At least they're not calling it "Allegis 2.0" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This article was sent to you by someone who found it on SF Gate. The original article can be found on SFGate.com here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=3D/chronicle/archive/2003/11= /13/BUGLE30GE51.DTL ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, November 13, 2003 (SF Chronicle) Just call United's new discount carrier Ted David Armstrong, Chronicle Staff Writer United Airlines said Wednesday that its long-awaited low-cost carrier wi= ll take off in February from its Denver hub with low fares, reconfigured aircraft seating, a Sunbelt route structure and a fairly odd name. The name is Ted, the last three letters in United, and it conveys a casual, friendly feel, United executives said in announcing the new service. San Francisco International Airport will be one of nine initial airports served by the carrier-within-a-carrier. SFO will be linked to Las Vegas and Phoenix, with other destinations to follow. By April, there will be seven daily flights between SFO and Las Vegas and four daily flights between SFO and Phoenix, according to Stephen A. Roth, a United spokesman. Roth said Ted's fares will be competitive with other low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways, which serve Oakland International Airport, and with AirTran, America West and ATA, low-cost carriers that serve SFO. Fares will be considerably cheaper on Ted than on United, he said. Southwest's fare from Oakland to Las Vegas on Tuesday, the day Ted's far= es will be disclosed, range from $74 to $228 for a one-way ticket. Southwest fares from Oakland to Phoenix on the same day run from $59 to $282. United executives insist Ted will be different from the ill-fated Shuttle by United, its failed attempt to compete with Southwest in the busy San Francisco-Los Angeles corridor. For one thing, they say that Ted's planes will be turned around faster. For another, the fares on Ted will be deeply discounted, "which was not always the case with the Shuttle," Roth said. The Shuttle was plagued by delays, especially in the busy summer of 2000, when disgruntled United pilots fulfilled their daily work requirements but declined to work overtime. Management now has a better understanding with its whittled-down workforce, United executives say. The new carrier will fly Airbus320 aircraft, all of which will be reconfigured at United's sprawling maintenance facility at SFO. By taking out first class, the A320s will bulk up to 156 seats, from their present 138 seats. Most seating will be in economy class, but United also plans to offer an economy-plus service that will provide 5 extra inches of legroom. Meals and snacks will be sold on board. United executives presented Ted as part of United's strategy to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which it entered 11 months ago. "United has established substantial cost reductions, nearly $5.billion by 2005, that allow us to offer an operation that is competitive with other low- fare carriers," said Sean Donohue, a United vice president. Passengers will be able to earn United Mileage Plus frequent-flier miles on Ted, and use the low-cost operation to connect to United's extensive global route structure, Roth said. In addition to San Francisco, Las Vegas and Phoenix, Ted will begin service at Reno, New Orleans, Tampa, Orlando, Ontario (San Bernardino County) and Fort Lauderdale. Tickets go on sale Tuesday. E-mail David Armstrong at davidarmstrong@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx=20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2003 SF Chronicle