Mitchell Airport (MKE) Adds Security Measures in Response to National Threat Level Orange
In compliance with a recent National Threat Level Orange directive issued by the Transportation Security Alliance, MKE passengers will no longer be allowed to carry beverages, liquids, creams, lotions or gels through the concourse security checkpoints or onto aircraft. Airport Director Barry Bateman recommends that passengers place items such as shampoo, toothpaste, hair products and other liquids and creams in their checked luggage to avoid having to discard them at the concourse security checkpoints.

Exceptions will be made for baby formula or breast milk if a child is traveling with the passenger. Prescription medicine labeled with a name that matches the name on the passenger’s ticket also will be allowed, as will insulin and other essential medications. Passengers should plan to arrive at the airport one-and-a-half to two hours before their flight departure. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov.

MKE Completes Concourse C Stem Expansion
A $17 million expansion of MKE’s Concourse C “stem” has recently been completed. The project added 31,000 sq. ft. to Concourse C, increasing its area to 96,000 sq. ft. Other improvements include a wider area and increased throughput capacity for the security checkpoint, an additional security screening lane, larger airline gate seating areas, a wider corridor between gates, atrium and clerestory windows that let in more natural light, and remodeled food, beverage and retail areas. The project prepared Concourse C for an eight-gate addition that is now under construction and on-schedule to open next summer.

Artist Carlos Alves designed the renovated concourse’s terrazzo and ceramic tile floor to give visitors a “sense of place” by depicting the rural-to-urban view of southeastern Wisconsin as seen from the window of an airplane.

Quiznos and Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express Add Dining Options
Visitors to MKE now have two new dining options: Quiznos Subs and Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express.
The newly renovated Concourse C features Quiznos, serving submarine sandwiches, soups and salads. On Concourse D, two Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express kiosks provide upscale salads and sandwiches to go, along with various bottled beverages and snack items. Mitchell has seen record passenger levels this year, which has driven up the demand for food and beverage and other airport services, according to Airport Director Barry Bateman.

Midwest Airlines Increases Service to Popular Florida Routes
Midwest Airlines announced it will soon launch additional nonstop service between Milwaukee and popular Florida destinations, and increase frequency on popular peak-season routes. Milwaukee’s hometown airline will offer daily nonstop service between MKE and Ft. Myers from October 14, 2006, through April 30, 2007. Additionally, the airline will begin nonstop service between MKE and Ft. Lauderdale on October 1, 2006. Midwest also will add second daily nonstop roundtrips during peak travel periods to meet customer demand for travel to Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa from November 16, 2006, through April 30, 2007.

Travelers can book and purchase tickets for the new service at www.midwestairlines.com or by calling Midwest Airlines Reservations at 800-452-2022.

Paradies Shops Offer Convenient Travel Kits
Current FAA security guidelines prohibit passengers from carrying fluids onto aircraft, meaning cosmetics, lotions and other toiletries must be packed into checked baggage or left behind. In response to this travel dilemma, Paradies Shops are now offering a convenient and inexpensive travel kit that can be purchased upon arrival at MKE and other airports they service. The travel kit, which retails for just $12.99, includes shampoo, hair gel, shave cream, a razor, toothpaste, a travel toothbrush, mouthwash, deodorant and lotion. For more information, or to purchase a travel kit, visit a Paradies Shop at MKE.

Culinary Tourism: Let Your Taste Buds Lead the Way!
Dining out is often a highlight of travel, so why not make cuisine the central theme of your next trip? More and more, travelers are planning their excursions around their love of food, both lowbrow and extravagant. Dining is, after all, a delicious way to experience a new locale and culture. No matter what your taste, there are an abundance of travel options, from visiting the “source” – wineries, creameries and farm tours – to enrolling in hands-on culinary courses, attending food festivals, or plotting your visits to notable restaurants. Here are just a few tasty destinations to consider for your next culinary adventure:
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Jet-Set Pets
Traveling with your four-legged family members has never been easier. The key to a smooth trip – for both you and “Fido” is in proper planning and preparation. Here are some helpful tips to make it a great experience:

• First, check with the airline you’re traveling on to learn their specific rules and fees for pet travel. This will help you determine whether your pet can travel as a carry on or as checked cargo.

• Take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up and request a health certificate, as some states will require it.

• Don’t forget to put on your pet’s collar, complete with an identification tag and your destination information.

• If your pet is traveling as cargo, use a USDA-approved shipping crate that will allow room for your pet to sit, stand and turn around in easily. Line the bottom with an absorbant bedding, such as shredded paper or towels.

• Write “Live Animal” in letters at least one inch tall on the top and at least one side of your pet’s crate. Draw arrows to show the upright position of the crate.

• On the top the your pet’s crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your destination. Be sure the door of the crate is securely closed, but not locked, so airline personnel can open it in case of emergency.

• Pack your pet’s favorite stuffed toy in their crate to keep them company. 

Fruit Loop Tour – Hood River, Oregon
Fall is just around the corner, which means fresh pears, apples and peaches galore! The Pacific Northwest is home to much of this fall fruit harvest – in fact, the region produces nearly 84% of the nation’s fresh pear harvest alone! One of the most popular destinations during harvest time is the Hood River region’s Fruit Loop Tour, a self-guided 35-mile scenic drive through the valley’s orchards, forests, farmlands, and friendly communities. Travelers can sample delicious fruits, visit wineries, savor delicious baked goods, and participate in numerous events hosted at Fruit Loop locations. Voted top adventure city, Hood River is only 60 miles from Portland International Airport (PDX). For more information, visit www.hoodriverfruitloop.com.

American Royal Barbecue Contest – Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, MO plays host to the world’s largest barbecue contest each year. With more than 300 grilling hobbyists and pros vying for $62,000 in cash and prizes, the competition is sure to heat up! The American Royal Barbecue Contest, now in its 27th year, is so popular it’s been dubbed the “World Series of Barbecue.” The smoky annual event attracts some 50,000 onlookers who come for the sport, the finger-licken’ samples, and the adjoining BBQ expo. This year’s contest is slated for Oct. 5-7. For more information, visit www.americanroyal.com.

Santa Fe School of Cooking – Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you love food, but have never mastered the skill of cooking, consider adding a culinary class to your next vacation itinerary! The Santa Fe School of Cooking is one spot to consider – here you can learn to master the flavors of the real Southwest with courses that reflect the cultural mix of the region. Numerous classes allow you to experience the menus of traditional New Mexican, Native American, Mexican, Spanish and contemporary Southwestern cuisine. Try your hand at making Southwest tapas, tamales and much more. The courses, taught by some of Santa Fe’s best chefs, are both entertaining and sure to enrich your travel experience. For more information, visit www.santafeschoolofcooking.com.