Flying pets by Air! - Midwest Airlines

MILWAUKEE, Wis., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Long recognized for providing "The best care in the air," Midwest Airlines will extend its caring customer service to a special group of pets and their "Ambassador" human representatives this week as they fly to Los Angeles. The dogs are finalists in the "Doing More for Pets" Rescue Stories Contest, which culminates with an awards event in Hollywood on Friday, October 12.

The contest is an extension of the Purina(R) Pro Plan(R) Rally to Rescue(TM) campaign, which is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pet rescue nationwide. The pet finalists all overcame great odds to survive and thrive under harrowing circumstances, thanks to the hard work and dedication of small pet rescue organizations called Rally to Rescue Ambassadors who nursed the pets back to health.

The pets will fly aboard Midwest Airlines as members of the airline's Premier Pet Program. Launched in 2005, the program was the first of its kind to reward pets with free travel when traveling with their owners. Customers also may redeem their own miles for pet travel.

"Midwest Airlines is pleased to extend our exceptional customer service to these special pets as they fly to Los Angeles," said Susan Kerwin-Hagen, Midwest Airlines Marketing programs specialist. "Our employees have been carefully trained in the transport of pets and I know they will make sure the 'Doing More for Pets' contest finalists, along with their human companions, will have a safe and comfortable trip."

The "Doing More for Pets" Rescue Stories Contest was launched earlier this year when Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue invited its Ambassadors to submit entries describing their most amazing pet rescue stories. A panel of judges selected 10 finalists from more than 100 submissions. From May 17 through September 30, animal lovers were encouraged to go to the organization's Web site and vote for the dog or cat they believed made the most significant transformation.

The winning pet and its Ambassador will win roundtrip transportation on Midwest Airlines for two people and one pet. The pet rescue organization that nominated the winning pet will receive coupons for $5,000 in Purina Pro Plan brand pet food. To learn more, go to https://www.rallytorescue.org/.

Readers of Travel+Leisure named Midwest Airlines "Best Domestic Airline" in the magazine's 2007 World's Best Awards competition. The airline features jet service throughout the United States, including Milwaukee's most daily nonstop flights and best schedule to major destinations. Catering to business travelers and discerning leisure travelers, the airline earned its reputation as "The best care in the air" by providing passengers with impeccable service and onboard amenities at competitive fares. Both Skyway Airlines, Inc. -- a wholly owned subsidiary of Midwest Airlines -- and SkyWest Airlines, Inc. operate as Midwest Connect and offer service to and connections through Midwest Airlines' hubs. Together, the airlines offer service to 52 cities. More information is available at https://www.midwestairlines.com.