To be fair, I must note that in Horizon's early days, I work the ramp at Portland. Not for Horizon but for Lockheed, and we supplied much of the support for Horizon.

After all these years, and a job change, it became necessary for me to use their service. A flight from PDX to Missoula, Montana, to pick my Freightliner up at a repair shop.

No direct flight was avalable, so I connected in Seattle.

The first leg to Seattle was on the smaller Q-200, close to a direct replacment for Horizon's original F-27s. About a 1 hour flight, so I didn't expect much, but coffee, and snacks where provided. The Q-200 is fairly quiet for a small plane, and the ride was smooth.

For those of you that always fly with the big boys, up a 30,000 plus feet. Try a commuter some time. You can see stuff on the ground you miss from 6 miles up.

The transfer in Seattle went well, both planes where one time, and the terminal at Seattle is quite pleasant. Horizon also offers free coffee in the waiting area.

The trip from Seattle to Missoula was on the Larger Q-400. Think about 1/3 larger than the Q-200, but otherwise pretty much the same plane. Odd that the Q-400 seemed a little louder, might be that the longer fuselage drums a bit. Not bad but noticeable. Q-200 have one cabin crew, the Q-400 two, in both cases they where among the best I've had. The big boys could take lessons from Horizon.

Unlike some big airlines (United) snacks, coffee, soda, and yes wine, and micro brew beer, where all served free of charge.

Going back some years, I saw this little airline get started. Anytime someone jumps into this business, we hold our breath a little. I remember the fiasco that was "Pacific Express". But Horizon has found a nitch for itself, and filled the need well. As long as they keep the level of customer service this high, they should be around for a long time.

Good alternative to jumping on one of the major airlines. You get the impression that Horizon people are glad to see you.