World's Safest Airlines, Ranked

Find out which airlines promise not only first-rate amenities and service, but a safe ride to where you're going.

World's Safest Airlines, Ranked

When it comes to airlines, we spend most of our time harping on the fact that they're charging more for fewer amenities, running late or canceling flights, and lacking in customer service. But there's another concern that should be top of mind: safety. Which airlines are best at delivering passengers to their destination without putting them at risk?

To answer that question, AirlineRatings.com conducts an annual review to determine the safest airlines in the world. The 98-year-old Australian-based company examines 385 airlines using different criteria, including fleet age, crash and serious incident record, and government audits. It even added a COVID-19 rating to its latest results.

Here, we share their list of the 20 major airlines and 10 low-cost airlines that get perfect scores for safety. And then, because things like customer service, amenities and reliability matter, too, we've ranked these safety-first airlines from worst to best based on their customer reviews. The airlines at the top of this list promise the best of everything: high-quality amenities, first-rate service and, most important of all, a safe ride.

20. American Airlines

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 14

Worst crash: 271 killed in crash of 1979

*Serious crashes are defined as those in which there was at least one airline passenger death where the aircraft flight had a direct or indirect role, and where at least one of the dead passengers was not a stowaway, hijacker or saboteur.

American Airlines: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 2.2/10

Passengers love: First-rate frequent-flier program and ongoing efforts to improve

Sample good review: "Its frequent flyer program is miles ahead of the other U.S. carriers. Website and app are great. New hires are more enthusiastic and customer friendly. New planes are nice. I have had the occasional bad experience — most often due to weather. But on the whole, my opinion is largely positive." (Michael)

Passengers hate: Poor customer service; frequent delays and cancellations

Sample bad review: "Avoid American Airlines at all cost." (Winifred)

19. United Airlines

Safety Rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:11

Worst crash: 111 killed in crash of 1989

United Airlines: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 2.8/10

Customers love: Generally good reliability and food

Sample good review: "The food was great, giving you a lot of good-tasting stuff for a relatively low price." (Dmitri)

Customers hate: Subpar cleanliness, comfort and service

Sample bad review: "I can't express how much of a disappointment and annoyance came with choosing this airline to travel, from rude staff to horrible customer service all the way to dirty cabin and hungover crew. This was by far the worst airline I have ever encountered in around 40 flights I have taken in my life." (Mike)

18. British Airways

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 3

Worst crash: 113 killed in crash of 1976

British Airways: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 3.4/10

Customers love: Decent reliability and timeliness

Sample good review: "When compared to economy on other European carriers, it was [above] average." (Rudi)

Customers hate: Poor customer service and outdated planes

Sample bad review: "Non-existent customer service." (Lambert)

17. Delta Air Lines

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 7

Worst crash: 50 killed in 2006

Delta Air Lines: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 3.9/10

Passengers love: The seamless check-in process and in-flight entertainment

Sample good review: "The food and drinks were amazing. We did have a delay in taking off, but we got there in one piece. The seats were amazing. There were was an in-flight entailment ... The captain was very nice. I liked them so much that I signed up for the program a few months later." (Mason)

Passengers hate: Customer service

Sample bad review: "Just went to check-in for my flight 24 hours prior to departure and found out that they had sold out all seats on the second leg of our flight! No seats???? We paid to get from LAX to Spokane, not just halfway. 1.5 hour wait time to speak with a rep. So I guess we’re walking from Seattle to Spokane because we didn’t realize these crooks require customers to pay an extra $15 per seat to ensure that you actually get a seat on the flight you paid for." (Guy)

16. Scandinavian Airline System (SAS)

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 2

Worst crash: 152 killed in crash of 2008

SAS: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 4.2/10

Passengers love: Friendly, polite staff and good meals

Sample good review: "Classic casual and elegant inflight service, provided by attentive and friendly staff." (Claes)

Passengers hate: Tight spaces and uncomfortable seats

Sample bad review: "I will not make the mistake of flying them again and recommend the same to all other potential travelers. It is of great disappointment, sorry to say." (Peter)

15. Finnair

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:0

Worst crash: No crashes

Finnair: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 4.4/10

Passengers love: Decent rates and friendly service

Sample good review: "The attendants were wonderful and friendly. The takeoff, landing and flight itself went smoothly and good, too. This flight was PERFECT!" (Annica)

Passengers hate: Cramped seats and low-quality amenities

Sample bad review: "Dirty, tired, angled seats and poor food." (Russell)

14. Lufthansa

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:4

Worst crash: 120 killed in crash of 2015

Lufthansa: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 4.6/10

Passengers love: High-quality amenities

Sample good review: "Overall the 12-hour flight was outstanding." (Christopher)

Passengers hate: Poorly handled disputes and lack of telephone customer service

Sample bad review: "Lufthansa has really gone downhill especially for customer service. Don’t bother phoning their contact centre or e-mailing for help. Feedback functionality seems to be permanently down on the website. I got a lot of standard scripted answers but no help. Very disappointed!" (roundworld)

13. Hawaiian Airlines

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:0

Worst crash: No crashes

Hawaiian Airlines: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 4.8/10

Passengers love: Free on-board entertainment

Sample good review: "It was a good experience overall; pleasant cabin crew, good entertainment choices, acceptable food. I would definitely choose them again." (Nika)

Passengers hate: Bad attitudes from the flight crew

Sample bad review: "I always imagined this airline would be one of those airlines where you walk away telling everyone about the beautiful crew on board, not how rude they were." (Geoff)

12. KLM

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:3

Worst crash: 248 KLM passengers and 337 Pan Am passengers killed in collision in 1977

KLM: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 4.9/10

Passengers love: Business Class comforts

Sample good review: "Excellent, friendly service on the very best aircraft." (David)

Passengers hate: Rude staff for economy passengers

Sample bad review: "When an airline has so many claims that after 46 days, your claim hasn’t been started, you have to ask yourself 'Is KLM the right airline to fly with?'” (Paul)

11. Emirates

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:0

Worst crash: 300 safe after crash of 2016

Emirates: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.3/10

Passengers love: High-quality amenities and service all around

Sample good review: "Best airline ever with the friendliest cabin crew." (Shivika)

Passengers hate: Poor-quality food and lack of options

Sample bad review: "The last 2 flights out of Sydney the food was terrible could not eat I hope this is not going to be the case again will have to try something else never use to be a problem." (Ronald)

10. Virgin Atlantic

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:0

Worst crash: No crashes

Virgin Atlantic: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.3/10

Passengers love: Fun and compassionate crew

Sample good review: "I really cannot thank you all at Virgin enough. Absolutely fantastic both before and after I needed assistance. Thank you, thank you, thank you." (Margaret)

Passengers hate: Dirty planes and subpar food

Sample bad review: "Food was like warm and every time something was served everything was dripping with water." (Natalie)

9. Etihad Airways

Safetyrating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Worst crash: No crashes

Etihad Airways: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.5/10

Passengers love: Economy rates

Sample good review: "We are loyal to Etihad Airways (I will be flying with them again in two weeks) but, unfortunately, I think we will stop soon. The service on board in always great, don’t take me wrong, it is a great company to fly with, but their reward system is just horrible and always a pain." (Juliane)

Passengers hate: The airline did not release refunds due to COVID cancellations.

Sample bad review: "Worst trip in my life. Bad food and rubbish customer service and rubbish handling to my luggage." (Man)

8. Alaska Airlines

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:3

Worst crash:257 killed in crash of 1979

Alaska Airlines: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.7/10

Passengers love: Amazing in-person customer service

Sample good review: "Easily the best airline in the world for end-to-end experience." (Scott)

Passengers hate: Poor customer service via phone

Sample bad review: "We cannot trust reservations on Alaska Airlines. Not even first class. Alaska used to be a fine airline. Something has changed." (Mike)

7. Cathay Pacific Airways

Safety Rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:1

Worst Crash: 81 killed in crash of 1972

Cathay Pacific Airways: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.8/10

Passengers love: Comfortable seats and delicious food

Sample good review: "The seats are incredibly comfortable and enough space to stretch out your legs. The food was fantastic and so was the flight attendants." (Annica)

Passengers hate: Spotty customer service and frequent delays

Sample bad review: "I have flown with Cathay Pacific previously and each time the flights have been delayed; this was the worst. I am afraid to say I will avoid flying with this carrier again." (Jeff)

6. Qantas

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:0

Worst crash: No crashes

Qantas: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.8/10

Passengers love: Decent meals and service

Sample good review: "The service, entertainment and professionalism made this a pleasant flight." (Joel)

Passengers hate: Lots of delays and late flights

Sample bad review: "Worst experience ever." (Serena)

5. EVA Air

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:0

Worst crash: No crashes

EVA Air: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.9/10

Passengers love: Attentive cabin crew

Sample good review: "Pleasurable flight with great service." (Todd)

Passengers hate: Troublesome ticket counters and policies

Sample bad review: "I was despaired with frustration for my first time taking international flight via Eva Airways. I would never want anyone to take any international flight via Eva Airways." (Yirong)

4. Southwest Airlines

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Worst crash: No crashes

Southwest Airlines: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 6/10

Customers love: Value, no hidden fees and entertaining crew

Sample good review: "Great crew! I can never say enough about the professionalism and attention to customer care that Southwest displays. Makes every trip a pleasure." (Cathy)

Customers hate: The boarding process

Sample bad review: "Simply put, SWA is overrated. The biggest complaint is the boarding process. It is advertised as this entirely democratic, first-come-first-served system. The reality is quite different. Despite going on their website exactly 24 hours ahead of departure, we ended up in about the middle of the line. Priority is now given to those willing to pay a fee or who are enrolled in their credit card or whatever. The three of us almost ended up not getting to sit together." (Edward)

3. Singapore Airlines

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:2

Worst crash: 81 killed in crash of 2000

Singapore Airlines: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 6.4/10

Passengers love: Speedy check-in and baggage return; ample cabin space; pleasant service

Sample good review:"Absolutely fantastic service and staff are always so nice to customers. Really left us feeling very well looked after." (Me)

Passengers hate: Meals and beverages leave much to be desired

Sample bad review: "No pre-dinner drink at all. Food was very ordinary and we were only offered 2 meals on this long flight. They did offer very plain snack food in between but it was pretty bad." (Elizabeth)

2. Air New Zealand

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:2

Worst crash:257 killed in crash of 1979

Air New Zealand: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 6.8/10

Passengers love: Comfortable seats and amenities for long hauls, including new Sky Couches

Sample good review: "I have flown with other airlines long haul in the past and NZ has been the absolute best so far." (Lana)

Passengers hate: Lack of customer service at the airport

Sample bad review: "I will NEVER fly Air New Zealand again. The worst Airline I have flown in 40 years!!" (Daniel)

1. Qatar Airways

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970:0

Worst crash: No crashes

Qatar: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 7.7/10

Passengers love: Lots of legroom and comfortable seats; great service

Sample good review: "From the start it was an excellent experience. It was a long flight, and in economy, but service was efficient, responsive and friendly." (Melita)

Passengers hate: Cancelations, bumpings and delays without notice

Sample bad review: "Delays, delays, delays!!! Horrible food and limited choice drinks. Never again." (Rudi)

Safest Low-Cost Airlines

AirlineRatings.com also reviews the safety of budget airline carriers. When you want to take a cheap flight from a more local carrier, you'll be pleased to know none of the following airlines had any fatalities.

They do, however, have some pretty poor customer service and negative reviews.

So, which budget airline is the safest and the most tolerable? We rank the top 10, again, based on customer reviews.

10. Frontier

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

Frontier: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 2.4/10

Passengers love: Decent service and amenities for budget carrier

Sample good review: "Had a very good experience with frontier. Would definitely fly again. Don’t expect luxury seats on an economy flight." (Rose)

Passengers hate: Canceled and delayed flights

Sample bad review: "This airline cost us hours of our time, money and a day and a half of our vacation." (Allana)

9. Air Arabia

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

Air Arabia: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 3/10

Passengers love: Cabin seating

Sample good review: Too limited to report

Passengers hate: Customer service and on-board service

Sample bad review: "The worst experience of my life." (Rasha)

8. Allegiant Air

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

Allegiant Air: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 3.2/10

Passengers love: Affordability

Sample good review: "I feel I have to post this review as so many people have posted negative ones based on absolutely nothing other than expecting a first-class flight for a basic economy price. I have flown Allegiant at least 10 times in the last year and a half from Des Moines to multiple locations in Florida and to Phoenix-Mesa. I have absolutely no complaints with any aspect of the entire experience any single time." (Aaron)

Passengers hate: Lack of in-flight entertainment

Sample bad review: "Zero rating! First and last time I’ll use this airline." (Robin)

7. easyJet

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

easyJet: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 3.6/10

Passengers love: Value and cabin space

Sample good review: "Excellent experience several times on Split to Geneva flight." (Amela)

Passengers hate: Too many delays

Sample bad review: "I have one glaring problem with their service — the luggage allowance. I know they have a silly one-bag-only policy, so I accommodated on my Eurotrip. Flew with them three times and, on the last leg, was forced to spend an extra 60 euros after one look at my bag. Never flying with these jokers again." (Jaffer)

6. Ryanair

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

Ryanair: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 3.8/10

Passengers love: Value for the money

Sample good review: "For the price paid, it is an excellent option." (Rogier)

Passengers hate: In-flight entertainment and meals

Sample bad review: "I’d rather take the bus. That’s how it feels anyway." (Stravos)

5. Wizz Air

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

Wizz Air: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 4.1/10

Passengers love: Good efficiency and timeliness

Sample good review: "It is an airline that offers cheap prices but for the cost of tickets it far exceeds my expectations and I’d pick them over Ryanair when possible as much as possible." (Luke)

Passengers hate: Lost luggage

Sample bad review: "They lost my luggage last December and haven’t heard back from them since. Their call centre is a joke, they keep selling me the same doughnut every time i call. The person assigned to deal with my claim doesn’t even reply to my emails." (Liviu)

4. WestJet

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

WestJet: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 4.3/10

Passengers love: It's safe

Sample good review: "For me, safety is number one. I chose west Jet because of their safety record. Flights were on time and no hassle with luggage. Food was nothing special, but I did not choose them for the food. There was no in-flight entertainment which for me is not a biggy, as long as I get to and from my destination safely, it's all good." (Jennifer)

Passengers hate: Poor customer service

Sample bad review: "Their customer service sucks and their employees have no clue what they’re doing." (Sarah)

3. JetBlue

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

JetBlue: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5/10

Passengers love: Great flight attendants

Sample good review: "The flight was delayed due to storms and most passengers were a little grumpy. Our flight attendant, Nick, was so upbeat and cheerful that the mood of everyone around me improved. Thanks Nick, way to go." (Susan)

Passengers hate: Major delays

Sample bad review: "Worst airline ever. I travel a lot and this the first time using JetBlue it will be the last. Delayed 6hrs. Maintenance issue. No apology No compensation. Absolutely brutal!!!!!" (Richard)

2. Jetstar Australia/Asia

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

Jetstar: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 5.3/10

Passengers love: Attentive service

Sample good review: "Overall it was very good. I would fly they again. No problems." (Andrew)

Passengers hate: Unreliable

Sample bad review: "A less than average experience on a PER to DPS flight. Long unexplained delay before takeoff, not received the pre-booked and paid seat and part of the crew was really stressed even it was the first flight for the day." (Bryan)

1. VietJet Air

Safety rating: 7/7

Number of serious crashes since 1970: 0

Non-fatal incidents on record: Nothing of note

VietJet Air: What Customers Think

Passenger rating: 6.9/10

Passengers love: Nothing of note

Sample good review: "We had two flights with Vietjet ... all flights were on time. We enjoyed flying with them, and we didn’t have any issues." (Daniel)

Passengers hate: Pretty much everything

Sample bad review: "Ridiculous. I will never fly this airline, even if my life depended on it. They canceled my flight the day before, would not answer the phone, as they have no customer service, and I still three months later don’t have my international flight resolved." (Share)