Midwest Airlines Frequent Flyer Program For Pets

Midwest Airlines today announced a way to reward pets that travel with their owners. The Midwest Airlines Premier Pet Program, the first of its kind in the United States, awards pets one free roundtrip flight after flying with their owners on three paid roundtrip flights or six paid one-way flights.* Additionally, "human" members of the airline's frequent flyer program, Midwest Miles, may earn a free trip for their pets by redeeming 15,000 miles.

"Many customers choose Midwest Airlines when traveling with their pets, knowing that our approach to serving customers also applies to their four- legged family members," said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our customers travel with their pets to dog and cat shows, to second homes, and on pleasure and business trips just because they enjoy their company. We decided it was high time we threw a bone to our best customers -- and their best friends -- for their loyalty to Midwest Airlines with a frequent flyer program just for pets."

Susan Kerwin-Hagen, coordinator of the Premier Pet Program and a trainer of show dogs, says Midwest makes an extra effort to reassure passengers traveling with pets. "To lessen any anxiety, pets are allowed to check in with their owners at airport ticket counters, and pets are the last to be loaded and the first to be unloaded from the plane," said Kerwin-Hagen. "We also have a special passenger notification tag attached to the kennel. After the pet is loaded, a portion of the tag is detached and given to a flight attendant who personally delivers it to the pet's owner in the cabin."

The American Kennel Club has commended Midwest Airlines for taking an important step in expanding its service for pet owners and recognizing dog owners' needs. "By rewarding owners who fly with their pets, Midwest Airlines will help alleviate many travel concerns for these individuals," said Stephanie Lane, director of Canine Legislation for the American Kennel Club. "The Premier Pet Program's flexibility will allow countless AKC constituents -- including dog owners, show exhibitors, breeders and sportsmen -- who travel even just a few times a year -- to take advantage of its benefits."

Midwest Airlines features jet service throughout the United States, including Milwaukee's most daily nonstop flights and best schedule to major destinations. Skyway Airlines, Inc. -- its wholly owned subsidiary -- operates as Midwest Connect, which offers connections to Midwest Airlines as well as point-to-point service between select markets on regional jet and turboprop aircraft. Together, the airlines offer service to 50 cities. More information is available at http://www.midwestairlines.com .

    * Pet owners have 36 months to accumulate the three paid roundtrips or six

     paid one-way trips needed to earn a free roundtrip for their pet -- a

     $150 value. Any person or pet living at the same address can combine

     their trips, a great advantage for owners who may have more than one dog

     or cat. Pets are accepted only on Midwest Airlines Boeing 717 and MD-80

     aircraft, and Midwest Connect Beech 1900 airplanes. The Premier Pet

     Program applies only to owners and pets that travel together on the same

     flight; it does not apply to pets shipped as cargo or service animals.