I totally agree, but this is not an investment as he infers. It is a way to make some money.
I will never hold airline stocks in my long term portfolio.

As for the shares being given to us now. I like it, todays close price is what gets credited toward our 401K's That means that you get all of your contributions this year and your stock. None of it will have to be paid out in your paycheck. Maybe some senior CA's but most will keep all of it protected.