What Are the Safest Airlines in the U.S.? (2025 Rankings)

Complete ranking of the safest U.S. airlines in 2025. Compare accident history, fleet age, maintenance standards, and safety certifications for peace of mind when booking flights.

What Makes an Airline "Safe"?

When it comes to air travel, especially for nervous flyers, one of the top concerns is safety. Airline safety isn't just about avoiding crashes — it's about systems, training, and preparedness.

Fatal accident record
Recent incident history
Maintenance standards
Fleet age and upgrades
Pilot and crew training
FAA and international compliance

Top 10 Safest Airlines in the U.S. (2025)

These rankings reflect a combination of historical safety data, airline operations, and third-party audits from aviation safety organizations.

1

Delta Air Lines

Industry-leading maintenance via TechOps, rigorous pilot training, and a spotless safety record for 35+ years.

Last Fatal Crash
1987
Fleet Size
~950
Fleet Age
14.4 years
35+ years without fatalities Proactive technology investment Top-tier operations
2

Alaska Airlines

High performance in cold and rugged environments, emphasis on safety culture, and excellent pilot training.

Last Fatal Crash
2000
Fleet Size
~330
Fleet Age
10.8 years
Excellent FAA compliance Superior maintenance practices Cold weather expertise
3

Hawaiian Airlines

Strong focus on inter-island reliability, calm routes, and meticulous fleet upkeep. One of the most incident-free airlines in the world.

Fatal Crashes
None (modern era)
Fleet Size
~60
Fleet Age
12.6 years
Zero fatal crashes Inter-island reliability Meticulous maintenance
4

American Airlines

Largest U.S. carrier with modern safety tech and real-time aircraft health tracking. Strong rebound from past incidents with 20+ years of safe operations.

Last Fatal Crash
2001
Fleet Size
~950
Fleet Age
12.1 years
5

United Airlines

Industry innovation in predictive maintenance and pilot training through Aviate Academy. Long record of incident-free flying with major investment in training and tech.

Last Fatal Crash
1991
Fleet Size
~930
Fleet Age
16.5 years
6

Southwest Airlines

Strong safety protocols, open seating efficiency, and extensive FAA audits. One of the most trusted domestic carriers with a long record of safety.

Last Fatality
2018 (engine failure)
Fleet Size
~800
Fleet Age
~13 years
7

JetBlue Airways

Advanced Airbus fleet, excellent maintenance, and modern pilot procedures. Clean record and high safety ratings, especially for a low-cost model.

Fatal Crashes
None
Fleet Size
~280
Fleet Age
11.3 years
8

Allegiant Air

Focus on underserved routes with newer aircraft added since 2022. Past scrutiny led to major safety overhauls and strong FAA oversight.

Fatal Crashes
None
Fleet Size
~120
Fleet Age
~14 years
9

Sun Country Airlines

Known for operational safety and transparent reporting. Small but reputable — consistent with FAA requirements and audits.

Fatal Crashes
None
Fleet Size
~50
Fleet Age
17+ years
10

Frontier Airlines

Budget airline with high-efficiency Airbus A320neo family jets. Excellent record with new planes and good maintenance tracking, despite budget model.

Fatal Crashes
None (modern era)
Fleet Size
~125
Fleet Age
5.7 years
Youngest fleet in U.S.

Still feeling nervous about flying?

Try the SkyCalm app — offering SOS support, breathing exercises, and educational content designed to calm your mind and educate you about flight safety.

Recommended Reading

How to Evaluate Airline Safety Yourself

If you want to do your own research, check the following resources:

FAA Safety Reports - Aviation Safety Network database AirlineRatings.com - Global airline safety rankings

Final Thoughts

Whether you're flying across the country or taking a short hop, these U.S. airlines have proven their commitment to safety. From decades without crashes to advanced onboard tech and rigorous maintenance, flying with any of these carriers means you're in good hands.

The United States is home to some of the safest airlines in the world, with strict FAA regulations and a culture of continuous safety improvement across the industry.

Ready for Calmer Flights?

Join thousands who've conquered their flight anxiety with evidence-based techniques and real-time support.

Download SkyCalm on iOS