Five US airlines have been named among the world's safest in a respected annual ranking by Airline Ratings for 2026. The independent aviation website evaluated 320 airlines to compile its list of the 25 safest full-service and low-cost carriers.
Among full-service US carriers, Alaska Airlines ranked highest at 15th globally, followed by Delta Air Lines (23rd) and American Airlines (24th). In the low-cost category, Southwest Airlines placed 6th and JetBlue 14th.
The rankings are based on analysis of safety and operational criteria, including serious pilot-related incidents and fatal accidents over the past decade, excluding those caused by terrorism, hijacking, pilot suicide, or other airlines. Performance in international safety audits is also considered.
Globally, UAE-based Etihad Airways topped the full-service list, with Cathay Pacific second and Qantas third. The low-cost leader was Hong Kong's HK Express, followed by Jetstar Airways, Scoot, Flydubai, and EasyJet.
Airline Ratings CEO Sharon Petersen noted that margins between ranked airlines are extremely narrow, stating: 'All airlines in the top 25 are world leaders in aviation safety, and claims that one is significantly safer or less safe than another are both sensationalist and false.'
