The low-cost airline business model has only been around for a couple of decades, but it has developed a major presence in the airline industry.

According to PWC, low-cost airlines account for more than 25% of the world’s aviation business.

From a pool of 425 carriers around the world, AirlineRatings.com selected the 10 safest low-cost and leisure charter airlines in the world.

Airline Ratings also compiled a list of the 20 safest traditional airlines from around the world.

To create its list, the website evaluated each airline based on its standing with international regulators, its fatality record over the past 10 years, its results from an International Air Transportation Association(IATA) safety audit, and whether the airline’s country of origin conforms with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s 8-point safety parameters.

All of the airlines on this list passed those tests with flying colors. Want a cheap ticket and a safe flight? Have a look at these airlines.


Aer Lingus — Ireland's national carrier — operates a hybrid low-cost model that offers some of full service luxuries on its long-haul routes. The airline has not suffered a fatal accident since the 1960s. Aer Lingus is now a part of International Airlines Group (IAG) and is a sister of company of British Airways and Iberia.

Foto: source Flickr/Aero Icarus

JetBlue: AirlineRatings.com awarded Jetblue the honor of being the best low cost airline in North and South America. Jetblue has never had a fatal accident in company history.

Foto: source Flickr/Bill Abbott

Jetstar Airways is the low-cost subsidiary of Qantas — AirlineRatings.com's safest airline in the world. The Melbourne-based airline has not suffered a crash in company history.

Foto: source Flickr/Jetstar Airways

Thomas Cook is one of the largest holiday charter airlines in the world. The airline has no crashes on its safety record.

Foto: source Flickr/RHL Images

Jetstar Asia is the Singapore-based offshoot of Jetstar Airways. Qantas holds a 49% stake in the airline. Jetstar Asia has no fatal crashes on record.

Foto: source YouTube/Prayitno

Westjet is Canada's largest low-cost airline. AirlineRatings.com praised the airline for its generous room and quality in-flight entertainment options for a budget carrier. WestJet has not crashed in company history.

Foto: source Flickr/Lord of the Wings

Flybe: Established in 1979, Flybe is a low-cost regional airline based in southwest England. The airline has no fatal crashes on its record.

Foto: source Flickr/Eric Salard

HK Express. The Hong Kong-based airline launched in 2004 as a regional airline servicing mainland China. In 2011, the airline adopted a low-cost business model and expanded its reach to destinations throughout Southeast Asia. HK Express has no fatal crashes on its record.

Foto: source Flickr/lasta29

Founded in 2004, Vueling is now the largest low-cost airline in Spain. The Barcelona-based airline, like Aer Lingus, is part of International Airlines Group.

Foto: source YouTube/Eric Salard

Virgin America: Alaska Airlines recently acquired Virgin America in a $2.6-billion deal. It is unclear how much longer the Virgin America brand will remain. Since it commenced operations in 2007, the airline has suffered no fatalities.

Foto: source Flickr/stuart.mike