Which are the safest low-cost airlines?
Airlines do many amazing things. They coordinate thousands of flights per week, taking lots of passengers to the streets of New York City, the temples of Thailand, the vast plains of Tanzania, the limoncello-strewn coastline of Amalfi, and even the snow-covered North Pole. None of this would be achievable without the strict safety procedures and regulations that are put in place.
Recently, experts from safety regulation airline rating companies conducted a comprehensive analysis analyzing benchmarks like past incident records, crash records, fleet age, and outcomes of audits conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
We took a look at the results and decided to share them with you. This being said, here are 2024’s safest low-cost airlines!
1. Southwest Airlines
According to experts, Southwest Airlines falls among 2024’s safest low-cost airlines, with the Dallas-Chicago route being the most popular flight route. Operating primarily within the US, the airline ensures a secure travel experience for passengers.
With its focus on domestic routes supplemented by certain international flights, Southwest Airlines maintains its reputation as a popular, safe option due to its 7/7 airline safety rating.
Its commitment to safety is underscored by rigorous training programs for the staff, a well-maintained fleet, and continuous efforts to adhere to the highest industry standards. All these factors together provide passengers with peace of mind and security on their journey.
2. Volaris
Volaris, based in Mexico City, is currently one of the safest low-cost airlines, per the latest findings. Despite being a low-cost carrier, Volaris puts safety first, ensuring travelers reach their destinations securely.
The airline is known for its extensive network across the Americas, having a range of routes connecting Mexico, the US, Central America, and the Caribbean. The most popular flight route is Guadalajara-Los Angeles.
It provides budget-friendly travel options for a wide range of passengers, with an average flight price of $394 for a return flight. Volaris’ commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through its exceptional in-flight services, punctuality, and modern fleet, making it one of the safest low-cost airlines for those seeking a seamless and economical travel experience.
3. Vueling Airlines
Vueling Airlines, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, stands out for its broad network covering Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. As one of the safest low-cost airlines, the carrier has experienced zero crashes since it was founded.
Moreover, Vueling Airlines is certified as a 4-star budget-friendly airline for the quality of its onboard products and airport and staff service. Passengers can trust Vueling not only for its extensive route offerings but also for its outstanding safety record and commitment to offering high-quality services, making it a reputable alternative for diverse and reliable travel options.
Vueling’s average flight price is $394 for a return flight.
Do you need a new carry-on? Here’s Amazon’s best offer!
4. Vietjet Air
Next on the list of 2024’s safest low-cost airlines is Vietjet Air. Serving a wide range of both domestic and international destinations, the carrier provides affordable travel options for those looking to travel within and out of the Asia-Pacific region.
Experts also rate Vietjet at the seven-star level, the world’s highest ranking for aviation safety, for many consecutive years since 2018. The airline’s commitment to safety is reinforced by its stringent safety protocols, modern fleet, and continuous efforts to enhance the traveler experience.
Vietjet’s most popular flight route is Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi. When it comes to the average flight price, expect to pay about $53 for a return flight.
5. Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines, based in Denver, Colorado, flies to more than 100 destinations in the US and to over 30 international destinations. Moreover, in 2023, 66 percent of its flights took off on time, and just under 3 percent were canceled.
With an average flight price of $120 for a return flight, the carrier is one of the safest low-cost airlines. The most popular flight route is Denver-Los Angeles. Frontier offers basic amenities, so if you’re looking for tiered classes and upgrades, you should know that this airline doesn’t provide those options.
Despite its no-frills approach, the carrier’s commitment to efficiency and affordability makes it a practical option for travelers seeking economical and straightforward air travel.
6. Wizz Air
Wizz Air, based in Budapest, is Hungary’s cheapest low-cost carrier. It’s also one of the safest low-cost airlines, operating in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. It has direct flights to 200 airports in 50 countries, with Bucharest-Luton being the most popular flight route.
Something to know about Wizz Air is that passengers have to pay for all the extra services. The average flight price is $63 for a return flight.
The carrier is a 3-star low-cost carrier (above average) for the quality of its airport, staff service, and onboard products. This acknowledgment highlights the airline’s commitment to providing satisfactory levels of service and amenities for travelers within the constraints of a low-cost model.
7. Norwegian Airlines
Norwegian, headquartered in Fornebu, Norway, is known for its unique structure as well as its broad network covering multiple countries. With a focus on both long-haul and short-haul flights, the carrier offers affordable fares. For instance, the average flight price is $107 for a return flight.
But it isn’t just about affordability. Norwegian is also one of the safest low-cost airlines, with frequent passengers giving the carrier an average rating of 7.0/10. Some may say the rating isn’t impressive, but it’s above average.
This acknowledgment from travelers highlights the airline’s commitment to offering reliable and budget-friendly travel options through its expansive route network, making it a favorite choice for those seeking quality and value in their journeys.
8. EasyJet
With operations spanning North America, Europe, and the Middle East, EasyJet offers cost-effective travel options without compromising on safety standards. As one of the safest low-cost airlines, the carrier is certified as a 4-star budget-friendly airline for the quality of its airport and onboard products and great staff service.
This recognition underscores EasyJet’s commitment to offering a satisfying and positive travel experience, making it a great option for those looking for both affordable and quality air travel across its extensive network.
EasyJet’s most popular route is Catania-Milan Malpensa, and all tickets start at $40 for a return flight.
9. Ryanair
Ryanair, based in Dublin, Ireland, is one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe, renowned for its extensive route network. It’s certified as a 3-star budget-friendly carrier (above average), making it one of 2024’s safest low-cost airlines.
Among the things that make Ryanair stand out are the quality of seats, cabin cleanliness, catering, and cabin staff and ground staff service standards.
Despite its low-cost model, the carrier strives to provide travelers with an above-average travel experience, guaranteeing satisfaction in key aspects of their journey and solidifying its spot as a leading player in the European low-cost airline market.
Ryanair’s most popular flight route is Dublin (DUB)-London (STN), and the average flight price is $58 for a return flight.
10. Jetstar
Jetstar is one of the safest low-cost airlines that operates over 50 weekly international return services between Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast in Australia and New Zealand.
The carrier has accumulated a safety rating of 7 out of 7, and it’s also certified as a 3-star low-cost airline for the quality of its onboard products and airport and staff service. Jetstar is a reliable and acclaimed choice for travelers seeking budget-friendly and safe travel options within and beyond the Australasian region.
Jetstar’s average flight price is $52 for a return flight, while the most popular flight route is Sydney-Melbourne.
If you liked our article on the safest low-cost airlines, you may also want to read New State Laws: Here’s What Travelers Need to Know About in 2024.
