As an avid flyer, I’d like to avoid thinking about unsafe airlines altogether. But if I have to consider safety, I’ll at least settle on the good news. In AirlineRatings.com newly-released annual list of the world’s 20 safest airlines, I was pleasantly surprised to find all my top choices made the cut.
The list, which ranks both the largest and most well-known carriers, along with low-cost carriers, should give you a sigh of relief. “I would say the airline system is incredibly safe,” says Geoffrey Thomas, editor-in-chief of AirlineRatings.com. In making the list, the company looked at factors including fleet age, serious incidents, fatalities, audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies, industry-leading safety initiatives, and more.
Flying has been a frazzled ordeal ever since the pandemic hit, and the recent Southwest meltdown hasn’t made things any better. But amid mask mandates, cancellations from storms, and unruly passengers fighting over reclining seats, it’s nice to know we’re safe in the skies regardless.
Qantas took the top spot as the safest airline for 2023, replacing last year’s winner, Air New Zealand. Alaska Airlines took the eighth spot, making it the safest among the U.S. carriers. Many other U.S. airlines made the top 20 as well, including Hawaiian Airlines, United, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Check out the full list here.
by travelers, for travelers.
