Jets QB Geno Smith -- GETS APOLOGY FROM AIRLINE ... Sorry We Booted You From Our Plane

NY Jets quarterback Geno Smith just kicked Virgin Airlines' ass ... getting the company to issue a FULL APOLOGY for having him thrown off a flight at LAX last week.

As we previously reported ... Geno was tossed from his plane after getting into a confrontation with a flight attendant -- who allegedly yanked his headphones out of his ears on the plane.

Now, Virgin is backing down big time ...even taking responsibility for allowing the situation to blow up:

“After a full review of the incident, we believe it was the result of a misunderstanding that regrettably escalated unnecessarily."

The statement continues, "We’ve apologized to Mr. Smith for his experience, which could have been better – and we’d welcome him back on board any time."

Geno has issued a statement of his own saying, "I really appreciate that Virgin America took this seriously, looked into this matter and followed up with me. I look forward to flying their airline again soon.”

It ain't often the Jets get a victory these days ..