The Man Who Drove American Airlines Crazy
In 1987, an American man named Steve Rothstein bought American Airlines’ legendary “golden ticket” for $250,000, which allowed him to fly unlimited, for life. He also purchased a companion ticket for $150,000, letting someone join him on any flight for free.
Rothstein ended up booking more than 10,000 flights.
Sometimes he’d fly across the country just to eat at a specific restaurant or watch a game and return home a few hours later. Other times, he brought homeless people with him, helped them get home, booked flights for young people in need — or even reserved flights he never intended to take.
By doing so, he reportedly cost American Airlines $21 million, which eventually pushed the company to cancel his lifetime pass in 2008. Since the U.S. is a country that follows the rule of law, and no one stands above legal agreements, Rothstein sued American Airlines for canceling the pass — accusing the company of breach of contract and damaging his reputation.
He won the case, received $3 million in compensation, and had his lifetime flight privileges fully restored.
