When it comes to booking a budget flight, many travelers pause to ask: Is it really safe? This is especially true for those considering Spirit Airlines, a carrier known for its low fares and no-frills service. But beneath the memes and mixed reviews lies a story that deserves a closer look.
The Spirit Airlines safety record has become a hot topic, especially among cautious travelers wanting more than just savings—they want safety, reliability, and trust. In this article, we’ll explore the airline’s crash history, regulatory compliance, and maintenance standards to give you a clear picture of whether Spirit is just affordable—or both affordable and secure in the skies.
Why People Are Googling “Spirit Airlines Safety Record” in 2025
Before we dive into statistics and safety ratings, let’s talk about the why behind the search.
People are cautious — and rightly so. Flying may be one of the safest modes of transportation, but when a ticket costs less than a dinner out, it’s normal to wonder: What’s the catch?
Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost model: no frills, plenty of fees, and mixed reviews on customer service. But here’s the thing — customer service gripes aren’t the same as safety concerns. And the internet doesn’t always make that distinction clear.
Let’s correct that.
Spirit Airlines Has Never Had a Fatal Accident — Yes, Never
You read that right. In over 40 years of operation, Spirit Airlines has never had a fatal crash. That’s a remarkable stat for any airline, budget or not.
According to the Aviation Safety Network and recent data confirmed by multiple sources like Talesblog, Spirit has no record of fatal accidents or hull losses since its inception in 1980.
Even more compelling? Spirit received a 7 out of 7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, a trusted authority that evaluates airlines based on criteria like audits, crash history, and fleet age.
So, if you were waiting for the punchline — there isn’t one. Spirit is safe. Really safe.
The Numbers That Matter: Spirit Airlines Safety Stats (2024–2025)
Let’s get nerdy for a second — because the numbers tell the real story.
- No fatal accidents in 40+ years.
- 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com.
- Fleet age: Just over 6 years old, one of the youngest in the world, according to ch-aviation.
- FAA Diamond Award of Excellence: Earned for 7 consecutive years for outstanding maintenance programs.
- NTSB Data: Spirit ranks lower in incident rates than some major carriers — meaning fewer issues per million flights.
Still worried? Consider this: Spirit flies under the exact same FAA regulations as Delta, United, and American. There are no “discount” rules for budget airlines when it comes to safety.
What About Incidents?
While Spirit has never had a fatal crash, no airline is immune to non-fatal incidents. These are worth noting, but they also show Spirit’s competence under pressure.
Notable Incidents:
- Battery fire (March 2023): A power bank caught fire onboard. The crew handled it swiftly, made an emergency landing, and there were no serious injuries.
- Hard landing (2005): The plane was damaged, but all passengers were safe.
In aviation terms, these are relatively minor — and handled by the book, which is exactly what you want.
Is Spirit Actually the Safest Airline?
In a surprising twist, Spirit Airlines didn’t just do okay — it took the top spot.
According to WalletHub’s 2025 “Best Airlines in the U.S.” report, Spirit was named both the “Best Overall Airline” and the “Safest Airline.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
WalletHub evaluated airlines based on 14 metrics, including:
- Incidents and accidents
- FAA violations
- Safety audits
- Fleet modernization
- On-time performance
And Spirit came out on top. For a budget carrier often joked about online, that’s a mic-drop moment.
What About the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
Ah yes, the elephant in the terminal.
In November 2024, Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy — but this was financial restructuring, not a collapse in safety or operations. They’ve since emerged from it with a stronger business model and renewed focus on the customer experience.
In fact, their omission from some safety rankings in early 2025 was due more to perception than performance. Financial strain doesn’t mean safety corners are cut — especially under the strict oversight of the FAA.
The Reality Behind Spirit’s Bad Rap
Let’s be honest: Spirit’s customer service leaves room for improvement. Complaints about delays, baggage fees, and cramped seating flood forums and Reddit threads. But these aren’t the same as mechanical failures or pilot errors.
Here’s the difference:
- Customer Experience: Annoying? Sometimes, yes.
- Operational Safety: As strong as legacy airlines.
In 2025, Spirit is actively working to improve both. They’ve announced:
- A new President and CEO (April 2025)
- New extra-legroom seating
- A revamped loyalty program
- New nonstop routes nationwide
So yes, they’re listening.
Comparing Spirit to Other Airlines: Is It Really That Different?
Let’s play the comparison game.
| Metric | Spirit Airlines | Delta Airlines | Frontier Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal Accidents | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Safety Rating (AirlineRatings.com) | 7/7 | 7/7 | 6/7 |
| Average Fleet Age | 6 years | 14 years | 5.6 years |
| FAA Awards | 7x Diamond | Yes | No |
| 2025 WalletHub Safety Rank | #1 | #4 | #5 |
You can see Spirit doesn’t just keep up — in some areas, it leads.
Final Verdict: Should You Fly Spirit?
If you’re looking for a safe, low-cost way to get from point A to point B, Spirit Airlines checks the most important box: safety.
It may not offer luxury, and you’ll probably pay for your carry-on. But you’ll get there safely, thanks to:
- A modern fleet
- Highly trained pilots
- Top-tier maintenance
- FAA oversight
- A flawless crash record
And now, with renewed efforts to improve the passenger experience, Spirit might surprise you.
The Takeaway: Cheap Doesn’t Mean Unsafe
So the next time someone jokes about Spirit being “the wild west of the skies,” hit them with the truth:
“They’ve never had a fatal accident. They just won safest airline of 2025. And their planes are newer than Delta’s.”
It’s okay to care about cost. It’s okay to care about safety. With Spirit, you can do both — just maybe pack a snack and bring your headphones.
FAQs:
Does Spirit have a good safety record?
Yes, Spirit Airlines has an excellent safety record with no fatal accidents in over 40 years of operation.
Is Spirit safe to fly right now?
Absolutely — Spirit complies with FAA regulations and maintains a modern fleet with strong safety protocols.
Where does Spirit Airlines rank in safety?
In 2025, Spirit was ranked the #1 safest airline in the U.S. by WalletHub.
Which airline has the worst safety record?
Among major U.S. airlines, none have a notably poor safety record; all operate under strict FAA oversight.
Has Spirit Airlines had any crashes?
No fatal crashes; only minor incidents with no serious injuries have been reported.