Took my first all west flight last week, on a Mesa CRJ 900 from TUS-LAS. I've been using WN more lately, but I figured for a short flight I could survive to get another segment. Boy was I surprised (pleasantly)

I've read horror stories about Mesa, but this trip could not have gone any smoother. Checkin was quick with a friendly TA. The GA was also pleasant as he took our BPs. On board, the plane was clean! No pen marks, no crumbs on the tray table, and the blue-gray color scheme out west is much fresher than the whats-really-starting-to-look-Soviet east. The flight attendants were outstanding -- service was quick and efficient, with both a cart run and a later coffee run on a one hour flight. The FAs also spent time chatting with passengers -- pointing out some scenery for a few who were interested. We even arrived 1/2 hour early at our gate. Although this was express and not HP mainline, the experience mirrors every interaction I've had with west ground personnel even when flying east metal.

Given the chance to fly HP again, I wouldn't hesitate for a second, and now I'm going to look for west aircraft when heading out there (I see a few scheduled PIT-LAS and PIT-LAX).

My conclusion, which has been reached by others on this board, is that they actually know how to run an nice, efficient, friendly, domestic operation in clear weather areas. It's the congested, bad weather, east coast with disgruntled staff that they have no idea what to do with, let alone TA ops.

Mesa is a separate company, right? So technically this is not HP.

I have flown Mesa-operated, HP Express CRJ 900 flights between CLT-EWR and the experience varies depending on the crew attitudes, etc. And there are some dirty Mesa planes, too!

And those seats are so HARD on the Mesa CRJ 900s!! You need a "Bunbardier" cushion for the longer flights!

Mesa is a separate company, right? So technically this is not HP.

I have flown Mesa-operated, HP Express CRJ 900 flights between CLT-EWR and the experience varies depending on the crew attitudes, etc. And there are some dirty Mesa planes, too!

And those seats are so HARD on the Mesa CRJ 900s!! You need a "Bunbardier" cushion for the longer flights!

True, its not real HP, but every experiece I've had out west, even with a baggage handling office, has been excellent. This past trip was enough for me to finally say "well, this part of the operation seems to work"

and lets not point out that Mesa's on time and completion is better than USAirways' stats now.....

how scary is that?