Let's assume for moment that this isn't a management or Ford and Harrison plug. Please congratulate your happy friend, if so, but I might wait a while before you do.

I remember my early days at Mesa, too happy in my budding airline career to notice how badly they treated their passengers. It didn't take long to realize that the treatment of workers was going to be even worse. I got tired of the crappy treatment and left for what I thought was a better place. Allegiant seemed great at first until the cool-aid ran dry and we began to see management's underlying motivations and methods. It was jaw-dropping how ruthless the pursuit of profit was and nothing was spared, including people. The point here is that passenger treatment should have been our first clue: they were charged for soft drinks, then checked baggage, then carry-on bags, and now $5 for the paper ticket! It's so bad the DOT had to step in and fine Allegiant for deceitful price advertising policies.

I've come full circle and I am now back at Mesa 2.0, only worse. Today was probably another waste of time at the bargaining table while our fearless leader cashed in $25 million in stock. Two weeks ago it was his president, and former Lorenzo protégé, cashing in $10 million. Hopefully this is a sign they're leaving and will be replaced by people who know how to run an airline instead of an ATM machine. As bad as it was, even Mesa's J.O. might have been better than these guys.

Learn from me. If you are thinking of coming to Allegiant, try the experience as a passenger first. It might be helpful in making a decision.