Story: Meet the 'Homeless Man' Who Flies the Globe with an Elite Airline Status
In what could be one of the most shocking news these days, a "homeless man" is sharing tales of his travels around the world while rarely using cash and still on the elite part of the ride.
Ben Schlappig voluntarily became homeless when he left his Seattle flat last year and decided to live by the life of a "Hobbyist," a professional traveler who is basically obsessed to the elite life. Hobbyists are known to use either flyer miles or credit card reward points to pay for their plane tickets for just a small amount.
Most people believe that only those in the higher levels of society can fly first class — but not Schlappig, who started his obsession for flying "high" when he was only 14 years old. He told CNN that when he was but a blooming teen, he convinced his parents to fly across the country all throughout summer so he can collect a good number of points.
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With his collected points, he started making almost eight flights in one weekend, ending his summer trips with something that only business moguls and celebrities are able to obtain — an elite airline status.
He now feeds his followers with photos of the life that only celebrities and top names supposedly experience. With over 39 thousand Instagram followers and more people checking his blog called "One Mile at a Time" for news of his travels, he has become quite a popular hobbyist in town.
Schalppig admitted that because of his hobby-turned-career, he has had a hard time making intimate commitments but he said his few good friends know very well how to understand what he wants and why he does it.
"The bizarre part is I develop friendships with people that world all over the places I frequent," adding that his experience with each and every flight packed with class-A meals, luxurious baths, and stunning views are what make the most out of his "hobby."
