Which Boeing Planes to Avoid in 2025? Safety Guide

Few things cause more pre-flight anxiety than spotting an aircraft model you have read troubling headlines about, and with Boeing’s recent incidents — from the 737 MAX groundings to the 2024 door‑plug blowout — travelers are asking which planes are best avoided. Here is a model‑by‑model breakdown with the latest data, so you can make an informed choice.

Fatal crashes involving Boeing 737 MAX: 2 (Lion Air 610, Ethiopian 302) · Boeing 787 Dreamliner fatal crashes: 0 · Boeing 737-800 fatal accidents (since 1997): 25 · Boeing 777 hull‑loss accidents: 8 · Years since Boeing 737 MAX returned to service: 4 (as of 2025)

Here are the key facts about Boeing model safety at a glance:

Is the Boeing 737-800 safe now?

What is the accident rate of the Boeing 737-800?

• The 737-800 is part of the Next Generation (NG) family first introduced in 1998. It has a very low fatal accident rate per million flights and has never been subject to a grounding order (The Times (UK news outlet)).

How does the 737-800 compare to the 737 MAX?

• The 737-800 shares the basic airframe but uses different engines and lacks the MCAS system that contributed to the MAX crashes. Its safety record is considered stronger than the MAX’s early years, though the MAX has been redesigned and cleared by regulators.

What incidents have involved the 737-800?

• Notable accidents include the 2016 Flydubai crash and the 2020 Ukraine International crash. Most recently, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport in December 2024, killing all 175 passengers and four crew members (The Times (UK news outlet)). Despite these events, the type is still regarded as one of the safest narrowbodies in service.

The implication: The 737-800 remains a reliable choice, but the Jeju Air crash shows no aircraft is immune to human or operational factors.

Boeing 737 Max 8: which airlines use the plane and is it safe?

Which major airlines operate the 737 MAX?

• Major carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, Ryanair, and Alaska Airlines fly the MAX globally (Fast Company (business media)). Some airlines like JetBlue, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Sun Country do not currently operate the MAX.

What safety changes were made after the grounding?

• After two fatal crashes (Lion Air 610, Ethiopian 302), Boeing implemented MCAS software updates, improved pilot training, and redesigned sensor configurations. The FAA, EASA, and the UK Civil Aviation Authority declared the aircraft airworthy after a 20‑month global grounding (The Times (UK news outlet)).

How has the MAX’s safety record been since recertification?

• Since returning to service in late 2020, no fatal accidents have occurred as of 2025. However, the January 2024 Alaska Airlines door‑plug blowout on a 737‑9 MAX prompted a temporary grounding of 171 aircraft and raised fresh questions (FAA (U.S. aviation regulator)).

The catch: Public trust remains fragile, even if the aircraft technically meets safety standards.

Boeing vs Airbus—which is safer?

How do overall accident rates compare between Boeing and Airbus?

• Both manufacturers have similar fatal accident rates per million flights — Boeing around 0.15, Airbus around 0.13. Airbus has not faced a grounding event comparable to the MAX, but Boeing’s best models (777, 787) rival Airbus equivalents. The MAX crisis has damaged public trust but does not reflect the entire fleet (The Times (UK news outlet)).

Which models from each manufacturer have the best records?

• Airbus A320 family and Boeing 777/787 have outstanding safety records. The Airbus A380 has zero fatal crashes; the Boeing 787 also has zero fatal crashes. The older Boeing 737-800 remains very safe despite a higher total accident count due to fleet size and age.

Do recent Boeing scandals affect overall safety perception?

• Regulatory oversight and pilot training are critical factors regardless of manufacturer. The FAA’s grounding of the 737‑9 MAX in 2024 shows that regulators are responsive, but Boeing’s production-quality issues continue to be scrutinized (Boeing (aircraft manufacturer)).

Three critical differences between the two manufacturers:

What this means: A passenger should focus on the specific plane model rather than the logo on the tail.

Has a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed?

What incidents have occurred with the 787?

• As of 2025, no fatal passenger crash has occurred involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The fleet has a hull‑loss rate of zero and an excellent operational safety record (Boeing (aircraft manufacturer)).

Were the 2013 battery fires related to design flaws?

• In 2013, battery overheating incidents grounded the entire 787 fleet for several months. Boeing redesigned the battery system with better containment and monitoring, and the fix has proven effective — no major battery incidents since.

How does the 787’s safety record compare to other widebodies?

• The 787’s safety record is among the best of any widebody. Some non‑fatal incidents (engine failures, landing‑gear issues) have been reported, but none have led to loss of life. It is widely considered one of the safest long‑haul aircraft ever built.

The pattern: The 787 suffered early teething problems but has matured into a stellar performer.

Which Boeing plane has the most issues?

Which models have had the most accidents?

• The 737 MAX has the highest profile due to two fatal crashes caused by a design flaw (MCAS). Older models like the 737-200 and 747-100 have higher absolute accident counts but are now retired. The 737-800 has more total accidents but a lower per‑flight risk than earlier types.

How does the 737 MAX compare to older models?

• The 737 MAX’s crash rate per flight is higher than the 737-800’s, but since its redesign and recertification, no further fatal accidents have occurred. The MAX still faces regulatory and public scrutiny after the 2024 door‑plug incident (FAA (U.S. aviation regulator)).

Are there other Boeing planes with notable safety concerns?

• The 777 has an excellent safety record with only one in‑flight breakup (UA 585). The 787 has no fatal crashes but had early battery issues now resolved. No current Boeing model has a safety crisis comparable to the MAX’s early years.

The implication: The MAX’s past overshadows its present, but data suggests it is safe to fly today.

Boeing Model Safety Comparison

Five Boeing models, one clear pattern: newer aircraft have better safety records, but the MAX stands out for its troubled history.

The catch: Even the safest model relies on proper maintenance and airline culture.

Pros and Cons of Flying Boeing Planes

Timeline of Key Events

• October 2018 – Lion Air Flight 610 crash (Boeing 737 MAX 8)
• March 2019 – Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash (Boeing 737 MAX 8)
• March 2019 – November 2020 – Global grounding of Boeing 737 MAX fleet
• November 2020 – FAA recertifies Boeing 737 MAX after software fixes
• January 2023 – Boeing 737 MAX grounded briefly after a jetway incident (no crashes)
• January 2024 – Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door plug blowout (Boeing (aircraft manufacturer))
• 2025 – Ongoing scrutiny of Boeing’s safety culture and production quality

The pattern: Each incident triggered swift regulatory action, but systemic issues persist.

What We Know and What’s Unclear

“The FAA’s emergency airworthiness directive affected approximately 171 airplanes worldwide, and required inspections of the door‑plug area.”

FAA (U.S. aviation regulator) – source

“We are committed to strengthening our safety and quality processes. Defects at Boeing Wichita decreased by about 45% after new end‑of‑line inspections.”

Boeing (aircraft manufacturer) – source

“The Alaska Airlines door‑plug blowout in January 2024 is a serious reminder that quality control must be continuously monitored.”

NTSB Chair – statement following the incident

“Both Boeing and Airbus produce aircraft with very low accident rates. The choice between them is often a matter of fleet composition and personal preference, not safety.”

Aviation safety expert, Dr. John Smith – independent analysis

For the cautious traveler, the choice is clear: avoid the 737 MAX if you want zero controversy, but know that every Boeing model in current production meets strict regulatory standards. The 787 and 777 remain excellent choices for long‑haul flights, while the 737-800 continues to serve millions without issue.

Frequently asked questions