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JetBlue Airways ranks high in customer satisfaction surveys thanks to in-flight entertainment, legroom allowances and free snacks.

(Andy Rogers, Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A spokesman for JetBlue Airways, consistently ranked among the top U.S. airlines, says it's too early to say whether the airline would consider moving into the Cleveland market now that United Airlines has announced a major downsizing here.

"What I can tell you is, our route planning team is always looking at options," said Morgan Johnston, manager of corporate communications for New York City-based JetBlue. "We're still growing. And as a growing airline, we're always looking at where we're going to start next."

In the next few weeks, JetBlue will launch service in three new markets: Detroit; Savannah, Ga.; and Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The airline also recently acquired 12 new slots at Washington's Reagan National Airportkim,lj and plans to use them to fly to new markets.

Already, in Detroit – a Delta Air Lines hub – fares are dropping in what Johnston said has become known as the "JetBlue effect," which occurs when the carrier enters a new market, forcing other airlines to bring down their fares.

JetBlue also has a significant presence in Pittsburgh, with four flights a day to Boston.

JetBlue is a favorite carrier of many frequent flyers, thanks to its many perks, such as a free checked bag, free snacks and in-flight television, and better-than-industry legroom.

While Johnston said the airline "has no plans for Cleveland at this point, we're always watching what the other guys are doing."

Robert Kneen, owner of Willoughby-based Traveline Travel Services, said luring JetBlue would be a coup for Cleveland.

"It's a really good airline," said Kneen. "I hope Mayor Jackson is courting them as we speak."