The Safe Travel Barometer’s Safe Travel Score for airlines is based on independent assessments of more than two dozen traveler health and safety measures, along with convenience initiatives for travelers, excellent service and overall traveler experience published by airlines, regulators and governments to reduce anxiety and improve confidence. Here are the top 10 North American airlines based on October 2020 performance.
10. WestJet
Canadian airline WestJet made it into North America’s top 10 list of airlines for tourist safety with Safe Travel Score of 3.6/5 in October 2020. WestJet made headlines in October, in advance with the news that they will refund passengers for flights canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
9. Air Transat
Air Transat is one of four Canadian airlines in the top 10. The Montreal-based airline recently began offering customers a COVID-19 Emergency Medical Insurance Certificate through Manulife for Pay for quarantine and medical emergency as well as assistance if coronavirus is contracted at some point during their trip.
8. American Airlines
American Airlines is keeping customers safe through its Commitment to Clean, installing hospital-grade HEPA filters to circulate cabin air every two to four minutes and relying on EPA approved products to clean its airplanes. Furthermore, the airline continues to work closely with scientists and health professionals, while also absorbing customer feedback to ensure a safe travel experience.
7. Allegiant Air
Budget airline Allegiant Air is one of three North American airlines to score a Safe Travel Score of 3.8 out of 5 in October 2020. Allegiant was one of the first airlines to offer fitness kits. health and safety are free for customers and continue to prioritize safety through improved hygiene and reduced exposure.
6. Air North
Canadian airline Air North is one of three North American airlines to score 3.8 out of 5. Yukon’s Airline currently does not sell mid-seat other than those within the same social organization and does deep cleaning on its aircraft using a “hospital grade product called ZEP Aviation RTU Cleaner / Disinfectant, a broad spectrum cleaner that has been shown to be effective against viruses similar to COVID-19.”
5. United Airlines
With a Safe Travel Point of 3.9 out of 5, United Airlines is on par with British Airways but still lags behind a host of other airlines in the world, including some of the major airlines in Asia, Europe and China. However, travelers can fly United with confidence as the airline has implemented some enhanced health and safety protocols and even introduced a new chat function to answer customer questions via message.
4. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines continues to lead the way in terms of safety this fall, recently introducing a range of touch-free options designed to stop the potential spread of coronavirus like pre-order meals, buy food and drinks by a stored Credit card and printing bag tags to avoid check-in kiosks.
3. Southwest Airlines
Low-cost carrier Southwest continues to offer discounted fares to motivate travelers and will also limit capacity through November 30 for physical distancing aboard its planes. This airline is one of the few worldwide earning at least 4 out of 5.
2. Air Canada
Canada’s leading carrier took the initiative in the battle against COVID-19, going further by offering free COVID-19 medical and quarantine insurance to customers who qualify to book international round-trip flights this fall. Air Canada’s 4 out of 5 Safe Travel Point is among the best in the world.
1. Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines scored highest in North America, reaching 4.1 / 5 for October 2020. It is limiting the ability to keep middle seats open through January 6, 2021, longer than any of its competitors. Delta is also driven by flexible cancellation and rebooking policies.
