Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer flights at affordable rates, often at any time of year, which makes travel for budget-conscious adventurers possible where it otherwise wouldn’t be. However, such low fares regularly arouse fears for travellers, who wonder are budget airlines safe.
Flight Tribe’s research shows that budget airlines stick to the same strict safety regulations as traditional airlines. In fact, many of these budget airlines earn top safety ratings around the world. From pilot training to aircraft maintenance, safety standards are high and taken very seriously, meaning you can fly confidently without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll explore why budget airlines are safe, debunk popular myths about them, and share tips for choosing reliable low-cost carriers.
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Why Budget Airlines Are Safe
Like full-service airlines, budget carriers have to operate under the same rigorous regulations, which are enforced by authorities like the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These regulations mean that airlines cannot compromise on safety. Here’s what they cover:
- Pilot Training: Minimum 1,500 hours of flight experience, which is the same as premium airlines.
- Aircraft Maintenance: Inspections and repairs are regular and are audited by EASA.
- Safety Protocols: Emergency procedures and crew training are standardised and non-negotiable.
For example, despite Ryanair delivering over 2 billion passenger journeys since 1984, the airline has maintained a perfect safety record in that time, without a single fatal incident.
EasyJet holds a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, matching British Airways’ score.
Data from the Aviation Safety Network also demonstrates that Wizz Air and other similar airlines have had no fatal incidents in the 21st century, proving that cutting costs does not cut safety.
EASA includes unannounced audits in its oversight, meaning that European airlines have to be compliant. This has manifested in budget carriers like Jetstar investing over £1 million annually per aircraft on maintenance, per industry estimates. This keeps their safety records comparable to, or better than, many legacy airlines.
In 2024, Eurocontrol reported that 45% of European flights were delivered by budget airlines, and no safety-related disparities were found.
Common Myths About Budget Airline Safety
Misconceptions often cause inaccurate perceptions about budget airline safety. Here, we debunk the most common myths with evidence:
| Myth | Debunk |
| Budget airlines use old, unsafe planes | Traditional airlines often have planes that are up to 12 years old, whereas Ryanair’s fleet averages at 8. EasyJet’s Airbus A320s are typically 7 years old and are equipped with modern safety features, such as collision-avoidance systems. |
| Cost-cutting compromises safety | Maintenance standards are uniform across all airlines, with EASA and CAA audits. No safety-related incidents have been tied to cost-cutting since 2000. |
| Budget airlines employ pilots who have less training | Pilots of all European airlines complete the same 1,500-hour training, per CAA requirements. |
| Budget airlines have more delays or cancellations | Cirium data shows that Ryanair’s on-time performance (83.4% in 2024) was better than British Airways’ (83%). Delays are often caused by external factors which affect all airlines equally. |
The perceptions that cause these myths are mostly outdated now. The budget airlines of the 21st century take safety as seriously as traditional ones, and the data proves it.
Safety Records of Top Budget Airlines in 2025
At Flight Tribe, we source details from budget airlines that have proven high safety standards. Here are the standouts for 2025, based on AirlineRatings.com and Aviation Safety Network data:
Ryanair:
- Never had a fatal crash.
- Named the world’s safest airline in 2018.
- Low prices and serves over 225 destinations across the globe.
easyJet:
- Never had a fatal crash or serious collision.
- Average aircraft age of 7.7 years.
- Has a similar economic offering to Ryanair and serves 136 destinations.
Wizz Air:
- Has a 7/7 rating on AirlineRatings.com.
- Has a fleet of over 200 Airbus A320s, averaging 6 years of age.
- Its operations have been expanding to Eastern European routes in recent years.
Each of these budget airlines ranks among the safest low-cost carriers across the world, making them reliable choices for those wanting to travel on a budget. You can view some of their deals on our cheap flights page.
What to Check Before Booking a Budget Flight
There are a few steps you can take to make sure you’ll have a safe and smooth experience when flying. Here’s what we recommend:
- Check Safety Ratings: Websites like AirlineRatings.com are good for scores.
- Review Incident History: Aviation Safety Network can alert you to any red flags, but most budget airlines have clean records.
- Read Traveller Feedback: Reviews on Skytrax and other websites highlight reliability and service quality.
- Confirm Regulatory Oversight: Ensure your UK/EU carrier is governed by EASA or CAA.
Check Fleet Age: Planespotters.net lists aircraft ages. Aim for those that are under 10 years old for the best modern tech.
For example, before booking one of Wizz Air’s cheap flights to Italy, confirm its 7/7 rating and EASA compliance. It’s always better to be safe, and a minute-long check can put you at ease for the duration of your journey.
Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them
Budget airlines are undoubtedly safe, but it’s true that operational differences might affect your experience in one of their planes. Here’s what to look out for and how to manage:
- Overbooked Flights: Budget airlines maximise the number of seats sold, which can lead to denied boarding. To avoid this, book early or check in online 24 hours before flying.
- Smaller Airports: Research transport options available at your destination before travelling, as flying to secondary airports (e.g., Beauvais instead of Paris CDG) can add travel time.
- Limited Customer Service: Budget carriers encourage the use of their digital platforms for support. Use their app or website for quick resolutions, rather than navigating helplines.
- Baggage Restrictions: Strict policies, such as Ryanair’s 40x20x25cm free bag, can surprise travellers. See our Ryanair carry-on bag guide for how to pack light.
Though these are not safety risks, they can impact convenience and satisfaction. For example, a cheap flight to Albania landing at Tirana’s Nënë Tereza airport is 20 minutes from the city centre by bus, which costs £3. This makes it practical and financially viable.
Plan ahead to keep your trip low-cost and stress-free.
Budget Airline Safety in Context: Industry Standards
In 2024, there were 7 fatal accidents in the entire aviation industry, out of over 40 million flights. It is among the safest transport modes, and budget airlines contribute to this safety, handling nearly half of European flights with the same incident rate as traditional carriers. All follow the same protocols and standards.
In the rare event of an aviation incident, it is rarely airline-specific. No plane is immune to turbulence, but modern fleets, like those used by easyJet, mitigate this and similar risks.
The annual, unannounced audits carried out by the CAA make sure that all airlines comply with their strict standards, levelling the playing field. All must meet the same strict safety standards.
Budget Travel Tips for Safe Flying
Make the most of Flight Tribe’s insider tips to fly safely and cost-effectively:
- Book 6–8 weeks ahead: This is the best time window for cheap flights.
- Choose midweek flights: You’ll find weekend prices are much higher than Tuesday ones.
- Check in online: Avoid desk fees and ensure smooth boarding.
- Pack light: Stick to free carry-on sizes to avoid surprise fees.
- Monitor safety updates: Follow AirlineRatings.com for 2025 rankings.
Check out our budget travel guide for more ways to stretch your budget.
Travel Guides for Budget Flyers
If you want to make the most out of your chosen destination at a low cost, enjoy more of Flight Tribe’s travel guides:
