Booking a long-haul flight with a budget carrier raises a fair question: is the airline cutting corners on safety to keep fares low? Level Airlines runs transatlantic routes from Barcelona at prices that undercut many legacy carriers. Before you book, here’s what you need to know about its safety record, fleet, and regulatory oversight.
Quick Answer
Level Airlines is safe to fly. It operates under strict European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and has recorded no major accidents or hull losses since launching in 2017. As a subsidiary of IAG, the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, it follows a safety culture that applies across the entire group.
Key Takeaways
- Level Airlines specializes in low-cost long-haul flights from Barcelona to destinations across the Americas.
- The airline has maintained a clean safety record with no major incidents or hull losses since 2017.
- EASA, one of the world’s strictest aviation regulators, oversees Level’s operations under its own Air Operator Certificate.
- The fleet consists of Airbus A330-200 aircraft, a proven and reliable wide-body jet for long-haul travel.
- Meals, bags, and seat selection cost extra, but Level doesn’t cut corners on safety equipment or crew training.
Safety Record of Level Airlines
When you evaluate any airline, incident history and regulatory compliance matter most. Level Airlines has maintained a strong safety record since it started operations in 2017. Level has recorded no major accidents or hull losses that raise operational concerns.
Level holds an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and operates under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), widely regarded as one of the strictest aviation regulators in the world. Internal and external bodies conduct regular audits to ensure the airline meets those standards consistently. Level’s membership in the IAG group strengthens this oversight, as the group applies a unified safety culture across all its carriers.
Independent safety review sites such as AirlineRatings.com assess carriers on criteria including fleet age, incident history, and audit results. Level’s clean record and IAG affiliation support a strong rating on those measures.
Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
Level Airlines runs a comprehensive maintenance program that aligns with both EASA regulations and IAG’s internal protocols. The fleet, made up of Airbus A330-200s, goes through routine inspections at strict intervals.
These checks range from daily pre-flight inspections to heavy maintenance overhauls. Engineers use real-time data monitoring to track aircraft health, catching potential issues before they develop into problems. Level works directly with Airbus for technical support and uses certified maintenance facilities to keep every aircraft airworthy.
Pilot Training and Experience
Level Airlines requires its pilots to complete training that meets international standards. The crew combines experienced captains with well-trained first officers, building a mentorship culture in the flight deck. The table below outlines standard training metrics for flight crews in this sector.
| Category | Metrics |
|---|---|
| Flight Hours (Min. Experience) | 1,500+ hours (ATPL Standard) |
| Simulator Training | Regular Recurrent Sessions (EASA compliant) |
| Instrument Rating | Mandatory |
| Multi-Engine Rating | Mandatory |
Pilots take part in recurrent simulator training to practice emergency scenarios such as engine failures and cabin decompression. This keeps crews sharp and prepared for any situation that might arise on a long transatlantic flight.
Emergency Procedures and Safety Measures
Level Airlines has built thorough protocols for unforeseen circumstances. The airline runs regular emergency drills for all crew members, covering evacuation procedures and in-flight medical emergencies. Every aircraft carries standard safety equipment: fire suppression systems, emergency oxygen, and life vests.
Before every flight, passengers receive a full safety briefing. Level keeps costs down on extras, but it doesn’t compromise on mandatory safety equipment or crew training requirements.
Customer Reviews and Passenger Experience
Passenger feedback on Level Airlines is generally positive for value. Travelers highlight the modern A330 cabins and the friendliness of the crew. Complaints tend to center on the unbundled fare structure.
Checked bags, meals, and seat selection all cost extra. This is standard practice for low-cost carriers and says nothing about the airline’s safety. If your flight faces a delay or cancellation, EU Regulation 261/2004 may entitle you to compensation depending on the circumstances.
Pro tip: Add up the cost of bags, meals, and seat selection before comparing Level’s fare to a legacy carrier — the gap between them can be smaller than the base ticket price suggests.
How Level Airlines Compares to Competitors
Level Airlines occupies a specific niche: low-cost, long-haul transatlantic travel. Unlike Ryanair, which focuses on short European hops, Level targets a much smaller market of budget-conscious travelers flying to the Americas.
- Vs. Norse Atlantic Airways: Norse is Level’s most direct competitor in the low-cost long-haul market. Both carriers charge for extras. Norse uses Boeing 787s; Level flies Airbus A330s. Level’s IAG backing offers a more stable network and a deeper institutional safety culture.
- Vs. Legacy Carriers (British Airways/Iberia): Level’s base fares are significantly cheaper, but you don’t get meals and bags included. Safety standards match those of its sister airlines across the IAG group.
Note: Norwegian Air Shuttle previously competed in the low-cost long-haul market but ceased those operations in 2021 to refocus on short-haul European routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Level Airlines a safe airline to fly with?
Yes, Level Airlines is very safe. It’s a subsidiary of IAG, which owns British Airways and Iberia, and it operates under strict safety regulations set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Has Level Airlines had any crashes?
No. Since starting operations in 2017, Level Airlines has maintained a clean safety record with no fatal crashes or major hull-loss incidents.
What aircraft does Level Airlines use?
Level Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus A330-200 aircraft. These wide-body jets have a strong reputation for safety, range, and passenger comfort on long-haul routes.
Why are Level Airlines tickets so cheap?
Level is a low-cost carrier that keeps base fares down by unbundling services. Passengers pay separately for checked bags, meals, and seat selection. This model cuts overhead without touching aircraft maintenance or safety standards.
Does Level Airlines fly short-haul routes in Europe?
No. Level focuses on long-haul flights between Barcelona and the Americas. Its former short-haul subsidiary, Level Europe, ceased operations in 2020.
Safety Information Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Safety records and airline operations change. Always check current advisories from EASA, your government’s foreign travel guidance, and the airline directly before booking.
The Bottom Line on Level Airlines Safety
Level Airlines is safe to fly. It pairs a modern Airbus A330 fleet with the rigorous oversight of EASA and IAG — the same parent group that runs British Airways and Iberia. The in-flight experience is no-frills by design, but safety is one area where Level doesn’t look for savings.
If you’re weighing transatlantic options on a budget, Level deserves a place on your shortlist. Check the total fare after adding your bags and meals, and you’ll have a clear picture of how it stacks up against a legacy carrier.
References
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) — European Commission, official EU aviation safety regulator
- International Airlines Group (IAG) — Corporate Overview — IAG, parent company of Level Airlines
- Aviation Safety Network — Flight Safety Foundation, incident and accident database