So, if you are asking yourself, “Is LOT Polish Airlines safe?” the short and quick answer is: Yes, LOT Polish Airlines is safe. LOT Polish Airlines, the Polish national carrier, has a good safety record, adheres to international aviation standards, and has a modern fleet. In this article, we will closely examine the airline’s safety ratings, accident records, fleet management, passenger reviews, and more to assist you in making a well-informed decision.
Overview of LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines (Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT) was established in 1928 and is one of the world’s oldest airlines still flying today. The carrier operates flights to more than 100 European, North American, and Asian destinations. As a member of the Star Alliance, LOT shares common operational and safety standards with some of the world’s leading airlines, including Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.
The airline is headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, and its main hub is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). Over the years, it has upgraded its old fleet with new aircraft, implemented new safety procedures, and has an excellent safety record, hence making it a good choice for travelers
Safety Ratings and International Audits
To ensure that an airline is safe, it is important to look at safety ratings and audits by credible aviation organizations. Here’s where LOT Polish Airlines stands:
- AirlineRatings.com gives LOT Polish Airlines a perfect 7/7 safety rating, which reflects good operating and safety practices.
- LOT passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a comprehensive global safety audit by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
- The airline is not on the EU Air Safety List, which means that it meets the European Union’s strict aviation safety standards.
These audits and certifications ensure that LOT meets or exceeds global aviation safety standards.
Fleet Modernization and Maintenance
A modern and well-maintained fleet is a critical airline safety aspect. Older aircraft with older technology are riskier, whereas newer aircraft have advanced safety technology. LOT Polish Airlines has invested heavily in its fleet, with a mix of Boeing and Embraer aircraft.
LOT Polish Airlines Fleet (2024)
| Aircraft Model | Number in Fleet | Average Age |
| Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner | 8 | 7 years |
| Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | 7 | 4 years |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 8 | 3 years |
| Boeing 737-800 | 6 | 10 years |
| Embraer E195 | 15 | 9 years |
| Embraer E190 | 6 | 7 years |
- The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the safest aircraft in the world, with avionics, safety sensors, and fuel-efficient engines.
- The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is a newer aircraft that, after modification after the 2019 global grounding, is now one of the most thoroughly investigated and upgraded aircraft in the skies.
- Regular maintenance ensures that even the older aircraft in LOT’s fleet are safe.
The low average fleet age and the purchase of new aircraft are some of the reasons why LOT’s safety performance is good.
Historical Incidents and Accidents
While LOT Polish Airlines has a good safety record, it has had some incidents in its nearly 100-year history. However, it is important to place these in perspective.
Major Accidents in LOT Polish Airlines’ History
Since 1987, LOT has had no fatal accidents, which shows its commitment to safety improvement and new technology. The emergency landing in 2011 was a good example of an experienced crew conducting an emergency landing successfully, with no reported injuries.
| Year | Flight | Description |
| 1980 | Flight 007 | Uncontained engine failure led to a crash in Warsaw. 87 people lost their lives. |
| 1987 | Flight 5055 | Engine failure resulted in a crash near Warsaw. 183 people died. |
| 2011 | Flight 016 | A Boeing 767 made a successful emergency landing in Warsaw due to landing gear failure. No injuries. |
Passenger Experience and Reviews
In addition to safety records, passenger reviews could give an airline’s service level, punctuality, and level of comfort some insight.
What Passengers Have to Say About LOT Polish Airlines
| Aspect | Passenger Comments |
| Safety | Generally good, with passengers expressing that they felt safe on the flight. |
| Punctuality | Mixed reviews —some delays encountered, but mostly reliable. |
| Comfort | Reasonable legroom on long-haul flights, with some complaints on short flights. |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews—some passengers praise the professionalism, but others comment on problem resolution issues. |
Where safety is never an issue with most travelers, customer service and punctuality are areas where LOT receives some negative feedback. To have a problem-free experience, it is a good idea to arrive early, check-in online, and ensure flight details beforehand.
Concluding Thoughts: LOT Polish Airlines Is It Safe?
When it comes to safety ratings, fleet modernization, accident records, and international audits, LOT Polish Airlines is a safe airline. It has a strong safety record since 1987 with a modern fleet including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, has passed all major safety audits, is a member of Star Alliance, all of which guarantees high standards of operation. However, passenger experience may vary, and those with accessibility needs should pre-book for the provision of assistance.
So, would we fly with LOT Polish Airlines? Yes, especially for safety-conscious travelers. But if customer service and accessibility are crucial, reading reviews and calling the airline in advance is sensible. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the most recent fatal accident was in 1987. Since then, the airline has had a good safety record.
LOT has a 7/7 safety rating, which is on a par with large European carriers like Lufthansa and KLM.
Yes. LOT operates a modern fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Yes, especially on transatlantic flights using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
