Budget airlines offer significant savings for travelers, but at what cost? Several high-profile aviation accidents in the last few years may have you wondering if budget airlines are as safe as the major carriers.
Budget airlines are cheaper because they offer reduced services, amenities, and service. You may have to pay additional fees to check luggage, get a meal, or pick your seat. Major carriers include these features automatically but pass on the costs to you in the price of the ticket. Budget carriers give you a choice about whether to have those amenities. They don’t cut corners on safety.
According to the annual safety index of the world’s 60 largest carriers produced by the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre in Germany, several low-cost carriers (AirAsia, JetStar, and EasyJet) were rated safer than 2 of the major U.S. carriers.
So the short answer is – Yes, budget carriers are just as safe as major carriers. Airlines realize that accidents are going to have a significant impact on business. They may cut corners on meal service, but not on safety.
If you’re still worried, there are a few ways to research the airline in question. You could consult the EU Banned List to see which airlines are not allowed to operate in the EU. The FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment doesn’t apply to specific airlines, but instead deals with the Civil Aviation Authority in the countries that they are based in.
If you’re still nervous, maybe you should book your travel with a major carrier. Just realize that you’re going to pay more, and it’s not because they’re safer.