Colby Effler Lands Cheap Tickets

Cheap Tickets, a pioneer in discount domestic leisure air travel, has awarded its estimated $12-15 million account to Colby Effler & Partners.
The Santa Monica, Calif., shop bested several other agencies nationwide for the business after a three-month review, according to the company. Foote, Cone & Belding, San Francisco, was among the shops in talks with the Honolulu-based client.
“We chose Colby Effler & Partners because they clearly understand our brand personality and were able to express it with original, breakthrough creative,” said Cheap Tickets president and chief operating officer Mike Hartley. “We look forward to a long relationship with them as we move forward to build the Cheap Tickets brand.”
“The challenge to build this brand and help define their ownership marketing message is truly an exciting opportunity,” said Kim Haskell, Colby Effler executive vice president and head of business development.
Founded in 1986, the company recently held an IPO. In 1998, it sold almost 1 million airline tickets through its call centers, retail stores and Web site, www.cheaptickets.com. It also offers discount cruises and hotel rooms.
Separately, Colby Effler made the final cut for Del Taco’s estimated $5-10 million account. The agency is competing against Bozell Worldwide, Costa Mesa, Calif., Goldberg Moser O’Neill, San Francisco; and WongDoody, Santa Monica, Calif. Incumbent Italia/Gal declined to participate in the review. A decision is expected in early May.