Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport Receives Top Rankings

10/05/2006

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the magazine designed for the discerning frequent traveler, ranked Milwaukee County's General Mitchell International Airport as best in the nation in the following categories: Ease of Connections, Customs/Baggage and Safety/Security. Mitchell garnered the most first-place rankings in individual categories, and finished fifth overall among U.S. airports. The ninth-annual Readers' Travel Awards, which appears in the magazine's October 2006 issue, also asked readers to rank airports in three other categories: Location/Access, Food/Shops/Amenities, and Design. 

"In this fast paced world, it is becoming increasingly difficult and time-consuming to fly. It is extremely gratifying for Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport to be recognized by travelers for its convenience and ease," said Doug Neilson, president and CEO of VISIT Milwaukee. "A safe, reliable and efficient transportation infrastructure is vitally important in our effort to make our visitors feel welcome. The $50 million expansion and renovation of our airport makes us a more convenient gateway city." 

In 2005, a record number of passengers, 7.3 million, used Mitchell, an increase of more than nine percent over 2004. Mitchell Airport's 12 airlines offer nonstop and direct flights to more than 90 cities in the United States and one-stop connections to major cities throughout the world. It is the 50th largest airport in the nation in terms of number of passengers and 34th largest in number of destinations served nonstop. 

Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Travel Awards also ranked Milwaukee's hometown airline, Midwest Airlines, the number one single-class airline in the nation. The ranking was based on a number of criteria, from seat comfort and legroom to food and amenities. 

VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has nearly 700 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.4 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2005 and supported over 60,000 local jobs. The Spirit of Milwaukee and Potawatomi Bingo Casino are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit http://www.visitmilwaukee.org. 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 
David Fantle, VP of Public Relations, VISIT Milwaukee 
414/287-4253