On my recent trip to Miami, I had the pleasure of flying JetBlue. This was my first time on the airline; my traveling companion, however, is a JetBlue frequent flyer. For her and her family, JetBlue is always their first choice — particularly because they frequently make trips between New York and Florida.

I honestly did not realize JetBlue offered service from Newark or I might have checked them out sooner. I knew they flew from JFK as I have driven past the new terminal the airline recently opened at the airport. However, I do whatever I can to avoid JFK, instead opting for Philadelphia or Newark. JetBlue was just never on my radar. Now that I have flown them, they are definitely on my radar for the future.

Judging from my experience on JetBlue, I never would have guessed I was on a discount carrier. Unlike many of the other U.S. airlines, JetBlue still offers passengers complimentary amenities. I didn’t check a bag, but if I did, it would not have cost me a dime. With JetBlue, the first bag is free. Both my departure and return flights left on time, and boarding — from the back of the plane forward — was quick, efficient and painless.

The seats are roomy and there was plenty of overhead space for passengers. Each seat was equipped with an individual TV screen, offering a wide range of viewing options. It’s quite rare to find economy cabins equipped with individual monitors, especially on short jaunts (such as the Newark-Florida leg). Snacks are complimentary, and the airline offers a nice selection of cookies, snack mixes, chips and nuts.

Somehow JetBlue has found a way to make it all work, even in the turbulent times of late, and I was definitely impressed!

— Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive