Southwest is one of the most recognizable—and most loved—airlines in the U.S. Known for its no-frills, no-baggage-fee policy and laid-back crews, it's a favorite among travelers. But if you're anxious about flying, or just cautious, you might be wondering: Is Southwest Airlines actually safe?
Southwest at a Glance
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas |
| Fleet Size (2025) | ~800 aircraft |
| Average Fleet Age | ~12 years |
| Fatal Crashes (Lifetime) | 1 (2018 – single fatality) |
| FAA Certified | Yes |
| Known For | Safety, humor, reliability |
Has Southwest Ever Had a Crash?
Yes—one in over five decades.
April 17, 2018 – Flight 1380
- Flight 1380 suffered an uncontained engine failure
- A piece of the engine shattered a window, leading to one fatality
- The aircraft landed safely
- The pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, was praised worldwide for her professionalism and composure
Verdict: While tragic, the incident was handled exceptionally well and led to industry-wide engine inspection changes. It's the only fatality in Southwest's 50+ year history.
Maintenance and Safety Procedures
Southwest operates one of the simplest and most efficient fleets in the U.S.
- All-Boeing 737 fleet = easier maintenance, easier pilot training
- Fewer aircraft types = lower chances of system failure due to fleet complexity
- In-house maintenance facilities in key hubs
- FAA Part 121 certified (same safety oversight as Delta, American, etc.)
Verdict: Southwest's streamlined approach gives it a maintenance advantage, and they meet or exceed all U.S. aviation safety standards.
Pilot Training and Crew Response
Southwest pilots:
- Undergo regular simulator testing
- Are trained for turbulence, medical emergencies, engine failure, and more
- Are often veterans or former regional captains
- Have a reputation for excellent cockpit communication and emergency control
Cabin crew:
- Are trained in first aid, fire response, CPR, decompression, and evacuations
- Are also known for passenger communication and morale during in-flight stress
Verdict: Southwest's crews are among the most praised in the industry, especially during unexpected events.
Turbulence and Nervous Flyers
Southwest is known for excellent communication during turbulence.
- Pilots often make calm, clear announcements ahead of or during bumps
- Cabin crew keeps the atmosphere relaxed (sometimes even funny)
- Passengers report feeling more informed and reassured compared to legacy carriers
- Plus, the 737 handles domestic turbulence well—especially newer MAX and -800 models
Verdict: Southwest is a top pick for nervous flyers, especially those who feel better with humor, updates, and human interaction.
Cabin Environment and Calmness
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seatback Screens | None (bring your own device) |
| Free Wi-Fi/TV | Yes (via mobile device) |
| In-Flight Announcements | Friendly, frequent |
| Cabin Lighting | Calm, consistent across fleet |
You won't get luxury, but you'll get consistency and communication, which matters more to many anxious travelers.
Verdict: Simple, grounded, and upbeat—Southwest's cabin environment is emotionally safe for nervous flyers.
💡 Pro Tip: Southwest's friendly communication style pairs perfectly with the SkyCalm app's anxiety management techniques, giving you both human support from the crew and digital tools for managing flight fears.
Safety Stats Compared to Other U.S. Airlines
| Airline | Fatal Crashes (Since 2000) | Fleet Size | Public Trust Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | 1 (single fatality, 2018) | ~800 | Very high |
| Delta | 0 | ~950 | Very high |
| American | 1 (2001) | ~950 | High |
| United | 0 | ~940 | High |
| Alaska | 0 since 2000 | ~330 | Very high |
Verdict: Southwest is safely in the top tier, with one of the cleanest long-term records and an extremely loyal flying base.
Why Nervous Flyers Love Southwest
Communication Style
- Pilots use conversational, reassuring language
- Flight attendants explain what's happening during turbulence
- Crew often uses appropriate humor to lighten tense moments
- Frequent updates about flight progress and conditions
Consistency
- All Boeing 737s mean predictable cabin layout
- Standardized procedures across all flights
- Same safety protocols regardless of route
- Familiar experience for frequent flyers
Final Thoughts: Is Southwest Airlines Safe?
Yes. Very.
Southwest has:
- One of the strongest safety records in commercial aviation
- No fatal crashes until 2018—and that event was handled heroically
- A well-maintained, uniform fleet
- Calm, capable, friendly crews
- A passenger-first culture that shines in uncertain moments
If you're a nervous flyer looking for a balance of simplicity, humor, and safety—Southwest is a top choice.
Flying Southwest and Want Extra Confidence?
SkyCalm provides comprehensive flight anxiety management, safety education about major carriers like Southwest, and techniques to complement their already supportive cabin environment.
Download SkyCalm on iOSRemember
Southwest's combination of excellent safety record, simplified operations, and genuinely caring crew makes it one of the most trusted airlines for nervous flyers in America.