today.
Making a difference with 3 Million Alaska Miles
If we are honest, most of us use our frequent flier points on family holidays or special purchases, but what would you do with three million of them in the bank? Well, Routh is obviously a generous and kind human being, as for the last 15 years, he has brought veterans recovering from trauma to his homes in Alaska and Oklahoma for “Warrior Weekends.”
The change allows frequent flyers to combine balances or move miles to take advantage of deals on either airline.
These are restorative getaways where his guests can fish, hunt and feel cared for, which he has done for more than 1,200 veterans so far, using thousands of his accumulated miles to fly them across the country to thank them for their service. Routh said:
“It’s just been a blessing to me to help them.”
A living example of the value of staying loyal
To fly with the same airline for more than 35 years is an amazing show of loyalty, so it is unsurprising that Routh has been enticed by other airlines to join their frequent traveler programs. He said that larger airlines have tried to lure him away with their perks, but he has never been tempted.
“Alaska takes really good care of me. I walk into the Boardroom [Alaska’s Lounge], and I know those people. I get on the airplane, and I see the flight attendants I’ve known over the years. I helped put their kids through college, and they’ve helped me put my kids through college by taking me where I needed to go to do business. Why would I leave?”
After reading his story, what intrigued me the most was that Routh is a pilot with his own small jet but prefers to fly with Alaska for most of his travels because it’s better for the climate – and more fun.
“Frankly, sitting by myself for three or four hours is nice but boring. I’d rather be sitting with the folks in the front of an Alaska flight, having my beer up there.”
Despite hitting the three million-mile mark, Stephen Routh is showing no signs of getting bored flying with Alaska Airlines. Already this year, he has logged more than 182,000 miles. He sums it up by telling people who have not tried Alaska to “give them a test drive and join the mileage plan straightaway.”
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Publish date : 2024-10-10 23:42:00
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