When it comes to flying on a budget, Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air are two of the most popular ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) in the U.S.
But with low fares often come big questions: Which airline is actually safer? Who has fewer incidents? And if you're a nervous flyer, who will keep you calm at 35,000 feet?
Quick Comparison Snapshot
| Feature | Spirit Airlines | Allegiant Air |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 (as Charter One) | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Miramar, FL | Las Vegas, NV |
| Fleet Size (2025) | ~200 | ~120 |
| Avg Fleet Age | ~7.1 years | ~13.7 years |
| Fatal Crashes (Lifetime) | 0 | 0 |
| FAA / IOSA Certified | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Crash History and Major Incidents
Spirit Airlines:
- Zero fatal crashes in its 40+ years of operations
- Occasional emergency landings due to smoke alarms or technical warnings
- No injuries or major safety breakdowns in recent history
- Clean record with FAA oversight
Allegiant Air:
- Also zero fatal crashes, but…
- More media scrutiny in the 2010s
- A 2016 "60 Minutes" report flagged concerns about mechanical issues, frequent emergency landings, and aging planes
- Since then, Allegiant has restructured safety processes and overhauled its fleet
Verdict: Both airlines are statistically safe—but Spirit has a cleaner, less controversial record.
Fleet Age and Maintenance
| Metric | Spirit Airlines | Allegiant Air |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Fleet Age (2025) | ~7.1 years | ~13.7 years |
| Aircraft Types | All-Airbus fleet | All-Airbus fleet |
| Fleet Uniformity | High | High |
| Maintenance Model | In-house + contractors | Mostly outsourced |
Spirit Airlines:
- Operates one of the youngest fleets in the U.S.
- Standardized aircraft (mostly Airbus A320s and A321s) = easier to maintain
- Fewer age-related mechanical issues
Allegiant Air:
- Older fleet overall, though it has retired all MD-80s
- Now flies Airbus A319s and A320s
- Greater number of mechanical alerts in past, but improvement noted in recent FAA reports
Verdict: Spirit wins this round with a newer fleet and simplified maintenance approach.
Pilot and Crew Training
Both airlines are FAA Part 121 carriers, meaning:
- Strict pilot training standards
- Routine simulator training
- Emergency drills and CPR certification
- Crew preparedness for evacuation, decompression, fire, turbulence
Spirit:
- Pilots fly fewer types of aircraft, improving familiarity
- Known for standardized training across all bases
- Reports of strong safety culture from former employees
Allegiant:
- Also Part 121 compliant
- Some concerns in earlier years about pilot feedback systems and scheduling pressure
- Has taken steps to strengthen training and fatigue protocols
Verdict: Both carriers now meet full FAA requirements, but Spirit's consistency and internal reviews earn a slight edge.
Nervous Flyer Experience
| Feature | Spirit | Allegiant |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Environment | Bright, loud, casual | Minimalist, neutral |
| Communication During Flight | Often humorous, clear | Depends on crew |
| Comfort Options | Pay for legroom/priority | Pay for comfort options |
| Turbulence Reassurance | Frequent updates | Inconsistent |
Spirit Airlines:
- Some flyers love their relaxed, joking tone, which can help calm nerves
- Others may find it informal—but most report solid communication during turbulence
- Planes tend to feel more modern and fresh
Allegiant Air:
- More no-frills and to-the-point
- Fewer inflight announcements
- Older cabins can feel louder or less insulated against turbulence
Verdict: Spirit offers better emotional safety for nervous flyers thanks to clearer crew communication and more modern cabins.
FAA Oversight and Safety Culture
Both airlines are:
- Regularly audited by the FAA
- IOSA-certified (International Air Transport Association's highest safety audit)
- Subject to unannounced inspections
- Required to log and respond to every inflight incident, no matter how minor
Allegiant had a turbulent safety reputation in the mid-2010s but has rebuilt trust with the FAA and improved internal culture.
Spirit continues to operate with fewer red flags and a stronger reputation among aviation insiders.
Verdict: Both are FAA-approved, but Spirit is considered the more consistently stable safety performer.
💡 Pro Tip: Whether you choose Spirit or Allegiant, the SkyCalm app provides essential anxiety management tools that budget airlines don't offer, including breathing exercises, safety education, and calming techniques.
Head-to-Head Safety Summary
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fatal Accidents | 🔁 Tie (0 for both) |
| Avg Fleet Age | ✅ Spirit (~7.1 yrs) |
| Pilot Training | ✅ Spirit |
| Maintenance Consistency | ✅ Spirit |
| In-Flight Communication | ✅ Spirit |
| FAA and IOSA Oversight | 🔁 Tie |
| Public Safety Reputation | ✅ Spirit (fewer media issues) |
Final Verdict: Which Ultra-Budget Airline Is Safer?
Both Spirit and Allegiant are safe.
But if you're comparing based on:
- Fewer incidents
- Newer, better-maintained planes
- Stronger emotional comfort for anxious flyers
🏆 Spirit Airlines takes the win.
It combines affordability with a newer fleet, reliable maintenance practices, and an inflight experience that—while no-frills—offers more communication and reassurance in the moments that matter.
Allegiant is still safe but better suited for short-haul, confident travelers familiar with ultra-low-cost expectations.
Flying Either Budget Carrier?
SkyCalm provides comprehensive flight anxiety management specifically designed for ultra-low-cost carriers, offering the emotional support and safety education that budget airlines don't include.
Download SkyCalm on iOSRemember
Both Spirit and Allegiant maintain strict FAA safety standards. Your choice can come down to fleet age, communication style, and route availability—both will get you there safely at budget prices.