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Flight attendants at Midwest Express could strike as early as 11:01 p.m. local time tonight if last-minute contract negotiations between their union and the airline fail to bridge differences over pay. For travelers, it could mean canceled or delayed flights to major cities such as New York, Washington, Orlando and Los Angeles - some of the main destinations for the Oak Creek-based airline.

Attendants said they might strike individual flights or stage mass walkouts lasting a day or a week. They have coined the actions CHAOS, which stands for "create havoc around our system." . Mediation is scheduled to continue today in Washington, D.C. with the National Mediation Board. If an agreement isn't reached by midnight EDT in Washington, 11 p.m. in Milwaukee, the Association of Flight Attendants can take action against Midwest Express.

Airline executives said they still hope to reach a settlement but are preparing for strike actions by having managers substitute as flight attendants. So far, the airline has not experienced mass cancellations of flight reservations because of the pending strike, but through CHAOS, union officials said they could take control of the airline's flight schedule since flights are not allowed to take off without attendants.

Midwest Express has agreements with other airlines to carry passengers who may be affected by a strike, but a widespread, lengthy strike could result in the company discontinuing some operations.