FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2018

CONTACTS
Fred Badlissi
fbadlissi@lawa.org
(424) 646-5260

“FLYING KISSES” FROM LAX PUPSAND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DELIGHT DEPARTING PASSENGERS AT TERMINAL 1

(Los Angeles, CA) This morning, visitors to Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Terminal 1 were met with a pack of love: nearly 20 of LAX’s Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) canines (and their human volunteers) were eagerly waiting to greet the guests.

“If you had a stressful day or the traffic on the 405 is backed up, there are fewer better surprises than arriving to a group of happy, caring therapy dogs,” said Trevor Daley, Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs, Los Angeles World Airports. “Love isin the air at LAX this Valentine’s Day, and we’re incredibly happy to have worked with Southwest Airlines for today’s amazing event."

The “Flying Kisses” event featured PUPs dogs dressed up to the nines for Valentine’s Day, offering a friendly paw, an invite to rub a belly,a chance to take a great selfie,or just a time and place for pre-flight unstressing. The PUPs were assisted by their human LAX volunteer handlers and representatives with Southwest Airlines, who offered candy, pens, and other items as giveaways to travelers just after they passed through security screening.

“Our PUPs are some of LAX’s best ambassadors, because they’re always ready to provide friendliness in whatever terminal you find them” said Heidi Huebner, LAX PUPs Program Director.“I want to thank Southwest Airlines for helping us share the love with ‘Flying Kisses,” and give my special thanks to all those who stopped to say ‘hi’ to our PUPs and embrace this wonderful program that brings joy to so many."

LAX’s Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) program is approaching its 5-year anniversary, and has served as the model for 54 airport therapy pet programs across the nation. The program features 80 PUPs, who can be regularly found throughout all of LAX’s nine terminals (T’s 1 through 8, and Tom Bradley International) offering moments of calm for guests.

For more information about the PUPs program, including what it takes to become a PUP, check out the PUP program fact sheet here. Interested parties can also contact Heidi Huebner, PUP Program Director, at (424) 646-7867, or via email at hhuebner@lawa.org.

About Los Angeles World Airports
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is the City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) general aviation airports, as well as aviation-related property in Palmdale. Both play an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service. Both airports make a distinct contribution to the strength of the system as it provides a high level of safety, security and service for its customers, communities and stakeholders. More information rel="noopener noreferrer" can be found at flylax.com. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.