What are the Safest Airlines in the US? Which Carriers Topped the 2026 Rankings?

Even though air travel is at an all-time high in 2026, the safety of passengers is still the most important thing for Americans. When choosing the safest airlines in the US, it's not enough to just stay away from accidents. You also need to know which ones spend the most on new technology and training for pilots. 

The most recent data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows that this year, domestic safety standards have reached a new Gold Standard. Recent audits from organizations like AirlineRatings and the IATA highlight a significant shift. While legacy giants like Delta and United maintain elite status, smaller carriers are also rising in the ranks. 

Which Carriers Ranked as the Safest Airlines in the US?

The 2026 rankings show a mix of big, old companies and small, flexible ones in different parts of the world. The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), incident history, and fleet age all play a role in determining safety.

• Alaska Airlines: Consistently ranked at the top due to its safety-first culture and one of the youngest fleets in the industry.

• Delta Air Lines: Recognized for its comprehensive in-house maintenance department, which significantly reduces technical-related delays.

• American Airlines: A staple in global safety lists, maintaining high marks for its aggressive pilot training refreshes.

• Hawaiian Airlines: Boasts an incredible long-term record with zero fatal accidents in the jet era.

How Does the FAA Measure Airline Safety Performance?

The FAA utilizes the Compliance Program and Safety Management Systems (SMS) to monitor carriers. Instead of just looking at crashes, the 2026 data focuses on precursor incidents, small errors that, if left unchecked, could lead to larger issues.

Official 2025-2026 stats show a 12% decrease in runway incursions compared to the previous five-year average. "Safety is a collaborative effort between regulators and operators," noted a recent FAA safety briefing. 

This proactive approach ensures that the safest airlines in the US are those that report their own minor errors transparently, allowing the entire industry to learn and adapt.

Are Low-Cost Carriers as Safe as Major Airlines?

A common mistake is to think that cheap fares mean lower safety standards. But the safety data from 2026 shows that this is not the case. JetBlue and Allegiant are two low-cost carriers (LCCs) that follow the same strict FAA Part 121 rules as full-service airlines.

• Strict Oversight: All commercial US carriers must meet the same federal maintenance and training requirements.

• Modern Fleets: Budget airlines often fly newer aircraft to save on fuel, which inherently includes the latest safety technology.

• Audit Compliance: Most major US budget brands now voluntarily undergo international safety audits to reassure global travelers.

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Flying is still the safest way to get around in the US, and the safest airlines in the US are pushing the limits of aviation technology. Data from 2026 shows that the American skies are very safe, whether you fly with a legacy airline or a low-cost one. This is because of strict oversight and modernized fleets.