TheDenverChannel.com










Travel

Is 'Ted' United's Low Cost Carrier?

Mysterious Marketing Campaign Creating Buzz

POSTED: 7:46 a.m. MST November 7, 2003
UPDATED: 9:46 a.m. MST November 7, 2003

The Rocky Mountain News reported that a mystery man named "Ted," who bought lunch for strangers and spelled his name in sod in a farmer's 240-acre field north of Denver, is a creation of United Airlines' new low-cost carrier.

 SURVEY
Do you think 'Ted' is a good name for United's low-fare carrier?
Yes. It's catchy and hip. I like it.
No. I don't think it's serious enough.

The newspaper said that one Web site used in the campaign and a second that's not yet launched are linked to United.

United spokesman Jeff Green wouldn't confirm "Ted" was the company's creation.

United's low-cost carrier will be based at Denver International Airport. It's part of the Chicago-based company's effort to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

United is expected to announce the new carrier's launch in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, the mysterious marketing campaign -- complete with blue and orange stickers, T-shirts, signs and other giveaways -- has created a bit of buzz in the Mile High City. Ted, taken from the last three letters in United's name, conjures an image of a carefree, blue jeans and T-shirt-wearing crowd -- the same young crowd that United wants to attract to its new low-fare carrier, marketing experts said.

With "Ted," United is hoping to steal passengers away from rival Frontier, which has been extremely successful as a low-cost carrier.

United's low-fare airline will serve predominantly leisure markets and feature a simplified fare structure with low-cost business and leisure fare options. The fleet for the new airline will launch in February 2004 with 4 Airbus 320 aircraft in Denver, and expand to 40 A320s by the end of 2004, 19 of which will be based in Denver.

From Denver, the airline will fly to Reno, Nev., Las Vegas, Phoenix, New Orleans, Tampa, Fla, Ontario, Calif., and Orlando, Fla. Additional destinations will be announced at a later date.

Tickets will go on sale sometime in November.


Links We Like

Sponsored Content
If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Most sellers think they know at least a ballpark figure for their house, but most are way off. Get a true gauge on just what your home is worth. More

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

Whether or not to get your child vaccinated has caused some debate. Learn more about immunization to help your decision. More

Sponsored Links

Travel Features

Thanksgiving travel increase expected
The number of Americans traveling away from home for Thanksgiving will be up only slightly this year from 2008, according to a report from the AAA auto club. More


Today's Hot Deals

E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters