Safest Airlines to Fly With in 2024

Aviation may not have had the best start to 2024, with multiple incidents hitting the headlines. However, commercial flying is consistently improving, with a great emphasis on safety enhancements. In 2024, commercial air travel has become its safest, through advancements both within airports and onboard aircrafts.

Understanding Airline Safety Evaluations

Many airlines have made significant efforts to ensure the safety of their passengers. When evaluating airlines for safety, there are various factors which are considered, such as serious accidents, audits by aviation authorities, pilot training quality and the condition of their fleet, which is evaluated by the aircraft they have, how old they are and other relevant factors. To ensure the evaluations are done fairly, they also take into account unpredictable events like bird strikes and weather conditions that might cause diversions or turbulence injuries. Every year AirlineRatings.com, an aviation safety site, will release an updated list of the top airlines for that year, which takes into consideration all the factors we have mentioned when being produced. 

We have picked out some of these top safest airlines from the list, which you can book flights for through Alternative Airlines today and choose to pay with various Buy Now Pay Later options or Cryptocurrency.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand, the flag carrier of New Zealand, flies some of the toughest routes in the world, facing extreme weather conditions, whilst maintaining one of the best safety records. They’re known for their fleet quality, providing a pleasant and relaxing journey, easily making it one of the top airlines for safety. Currently, Air New Zealand flies to around 50 destinations across the world, including Oceania (domestically within New Zealand and Australia), Asia (including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan) and North America (Canada, United States).

If you’re looking to buy flights with Air New Zealand and want to pay in NZD, you can choose to split the cost using our fly now, pay later options Afterpay and Zip.

Qantas

Qantas, also known as Australia’s flag carrier, is very well known for being one of the safest airlines in the world, being at the top of AirlinesRating.com list, multiple years running. Throughout their many years of operating, they have achieved an almost accident-free record. They operate a reliable fleet, with the average age of their aircrafts being around 12 years old, which is below the aviation average. Currently in the process of a fleet renewal, Qantas will be receiving multiple A220, A320, A321, A350 and 787 over the coming years. They fly to an extensive list of 90+ destinations across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. 

When booking Qantas flights in AUD at Alternative Airlines, you can split the cost using Afterpay, Klarna and Zip.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based airline and UAE flag carrier, known for its exceptional Business and First Class cabins. With an impressively young fleet averaging just 7 years in age, Etihad stands out as one of the safest airlines in the skies today. But safety isn't their only great quality; Etihad is also a leader in environmental initiatives, making them a top choice for conscientious travellers. Spanning 70 destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Etihad Airways provides connections to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, Etihad offers safety combined with luxury and sustainability efforts.

If you’re booking in AED and can’t afford the upfront cost of your Etihad Airways flights, you can choose to book using Tabby or PostPay at Alternative Airlines, to help make the expenses more manageable.

Emirates

Emirates, the other flagship airline of the United Arab Emirates and the leading operator of the Airbus A380 worldwide, is highly praised for its impressive safety track record, especially during long-haul journeys. The Airbus A380 is also the largest commercial passenger aircraft operating currently, providing Emirates fliers a comfortable journey. With an extensive network of 134 destinations spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific, Emirates offers connectivity across the globe. Similarly to Etihad Airways, Emirates combines top-tier safety standards with exceptional amenities, making it the ideal choice for travellers seeking both security and luxury.

When booking Emirates flights in AED, split the cost using Tabby or PostPay.

All Nippon Airways (ANA)

ANA, also referred to as All Nippon Airways, is Japan’s largest airline, which has its headquarters in Tokyo. This airline consistently ranks high for safety and has not been involved in any fatal or serious incidents since 1971. ANA also ranks highly for their cleanliness, seats and onboard food and beverages, ensuring a pleasant experience. The airline flies to destinations within Japan, as well as many destinations across Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas. 

At Alternative Airlines we accept Japanese Yen or if you’d prefer to complete your transaction using Cryptocurrency, this is also an option we provide, with a variety of 70+ Crypto options, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether.

TAP Portugal

TAP Portugal, the national airline of Portugal, has one of the best safety records among European carriers. They prioritise fleet maintenance and upgrades to ensure passengers always fly on safe aircraft. Known for their young fleet, TAP Air Portugal is quick to adopt new safety advancements. Most of their aircrafts are from Airbus, with a few from Embraer. Since their launch in 1945, they've had just three accidents. TAP Air Portugal flies to various destinations across Portugal, Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, North America, and Africa.

When booking flights with TAP Air Portugal through Alternative Airlines and paying in Euros, you have the convenient option to split the cost using Klarna.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines, Turkey's national flag carrier, holds the title of being the world's largest airline in terms of the number of destinations it serves. As of March 2024, Turkish Airlines flies to an extensive network of 274 destinations, including domestic locations within Turkey and many international destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. While Turkish Airlines may have faced safety concerns in the past, particularly during the late 1970s, the airline began a transformation in 1983 under the Turkish government, which has led to the airline maintaining a young fleet, with a high safety record.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines, currently ranks the highest for safety out of all the American airlines, just above American Airlines and United. Hawaiian Airlines is the longest operating American airline without a single fatal accident. In addition to this, Hawaiian Airlines has minimal over sales, cancellations and baggage handling issues, offering travellers an added sense of reassurance and peace of mind. Covering destinations across Hawaii, North America, Asia, and the South Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines is a strong choice for travellers prioritising safety in these regions.

We have many payment options available when booking in USD, allowing you to fly now and pay later with Hawaiian Airlines. These are Afterpay, PayPal Credit and PayPal Later, Klarna, Affirm, Zip, Sezzle or Apple Pay Later.

Tips for Choosing a Safe Airline

If you're unsure about which airline to choose based on safety, there are steps you can take before booking to help you feel more at ease during your flight. First, check airline safety records online using sites like AirlineRatings or SkyTrax. Compare ratings of airlines that fly your route. Also, read reviews from other travellers to learn about their experiences and the amenities onboard. Stick to reputable airlines and stay updated on safety news. With over 600 airlines available on our site, you have plenty of options. 

Please remember, flying is one of the safest ways to travel, with very low chances of accidents.