Articles & information for your dogs, cats, aquariums, water gardens and more

In this exclusive 4-part travel series, our experts walk you through initial planning to travel day! Read the series:

1. Calming Your Concerns >
2. Countdown: 1-2 Months Prior >
3. Countdown: 10 Days Prior >
4. Travel Day and Arrival >

Dog-lover Susie Kerwin, a Midwest marketing executive, developed the company's Premier Pet Program based on her own experiences flying with her national-winning English Setters for over 30 years.

Pets that fly below-cabin enjoy a climate-controlled, pressurized and sound-proofed hold below the cockpit designed specifically for pets. Each kennel is individually strapped down, secured, and completely isolated from other luggage. Good air circulation and pressurization is also standard. Flying below-cabin is somewhat like traveling in the back of a cargo van: not necessarily the best view, but it's comfortable for the pet!

From the ticket counter, to flight crews, to the ramp agents, Midwest Airlines trains their staff to be knowledgeable pet handlers who personally escort your pet through each step of departure and arrival. They're even trained to recognize any potential health problems should they arise.

Prior to flight, at no time will your pet be left alone for more than 15 minutes.

Your pet's kennel will always be lifted by two agents and never dragged.

Before take-off, your flight attendant will hand you a claim ticket guaranteeing your pet is safely onboard.

Upon arrival, pets are off-loaded first and placed into a comfortable area until all of the passenger bags are off-loaded and sent to the baggage carousel. When the bags are completely off-loaded, then they bring your pet up to your designated baggage area. An agent - sometimes even the pilot - won't leave her side until you're reunited.

FREE TRAVEL for pets! Your pet earns one free round-trip ticket for every three round-trip or six one-way flights.