The following information was found on Midwest Express' website. Please verify any specifics with the airline directly before making reservations involving your pet(s).
Midwest Airlines offers a Premier Pet Program, which allows a passenger to travel with a pet and earn Midwest Miles and the pet earns free travel.
Premier Pet Program:
Pet and passenger must fly on the same flight
Pet receives one free flight after flying with passenger on three paid roundtrip or sixe paid one-way flights
Any person or pet living at the same address can combine trip rewards
Midwest Miles members can redeem 15,000 miles for a free trip for their pet.br>
Pet owners have 36 months to accumulate needed trips for free pet travel
Program does not apply to service animals or pets shipped as cargo
Pets are carried in forward compartment which is temperature controlled and pressurized
Pet must be in an approved carrier, available for purchase at pet stores or through Midwest Airlines
Health Requirements for All Pets/Animals:
Veterinarian's certificate of health is required and must have been issued with 10 days of departure date.
Health certificates are generally valid 30 days, so if return is beyond 30 days, a new certificate will be needed for return flight.
Pet must have food and water within the 4 hours preceding departure.
Separate food and water containers must be securely attached to the inside of the carrier in the event of delay.
Shipping Pets Midwest states it is happy to provide superior service for shipping live animals:
All pets are carried in forward compartment, which is temperature controlled and pressurized
Pet must be in an approved carrier, available for purchase at pet stores or through Midwest Airlines
Animals are boarded just before take-off
Pets are accepted on Boeing 717, MD-80 and Beach 1900 aircraft
Pets shipped as cargo do not qualify for the Premier Pet Program
For rates and additional information, contact Midwest Airlines Air Cargo
Health and food/water requirements are the same as listed above
Midwest's In-cabin Small Dog Option enables a small dog to travel in cabin with a ticketed passenger when it is confined to an approved soft-sided pet carrier and stowed beneath the seat in front of the passenger. Cost is $100 each way. Midwest wants to ensure the comfort of all passengers on each flight. To help the pet owner understand our rules and their responsibility when traveling with their pet, Midwest request that they read and carefully follow the airlines Pet Policy and Procedures.
Overview
Midwest Airlines/Midwest Connect will accept a small dog for transport int he aircraft cabin provided the animal meets the conditions of acceptance, documentation and carrier requirements. Ground personnel are responsible for verifying that the acceptance requirements are met upon check-in. At this time we cannot accept cats for in-cabin travel. The In-Cabin pet option is new and as it evolves, the airline will review the pet service including cat travel and potential impact it may have on the comfort of other passengers. Until then, cats can safely travel in Midwest's Below-Cabin Dog and Cat compartment. Unaccompanied minors under the age of 15 are not allowed to trave with in-cabin pets. In-cabin pets qualify to participate in Midwest's Premier Pet Program.
Pets traveling in the cabin must be carried in a suitable airline approved soft-sided carrier properly stowed under the seat in front of the accompanying ticketed passenger as required for regular carry-on baggage. The pet carrier must have ample ventilation and be sturdy enough to carry the pet. The carrier must be designed as a pet carrier-gym bag, duffel bags and purses are NOT permitted. Hard-sided kennels are not allowed. Airline approved Sherpa brand pet carrier bags are recommended, as they are airline approved and can be purchased from Midwest Airlines on line with a minimum 72-hrs notice for airport pick-up or 7 business days for shipping. Pets must be able to sit and lay down comfortably in the carrier. Only one pet is permitted per carrier. The carrier must be leak proof and absorbent bedding material in place on the bottom of carrier. The passenger is responsible for cleaning, deodorizing and properly disposing of soiled materials. Maximum pet carrier size is 18"L x 11"H x 11"W and must be able to be properly stowed under the seat and should not exceed manufacturer's weight recommendations. The carrier must have an identification tag with the pet's name, owner's name and home address, phone number and an address and phone number at the destination.
Pet Reservations and Fees
No more than two pets are permitted in the cabin on any flight, regardless of the aircraft size. One pet/passenger will be placed in the forward cabin and one aft. No pets are allowed in exit rows or bulkhead rows and no pets can be stored in overhead bins or in closets.
Advanced reservations are mandatory and are on a first come/first served basis on domestic flights only. Passengers must call Midwest Airlines Contact Center to make reservations for all pets traveling with passengers.
Fee for pets traveling in-cabin is $100 each way, regardless of connections. In-cabin pets in carriers are included in passenger's carry-on baggage allowance. Fees must be paid at the ticket counter upon check-in. Fees are not refundable, unless the pet is denied boarding.
One pet per carrier per passenger will be allowed. In-cabin pets cannot be accepted at curbside check-in.
Age, Health and Onboard Pet Management
Minimum age of animal must be 8 wks. All pets must have current veterinarian's health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure, good for 30 days of travel) indicating animal is in good health for air travel and has received all required vaccinations including up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Animal must remain in their carrier at all times while in the airport and on the aircraft. Passenger must keep pet quiet without removing the pet from the carrier. In the event an in-cabin pet presents a problem prior to depature of the aircraft, the interests of other passengers on the flight will take priority over the carriage of the in-cabin pet.
In the instance of an allergy concern to another customer, the seat of the passenger with the pet will be separated from the affected passenger as much as possible. If necessary, gate personnel should provide substitute flights as an alternative to the passenger with the in-cabin pet. This does not apply to service animals or emotional support animals.
Pets are the sole responsibility of the owner/passenger and will not be administered oxygen, medical assistance or equipment in the event of an emergency.
Pets must be harmless, inoffensive and odorless and require no attention during flight. Pets causing a disturbance on a flight will be disembarked at the next stop and will not be allowed to travel on a future Midwest Airlines/Midwest Connect flight.
In an emergency, the passenger is responsible for the evacuation of pet. In a pet health-related emergency, Midwest/Midwest Connect will not divert the aircraft to the nearest airport. Midwest/Midwest Connect are not liable if a pet expires during flight.
Evaluation of Pet Before Flight
A Midwest Customer Service representative at the airport and the flight crew will assess each pet to help assure the animal is not objectionable to other customers (e.g., harmless, inoffensive, odorless). If another passenger without a pet refuses to board due to a pet on board, Midwest/Midwest Connect will re-accommodate the passenger(s) traveling with the pet on another Midwest/Midwest Connect flight or another carrier at Midwest's discretion.
Midwest/Midwest Connect will not transport an animal that is violent, ill, muzzled or in physical distress. Midwest Airlines/Midwest Connect cannot guarantee acceptance of any animal before the pet has been evaluated by airport personnel. Important considerations for acceptance include the health and disposition of the animal. Midwest/Midwest Connect will not transport deceased animals.
Midwest Airlines/Midwest Connect reserve the right to deny boarding to an in-cabin pet for the following reasons:
Pet carrier is unsuitable for in-cabin pet travel
Pet appears uncomfortable or in distress
Pet appears ill or deceased
Pet has a bad odor
Pet is muzzled
Pet is barking, crying or causing a disturbance
Below Cabin Dog and Cat Option
This program enables pet owners to reserve a secured spot for a kenneled dog or cat below the cockpit in a temperature controlled and pressurized pet compartment. Cost is $75 each way. Pets are NOT ALLOWED below cabin on FRJ 328 Jets. Please read the following requirements for traveling with a pet as checked baggage below the cockpit.
Overview
Pets are carried in the lower forward compartment, which is temperature controlled and pressurized. Pets are kept in a separate compartment, safely away from baggage and other cargo. Both dogs and cats can be accommated in this area.
Reservations and Fees for Pets
Advanced reservations are mandatory and are on a first come, first served basis on domestic flights only. Passengers must call the Midwest Airlines Contact Center to make reservations for all pets traveling with passengers. Fee for a pet traveling below the cockpit is $75 each way, regardless of any connections. These pets are not included in passenger's checked baggage allowance. Fees must be paid at the ticket counter upon check-in. Fees are not refundable, unless the pet is denied boarding. Pets traveling below the cockpit cannot be accepted at curbside check-in.
The Carrier-Each pet must be in an appropriately sized, hard top animal carrier/kennel, which is available for sale through Midwest Airlines or a pet store. Pets must have food and water within 4 hours preceding departure. Separate food and water containers must be securely attached to the inside of the carrier in the event of a delay. To prepare the kennel, it must be marked clearly on the top and at least one side with the words "LIVE ANIMALS" in letters not less than 1" high. Arrows should indicate the upright position of the kennel. (USDA and IATA regulate transportation of animals such as dogs and cats.) Clean bedding (such as shredded paper or a blanket) should be used in the kennel. You must display feeding/water instructions, even if the pet is to receive no food or water. Mark the kennel with pet's name and a telephone number to contact at the final destination. In addition to these instructions, IATA requires both top and bottom hulls have rear ventilation for all travel.
Health Certificate
A veterinarian's certificate of health is required and must be issued within 10 days of departure date. Health certificates are generally valid for 30 days. Therefore, if return travel is beyond 30 days, a new certificate will be needed for the return flight.
Please note, space is limited for pet travel. Both options require advance reservations be made for the pet by calling Midwest Contact Center.
Cargo
Midwest offers fast delivery and a wide range of air cargo products for important packages or business correspondence. Midwest ships to any city it serves; in most cases, they ship items nonstop on the next flight out. Call for details including drop-off times.
Current fuel surcharge is $0.16 per pound with a $1.00 minimum charge for all types of shipments. Beginning March 15, 2004, a flat $3 security surcharge will be added to all airway bills.
With Guaranteed Pet Cargo Service, an animal will travel in an air-pressurized temperature controlled cargo bay. The animals are boarded just before take-off. The pet owner/shipper is required to obtain proper documentation for the pet whether through Midwest Air Cargo Service or Call Center, service fees may apply.
Contact Midwest Airlines Cargo at least 24 hours in advance of plans to ship an animal, as the number of animals that can be accommodated on each aircraft is limited and some flights do not accept animals. When a pet is traveling unaccompanied, arrangements for transportation can be made through Midwest Cargo Control Center.
Temperature Restrictions
The temperature restrictions imposed by air freight do not apply to passengers traveling with live animals as checked baggage. Midwest reserves the right to place temporary embargoes on live animals as checked baggage in extreme temperature conditions. The temperature restrictions for air cargo shipments will be the guidelines used for enforcing a temporary embargo. Air Cargo temperature restricts apply to temperatures at the origin destination or enroute transfers and are as follows:
Must be above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
If below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the animal must be accompanied by a certificate/form/statement signed by a veterinarian stating the animal is acclimated to such temperatures.
If below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the animal will not be accepted even with a statement of temperature acclimation signed by the veterinarian.
Snub-nosed/Brachycephalic Dogs & Cats - Extra care is required when the breeds listed below are shipped because they often have hereditary respiratory problems. These animals are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke and breathing problems when exposed to stress or extreme heat:
Dogs
American Staffordshire
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Brussels Griffin
Bull Mastiff
Bull Mastiff
Bull Terrier
Chow Chow
English Bulldog
English Toy Spaniel
French Bulldog
Japanese Boxer
Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
Lhasa Apso
Pekinese
Pug (all breeds)
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Cats
Burmese
Exotic Himalayan
Persian
The animals listed above will not be transprted when temperature at any point n the planned itinerary exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees C). Midwest Airlines recommends passengers or cargo shippers wishing to transport any of the animal breeds listed above consult their veterinarian for any special precautions to be taken to ensure the safety and comfort of the animal while in transit.
Midwest Airlines reserves the right to deny animal travel due to weather, health or number of animals on board.
Midwest Airlines provides same-day service for your most important packages, whether a single document or a 150 lb box. Midwest will ship your parcel on the next flight out, guaranteed. Midwest can also arrange to have the package picked up or delivered. Door-to-door rates are available upon request:
01-15 lbs-$40.00
16-50 lbs-$55.00
51-70 lbs-$80.00
71-100 lbs-$105.00
101-150 lbs-$105 plus $0.75 for each pound over 100 lbs.
Midwest Airlines Air Cargo rates for shipping a pet is based on kennel size and pet's weight. Kennels are also available to purchase. Prices are:
100 Series Kennel-21"L x 16"W x 15"H - 26 lbs. $130 (flat rate-any destination-minimum charge)
200 Series Kennel-27"L x 20"W x 19"H - 53 lbs. $145.75 (flat rate-any destination)
300 Series Kennel-32"L x 22"W x 23"H - 83 lbs. $231 (flat rate-any destination)
400 Series Kennel-36"L x 24"W x 26"H - 116 lbs $319 (flat rate-any destination)
500 Series Kennel-40"L x 27"W x 30"H - 167 lbs $319 (flat rate-any destination)
Note: Multiple Kennel Charge will apply only to 100 or 200 Series kennels and will be calculated using total dimensional weight times $2.75; 300, 400 and 500 Series kennels will be charged per kennel, flat rate only. Plus applicable fuel surcharge, security surcharge and taxes will apply.
This information was paraphrased from Midwest Airlines information on their website and that obtained by telephone discussions with their reservations agents. It is provided for the use of our visitors in determining the applicability of flying their pet. Anyone making such arrangements should verify and satisfy for themselves that the information is current and accurate before proceeding. No guarantee is given or implied by Vacation Guides USA as to the accuracy of statements made by the airline.