Consumers get a bang for their buck in the sky through JetBlue Airways, which keeps fares low by employing nonunion workers and by operating only two types of planes -- Airbus A320s and Embraer 190s -- which require little upkeep and maintenance. The company flies to 50 cities in North America, mostly in the United States and the Caribbean. It's one of the few airlines to offer what are these days considered "treats" onboard: leather seats, lots of legroom, free television, snack items and music.

A breath of new air