Do you think Legend Airlines will be successful flying all first class seats out of Love Field in Dallas? American says it will compete head on. Will Love Field passengers defect from Southwest?

I hope Legend does well and attracts a loyal following. But if my memory is correct, at least one other airline, Muse Air, tried similar service out of Love several years ago and failed.

Am interested in what all you experienced FlyerTalkers have to say. Thanks.

If history is any guide- probably not!
If we are fortunate though, and it is my hope that we will indeed be fortunate - YES

Incidentally,

Legend Airlines' maiden flight from Love Field took off this morning without a hitch to Washington Dulles, making it the 1st long-haul commercial flight to leave DFW in more than a quarter-century!
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/f/AP...-Airlines.html


[This message has been edited by doc (edited 04-05-2000).]

Pegasus Aviation, Inc., one of the world's leading commercial aircraft leasing companies, today announced it has formally signed the lease of two DC9-32s to first-time lessee Legend Airlines, a new Dallas-based carrier that launched its premium service on April 5 from Dallas Love Field.

Legend began negotiations with Pegasus in November 1999 for the start-up airline's third and fourth aircraft, which now are in service.

"We are pleased to be providing aircraft for such a unique new airline," said Pegasus President Rich Wiley, referring to Legend's luxury model of all-first-class seats and service. In addition to first class cabin comfort, Legend offers its passengers Live TV in-flight, individual ports for laptop computers, and complimentary red carpet access and valet parking.

"Pegasus has been a valued team member, and we want to recognize their continued support in assisting us to build our fleet," said T. Allan McArtor, president and CEO for Legend Airlines.

Legend Airlines now provides scheduled non-stop service from Dallas Love Field to various points in the U.S. including Los Angeles, Washington Dulles and Las Vegas.
http://dowjones.wsj.com/archive/gx.c...er=display-d2h

Island Girl, I certainly hope they make it...! See my Trip Report on Legend at:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/000897.html

You can't really compare it with Muse... Muse didn't fly long haul flights, if I remember correctly (they did things like Dallas to Houston). They were basically competing dead on with Southwest at the time, which was a regional, mostly Texas-originating, airline. Muse was all non-smoking.

And in the end, Southwest bought out Muse.

It might be interesting to look at the success that Midwest Express is having. They fly DC9s and MD80s in all-business-class configurations (2 and 2) with leather seats and first class meals. Their hub is Milwaukee where they've become the dominant carrier. ME flyes to major cities across the country but they all connect in Milwaukee or Omaha.

I think they were smart to carve out a niche and not try to be all things to all people.

I really hope that Legend makes it. Due to the legal lengths that have went to and the financial committment they have made (building their own $20 million terminal), maybe they will.

FWIW, they are now running a Mermorial Day special for travel thru May 31st (so, this week only). DAL-IAD or DAL-LAX for $226 RT. 1 day advance purchase, Saturday nite stay. I couldn't get this fare on their web site, had to call them 1-877-359-5343. They told me that you can depart from either city - not just DAL departures. May 31st is the last day you can fly to be in their 'double miles for life' deal - Redeemable on Legend or Delta. Not many seats left, I snagged a flight to IAD and there were only 3 seats left.

The market segments between LC and SW are different. Southwest goes after the economy market. I would not consider them direct competitors.

Legend does not compete with Southwest. Southwest cannot fly to any city that Legend flies to out of DAL because it would be in violation of the Wright Amendment. Legend can serve the routes because their planes have 56 seats, within the restrictions of the Wright Amendment.

Legend Airlines announced that it will begin frequent non-stop service from Dallas Love Field to New York's LaGuardia Airport on 9/6/00 starting with four daily round trips conveniently scheduled to meet the business traveler's needs.

Offering the feel of first class at competitive coach fares, the Dallas- based airline was awarded slots at LaGuardia by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and became the first airline to offer non-stop service between New York and Dallas Love Field since 1974. In addition to New York, Legend currently serves Washington Dulles, Los Angeles and Las Vegas from Dallas Love Field.
http://dowjones.wsj.com/archive/gx.c...er=display-d2h

doc, they just added ORD also...I think 4 RT's per day.

Their loads better pick up. I just read a trip report on rec.travel.air. This person flew Legend IAD-DAL this evening (businessman's flight time) and there were only 19 on board.

what would the break even point for legend be with these reconfiged dc9-30s? 30ish?
Jason

Depends on the average fare they're getting. If most of their loads are comprised of ticketholders who purchased in advance with a Sat. stay, their loads would have to be much higher than 60% (30/50). Even with a healthy mix of full fare passengers, I would think their loads would have to be substantially higher than 60% considering their operating costs are significantly greater than average.

I flew on Muse Air once. Contrary to a previous post, they did fly medium haul. I flew them from Houston-Hobby to Los Angeles. They also flew to Tulsa and Dallas Love. They used MD-80's when the airline was operating in 1983-1985. That was hot stuff in those days, like the 737-800 and A319 are now a days.