When booking a flight, safety is one of the first things that comes to mind. While air travel is generally considered one of the safest modes of transportation, not all airlines have the same safety records. Some have managed to operate for decades without a single fatal crash involving passengers. If you’re someone who likes to research before booking or you simply want peace of mind while flying, knowing which airlines have never experienced a fatal accident can be incredibly reassuring.
This list highlights several U.S.-based airlines with perfect records in terms of passenger fatalities. Keep in mind that “no fatal crash” refers specifically to incidents involving passengers and does not include accidents without loss of life or those involving cargo or training flights. Here’s what you should know.
Why Airline Safety Records Matter
Airline safety statistics aren’t just numbers on a chart. They reflect how seriously an airline prioritizes maintenance, training, emergency preparedness, and overall operational integrity. While the aviation industry as a whole is regulated by strict federal guidelines, airlines with zero fatal crashes have demonstrated long-term consistency in meeting or exceeding those standards.
As a traveler, checking an airline’s safety history can help you make more confident decisions, especially for long-haul or international trips.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is often praised for its excellent service, but many travelers may not realize it also has an impressive safety track record. Based in Seattle, this airline has never had a fatal crash involving one of its mainline passenger flights.
That’s particularly notable considering Alaska Airlines frequently flies in and out of regions with unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, like Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Their consistent performance is a result of strict safety protocols and experienced crews trained for a variety of operating conditions.
Southwest Airlines
If you’ve ever flown domestically in the U.S., chances are you’ve considered Southwest. Known for its budget-friendly fares and two free checked bags, it’s also one of the safest airlines in the country.
Southwest Airlines has never experienced a fatal crash involving passenger fatalities on a commercial flight. While there was a tragic incident in 2018 when a passenger died due to engine failure, the flight landed safely, and that remains the only fatality in the airline’s long history. The airline continues to prioritize preventive maintenance and pilot training.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines stands out not just for its tropical destinations but also for its pristine safety record. Since its founding in 1929, Hawaiian has never had a fatal accident involving passengers on a scheduled commercial flight.
This is especially impressive considering its long history and the challenging Pacific routes it flies. With flights operating between the islands and to mainland U.S. cities, Hawaiian maintains high standards in fleet upkeep and operational training, ensuring both locals and tourists reach their destinations safely.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue, a relatively young airline compared to others on this list, has also never had a fatal passenger crash since launching operations in 2000. The airline operates primarily within the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America, and has built a reputation for comfort and customer service.
JetBlue’s modern fleet and tech-forward approach have contributed to its safety record. The airline also maintains rigorous pilot training programs and routine safety audits, giving travelers another reliable option when flying domestically or to nearby international destinations.
Spirit Airlines
Despite being the subject of frequent jokes due to its ultra-low-cost model, Spirit Airlines actually has a spotless fatal crash record. The budget carrier has been flying since 1983 (and under the Spirit name since 1992) without a fatal passenger accident.
This goes to show that cost doesn’t necessarily correlate with safety. Spirit meets the same FAA safety regulations as legacy carriers, and its pilots and crews are held to industry-wide standards. For travelers on a tight budget, knowing that Spirit also has a clean safety history can make those savings feel even better.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier is another low-cost airline that often competes with Spirit and Southwest. While it may not be known for luxury, it does have something important going for it: a clean fatality record.
Founded in the 1990s in its current form (the name goes back further, but today’s Frontier is a new entity), the airline has operated without any fatal commercial crashes. With a focus on domestic U.S. routes and growing coverage into Mexico and the Caribbean, Frontier gives safety-conscious travelers another affordable option.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant is a smaller carrier based in Las Vegas that often flies to regional airports other airlines don’t serve. While it has had a few high-profile incidents and been the subject of safety scrutiny in the past, Allegiant has never experienced a fatal passenger crash.
That said, travelers should still pay attention to recent safety ratings and FAA compliance updates. An airline can have a clean fatality record and still need to improve other areas of safety operations. Nonetheless, the lack of fatal crashes is still an important metric.
What “No Fatal Crash” Really Means
It’s worth pointing out that “no fatal crash” does not mean the airline has never had any incidents. Airlines may still experience mechanical issues, emergency landings, or non-fatal injuries. However, when an airline goes decades without a single passenger fatality, it reflects an ongoing commitment to safety and crisis management.
Also, many of these airlines operate within strict regulatory environments. U.S.-based airlines must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards, undergo frequent inspections, and regularly train staff in both routine and emergency protocols. These factors contribute to the strong safety records you’re seeing.
Tips for Flying Safely, No Matter the Airline
Even though flying with an airline that has a great safety record is a good start, there are things you can do to improve your own safety during a flight:
- Always wear your seatbelt when seated, even if the sign is off.
- Pay attention to the safety briefing, even if you’ve flown many times before.
- Choose a seat near the exit if possible. Studies have shown those seats may slightly improve survival chances in rare emergencies.
- Stay calm and alert during boarding and takeoff, which are statistically the most accident-prone phases of flight.
- Keep your shoes on during takeoff and landing in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Final Thoughts
Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel, especially when you choose an airline with a proven safety record. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a work trip, or a visit to family, knowing that your airline has never experienced a fatal passenger crash can give you added peace of mind.
From major players like Alaska and Southwest to budget-friendly carriers like Spirit and Frontier, several U.S. airlines have maintained spotless records over the years. While no airline can guarantee zero incidents, choosing one with a long history of passenger safety is a smart move for any traveler.