American Airlines First Class Nightmare: Legend Air
Written: Nov 19 '00 (Updated Dec 03 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Outstanding comfort at competitive prices
Cons: Only flies to a handful of cities currently
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| Bonies7's Full Review: Legend Airlines |
True confession time yet again.
I fly - way too often - as an integral part of my business. And, contrary to what the upbeat television commercials attempt to portray, it is not a pleasant experience.
Overcrowded terminals, rude ticket agents, consistently delayed departures, barely edible food, and an ongoing feeling that if anyone gives you good service you feel like a lottery winner.
Yes - it is that bad, and I say that having travelled over two million miles during the last 25 years. And yes - I travel with all the big carriers, from United to Northwest to Southwest to American. Hard to distinguish any one from the pack, since they all seem to be too big and too concerned with maximizing their revenue while minimizing your comfort.
That said, I have a two word secret to share with you that will change your viewpoint about commercial air travel in the United States.
Legend Airlines.
An upstart carrier based in Dallas that has opted for a motto that they actually practice. A simple motto really. "Upgrade". Upgrade your experience and actually get an upgraded value while spending serious travel dollars.
No - they're not big. Less than a dozen DC9 aircraft currently. And no - they're not a discount airline, although their fares are very reasonable if you book 14 or 21 days ahead. But they have something than only one other carrier (Midwest Express) currently has - all first class seats at coach prices. No upgrade stickers necessary. No request needed to be put on the upgrade "list". No need to cash in frequent flyer miles for a chance at an upgrade.
All first - all the time.
American Airlines - also based in Dallas - fought the certification hearings of Legend Air for almost five years. Why?
Because Legend Air is the worst nightmare that American Airlines could imagine. First class travel from the most convenient terminal in Dallas, but at coach prices. Yes - although the Wright Amendment does not allow planes that seat more than 56 passengers to fly to states outside those contiguous to the state of Texas - Legend got around the restrictions. It "refit" the DC9 aircraft, which normally can carry 130 passengers, with 56 all leather, all first class seats.
Two per side, with footrests and satellite television available at each seat. Real food (prawns in butter sauce, or filet mignon recently) served on real china plates with complimentary wine or champagne. Plenty of recent magazines, and lots of copies of The Wall Street Journal for travelers who don't have a book with them.
Upbeat flight attendants, and pilots who actually take the time to thank you for choosing their airline. And act like they really mean it.
It may be American's nightmare, but it is a "dream come true" in comfort and service for those of us who spend way too much time in the air.
Unfortunately, the cities Legend now serves are limited. Dallas (Love Field), Washington, DC, New York (LaGuardia), Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. But if any of these are your desired destination, then you're in for the flying experience that you thought only existed in the movies.
So you are probably now sitting at your screen staring at this review and asking yourself silently, "Okay, what's the catch?"
There is no catch.
Prices are in line with all the major carriers. Service is seven days a week. The terminal in Dallas is brand new, with six million dollars worth of amentities (leather seats, computer terminals, workstations, etc.) and comfort. Reservations can be made toll free at 877 FLY LEGEND. And they even offer a competitive frequent flyer program that is better than the "big" guys.
Can you tell I was impressed?
I was. I still am. And you will be as well.
Note: Unfortunately, Legend Airlines announced on December 3, 2000 that they were discontinuing service temporarily while they sought new funding. Apparently, their stellar service did not translate to profits.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Bonies7
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Member: Jeff Clow
Location: The Lone Star State
Reviews written: 132
Trusted by: 1018 members
About Me:
Father, Husband, Consultant, Photographer, Writer, Conservative, Inquisitive, Texan
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