The airline that sold a £190,000 ticket - it ended up costing them millions Steven Rothstein was granted unlimited travel in 1987 after purchasing AAirpass READ MORE: How you can enjoy the perks of the secret, ultra-elite airline status By JOWENA RILEY Published: 10:58 EDT, 23 March 2025 | Updated: 10:58 EDT, 23 March 2025 e-mail View comments A former American Airlines boss has revealed the real reason why the firm terminated a passenger's 'lifelong' first-class plane ticket - after the frequent flier cost the company millions. Steven Rothstein, a businessman from Chicago , purchased an exclusive £190,000 AAirpass ticket in 1987, which granted him unlimited first-class flights for life. In addition to the AAirpass, Rothstein also splurged a further £115,000 for a companion pass, allowing him to travel with a guest.
At the time, Rothstein was 37 years old and considered the AAirpass to be a savvy investment, given his frequent business trips. Over the following two decades, Rothstein flew approximately 10,000 times, travelling more than 30 million miles. His extensive flying habit, reportedly cost American Airlines a staggering $21 million (£16 million).
The businessman's former wife, Nancy, told reporters at the time that Rothstein 'got on a plane like most people get on a bus'. Despite his regular and lavish travel, Rothstein's golden ticket came to an abrupt end in December 2008. Steven Rothstein, a businessman from Chicago, purchased an exclusive £190,000 AAirpass ti.
