At one of my first single -alien visits, I stood at the gate of the huge airport in Kuala Lumpur, clutch a boarding pass for an airline, which I had never heard before booking my flight to Jakarta. The passengers crowded the departure gate, and I was really nervous. Sure, I saved $ 380, but a terrible question is, did I just gamble with my safety for a cheap ticket?
After traveling 110 countries on Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond budget airlines, I learned the answer is clear: no, I was not. delay? Absolutely. Tight seats and chaotic boarding? Absolutely. But security concerns? Never once.
To support my experience, I talked to many travel experts to go deep on the subject.
Do budget airlines follow various security rules?
The reason for this is something that most passengers do not realize: airline safety rules are non -qualified. Aviation officers implement the same standards regardless of the ticket price.
George NovakChairman and CEO National air carrier union And former FAA Attorney, which has worked on aviation security in more than 80 countries, clearly states: “In most markets, low-cost air carriers are safe as their full fare competition.”
In the United States, all Part 121 airlines, which cover each commercial carrier operating large aircraft on scheduled routes, operate under the same FAA rules. Novak said, “There are no exceptions to size, revenue or rent structure.”
Alexander spater through Getty Image
This regulator security extends globally. “Even small aerial carriers in remote areas should maintain minimal safety standards,” Novak said. “The International Civil Aviation Organization Audit the strict security and security of civil aviation officers worldwide.”
This is why the unfamiliar Jakarta carrier was to meet the security protocol similar to Delta or American Airlines. Budget airlines receive low prices through operational efficiency and service cuts. But to understand how they cut costs, explains why security remains intact.
How did the budget airlines cut the cost without security cuts?
Budget airlines receive low prices through operational efficiency, not by compromising security requirements.
“Budget airlines earn their money by implementing cost-cutting measures. However, these deductions are purely cosmetic,” Dean Van says ES. Fast cover travel insurance CEOThey pack more seats in the aircraft, charge separately for bundle services and operate the expensive hub and operate point-to-point routes.
These operational differences can affect your schedule, from delayed departure to change of the crew of the final-minute. However, they do not compromise on security.
The van ES confirms the distinction: “Airlines have to follow regulatory requirements that cover everything from maintenance programs and pilot training to security check. Airlines such as federal aviation administration have strong powers that allow them to ground the aircraft when unprotected for any reason.”
Insurance companies think about budget airlines
This difference between operational discomfort and safety risk makes the crystal clear when you check how insurance companies evaluate budget airlines.
Insurance companies provide compelling independent evidence as their profit depends on the correct assessment of the risk. These companies appoint experts whose entire job is in danger. It became clear for me when I realized that I was never asked about the airline choice in dozens of travel insurance purchases.
Chrissy Valdez, Senior Director of Operations SquaremouthThe largest travel insurance market in the US, something suggests: “When passengers are buying insurance, travel insurance carriers do not inquire about which airline they are using, as it is not seen as a risk factor.”
Consider what the insurers ask: destination, travel date, age, medical condition, travel cost, political instability and risk of weather. But you have chosen airline? no worry.
Waldez’s claim data supports this assessment. He said, “Till the year, we have a total of 2,490 travel delay claims, most of which are due to the delay,” he explained. Where budget carriers appear in this data, the actual story tells: “Budget airlines usually experience more delay and cancellation due to their small aircraft fleet and low crew members.”
The pattern is clear: Insurance companies consider budget airlines to operate as differently, not security risk.
Why passengers still worry
Despite this evidence, perceptions persist. Jessica Kameko StopWhy explains why a travel material manufacturer who calls himself a “queen of the remaining budget airlines”.
“Because the budget airlines attract such a wide range of passengers from the first time passengers, which are mainly focused on low -cost rent, you can face passengers who are less familiar with the journey etiquette,” Rukes explained. “It can create a perception of a ‘thick’ experience, but it is not a reflection of the airline safety standards.”
While experiencing strip-down service and chaotic boarding on rock-boatum prices, it is natural to assume that corners are being cut everywhere. We judge the safety of what we see, but the actual safety takes place in the hanger under strict regulatory inspections.
Let’s address some general safety concerns
Here are some of the most common apprehensions:
Aircraft anxiety: It is backward in this fear. Aviation officers require more frequent inspections and strict maintenance protocols for actually aging fleet. As Novak explains: “The old aircraft are subject to increased investigation from civil aviation officers to ensure their ongoing airport.”
Maintenance shortcut: It assumes that the airlines control their maintenance program, which does not work. Novak insisted, “A Civil Aviation Authority will almost certainly shut down a carrier that fails to complete the minimum security standards well before putting its operation in the flying public.” Aviation officials have set up the maintenance program, and airlines cannot change them to save money.
Pilot Training: All commercial pilots should meet uniform certification requirements, even if the airline employs them. The same flight hour, simulator training, medical examination and recurrent training apply whether you are flying Spirit or United Airlines.
Bottom line
Novak concluded,
The evidence is clear. The insurers do not see any additional risk, regulators apply similar rules worldwide, and aviation experts confirm it. Safety compliance is not optional or negotiable.
“Budget airlines fear the booking trips that they could otherwise tolerate,” Rukes said. “Once travelers understand that the ‘budget’ is not insecure, they realize that the world is more accessible than what he thought.”
This is why I will book any budget carrier anywhere. And you can feel confident by doing so. The next time you see that the $ 89 flight deal, book it confidently. The airline will charge you for carry-on and pay you for snacks, but regulations make sure they cannot compromise in most cases. Bring you to your destination safely.
This is not to interact at any price point.
