Flying Under the Radar

What we Like: Direct Air leases Virgin America planes, so passengers are able to recline in leather seats and watch free movies on touch-screen seat-back TVs.

Downside: At some airports, check-in operations are outsourced to private contractors who might not know the policies on refunds or ticket changes. They also go off the clock at midnight, regardless of whether there's a delayed flight.

PORTER AIRLINES
(888/619-8622, flyporter.com)

Where it flies: The Toronto-based carrier services six Canadian cities, Chicago-Midway, and Newark. In 2009, it plans to add flights between Toronto and Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

What we Like: Porter flies into Toronto City Centre Airport, a short drive from downtown. Also, Wallpaper magazine founder Tyler Brûlé's advertising firm helped design the playful website, throwback flight attendant uniforms (scarves and pillbox hats), and mascot (a cartoon raccoon named Mr. Porter).

Downside: Canadian airports add a capital improvement fee to every ticket, so expect to pay $12.25 extra to fly to Toronto and $16.50 for Montreal.

USA3000
(877/872-3000, usa3000.com)

Where it flies: Beach vacations are the priority—connections are between 10 cities in the Midwest and Northeast and 10 tropical destinations, such as Cancún, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Flights can be purchased as part of travel packages with partner Apple Vacations. Among the routes added in 2008: Detroit–Cozumel, Mexico, and St. Petersburg, Fla.–Chicago.

What we Like: Passengers get to check one bag for free. In-flight movies are also complimentary.

Downside: Certain routes are flown only once a week; if a trip is canceled, you'll be offered a full refund or a seat on the airline's next available flight, which may not be for days.