Legend Airlines Plans for Feb. 29 Liftoff

Embattled start-up Legend Airlines has begun selling first-class-style seats at coach prices from Dallas to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., even as its right to operate was being disputed.

The airline, run by ex-FAA Administrator Allan McArtor, has reconfigured four leased DC-9s from 110 seats to 56 seats, each with a generous 3-foot-10-inch pitch (the distance between seat backs), leather upholstery and “chef-crafted meals” served on china, a spokeswoman said. Starting Feb. 29, it plans to offer five daily round trips between Dallas’ Love Field and LAX starting at $328 (21-day advance purchase). Service to Dulles airport also starts Feb. 29 and to Las Vegas March 9. Reservations: tel. (877) FLY-LEGEND.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has authorized Legend to fly, but the city of Fort Worth and American Airlines, which have an interest in protecting the dominance of nearby Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, have sued to ground the airline. Last week a federal appeals court backed Legend. In response, American said it will offer four daily round trips between Love Field and LAX and five to Chicago starting May 1.