Under the United Pet Class program, Mileage Plus members can earn 1,200 bonus miles when their pets fly with them. The program runs through May 27, 2005.

Under the Midwest’s Premier Pet Program, pets get one free roundtrip flight after flying with their owners on three paid roundtrip flights or six paid one-way flights. Additionally, “human” members of Midwest Miles may earn a free trip for their pets by redeeming 15,000 miles.

“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,” said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer of Midwest Airlines.

”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 Susan Kerwin-Hagen, coordinator of the Premier Pet Program and a trainer of show dogs. “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.”

United Airlines, the world’s second largest airline, offers service to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington. Midwest Airlines and its Skyway Airlines subsidiary offer service to 50 cities. [April 2005 PET AGE]