Flying has become one of the most common and convenient ways to travel, but for many passengers, safety is still a top concern. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a rare journey, it’s natural to wonder about the aircraft’s safety record, age, and condition before booking a ticket.
Luckily, today’s digital world gives us easy access to flight and aircraft details. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can check plane safety, age, and details before booking your flight.
✅ 1. Check the Airline’s Safety Record
Before anything else, research the airline you’re flying with. Not all airlines have the same safety standards.
- Visit sites like AirlineRatings.com
- Look for their Safety Rating (based on audits, incident history, etc.)
- Read recent news and reviews about the airline
- Check if the airline is IOSA Certified (IATA Operational Safety Audit)
🛩️ 2. Find Aircraft Type for Your Flight
Once you choose a flight, check what aircraft model will be used.
You can do this by:
- Visiting airline websites while booking (often shows aircraft type like Boeing 737, Airbus A320, etc.)
- Use flight search sites like:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- FlightAware
- SeatGuru
Example: On Google Flights, after selecting your flight, scroll down to see details like:
“Operated by Airbus A320neo”
📅 3. Check Aircraft Age
Older planes may still be safe, but newer ones often come with advanced safety features.
Here’s how to check the age of the aircraft:
- Visit websites like:
- Search by airline name and aircraft registration number
- You’ll find build year, delivery date, and aircraft history.
💡 Tip: You can also find the aircraft’s registration number through FlightRadar24 or FlightAware once your flight is scheduled.
🔍 4. Track Real-Time Flight Data
Use FlightRadar24 or FlightAware to:
- Monitor the exact route
- See previous flight patterns
- Check delays, weather, and more
- Identify the aircraft’s age and how often it flies
🧾 5. Read Passenger Reviews
Sometimes passengers share helpful reviews about:
- Plane conditions
- Safety experience
- Seat comfort & cleanliness
Check:
- TripAdvisor (Flight reviews)
- AirlineRatings.com
- Google Reviews of airlines
📋 6. Look for Past Incidents (Optional)
While not always necessary, you can check for past aircraft incidents:
- AviationSafety.net
- News reports on specific airlines or aircraft models
Note: A past issue doesn’t always mean current risk — airlines continuously update and maintain safety standards.
🧳 Final Tips Before You Book:
✅ Compare safety ratings of different airlines
✅ Choose newer aircraft models like Boeing 787, Airbus A350, etc.
✅ Book tickets with airlines known for safety & service
✅ Double-check everything before you confirm your booking
🛫 Fly Smart, Fly Safe
You don’t need to be an aviation expert to make informed travel decisions. With just a few clicks, you can feel more confident about the plane you’re flying on. Always remember: the best travel plan includes safety first.
