US Airways Kicks off Third Annual Holiday Travel Storytelling Contest

TEMPE, AZ -- For the third consecutive year, US Airways invites travelers to share their favorite holiday travel memories with the rest of the world. The winning submission will take home a $500 US Airways Gift Card to be used anywhere US Airways flies, and two runners-up will take home a $250 and $100 US Airways Gift Card.

Last year, entries ranged from humorous (folks trapped in their cars by their Christmas trees tied to their roof) to poignant (family members getting together for what they knew would be their last holiday) to one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments (the late Luciano Pavarotti performing impromptu outside New York's LaGuardia Airport.) Last year’s winner heralded from Cheltenham, Pa., and provided a heartwarming account of Christmas spirit where one pilot’s announcement made a memorable Christmas Eve for all of the children (and grownups too) on his plane.

"Not to take anything away from all of the very serious economic news all around us, this is simply an opportunity for travelers to share their positive stories about holiday travel with the rest of the world," says Elise Eberwein, senior vice president, people and communications for US Airways. "Whether reflecting on new adventures in exotic locations or returning home and reconnecting with friends from other lifetimes, airline travel is the one constant that makes all of those things events possible."

To enter the contest, participants can submit their digital story consisting of a photo (3 MB limit) and brief narrative by Jan. 2, 2009, to [email protected]. Photos and story submissions will be judged by a panel of US Airways employees and will be based on the following criteria: 36 percent originality, 78 percent creativity, and 100 percent overall holiday spirit.

The most compelling holiday travel story will be announced on Jan. 5, 2009, and awarded a $500 US Airways Gift Card, valid for travel to nearly 200 US Airways destinations. Second and third place winners will also be announced on Jan. 5, 2009 and receive a $250 and $100 US Airways Gift Card, respectively.

More information about the contest, including rules and restrictions, is available at www.usairways.com, then click on "share your story & win."