Budget Travel magazine recently awarded JetBlue Airways a winner in the 5th annual Extra Mile Awards, which recognizes and celebrates destinations and companies going the extra mile to make travel more comfortable and easier over. The affordable airline was recognized for its in-flight perks as free snacks and drinks (yes, there are a few airlines still offering this), buttery leather seats and personal seatback televisions. They were also recognized for on-the-ground service for offering gate-side food delivery options at the new Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

JetBlue’s Terminal 5 offers extensive food options ranging from full-serve restaurants to cafes and bars; gourmet grab-and-go markets; and touch-screen monitors where passengers let their fingers to the walking by ordering meals to be delivered to the gate areas. Need a little retail therapy while waiting for a flight at JFK? Purchase a nice somethun’-somethun’ ranging from apparel to electronics to cosmetics. Spa services, pharmacy and newsstands round out available services.

“As businesses are cutting back on services, and travelers’ lives only get more difficult, this year’s forward-thinking companies deserve a round of applause,” said Nina Willdorf, editor-in-chief of Budget Travel. This year’s top nine winners will be featured in the October issue of the magazine.

Earlier this year, JetBlue was also ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers in North America” by J.D. Power and Associates, a customer satisfaction recognition received for the fifth year in a row.

We think JetBlue will be in the running for 2010 honors especially for the All-You-Can-Jet (AYCJ) program, which we told you about in August.  In a nutshell, JetBlue sold all you can fly vouchers for $599. They ended the sale earlier than anticipated due to high demand. Since Sept. 8 those who were lucky to purchase the AYCJ pass have been jetting from coast to coast. You have until Oct. 8 to live vicariously through some of these jetsetters. Search for #AYCJ on search.twitter.com or check out these blogs:

• 30 Days on JetBlue (A Flying Marathon…Helping Kids in Zambia)
• Feisty Tourist
• McCallYouCanJet
• ISawYouonJetBlue
  

Logo Credit: JetBlue Airlines