Airlines know customers are more choosy and more knowledgeable about aircraft these days, most airlines now have very young fleets with aircraft less than 5 years of age.       

This however was not brought about by the airlines thinking about the humble passenger but more by the development of lighter components more efficient engines and both bigger and smaller planes for long-haul and domestic routes.

Airline. 

United States Airlines, Aircraft are well maintained they also have random testing of Pilots however they have some of the oldest aircraft in the air on internal flights.

UK Tour Operators.

Often lease aircraft or contract out to Greek or Spanish Operators and you will often find some old aircraft early Boeing or Airbus Aircraft operating on the major holiday routes. 

Aircraft.

I always look for an airline which operates a young fleet.

Seating.

Nothing is worse than having to push past other passengers to stretch your legs or go to the toilet and other passengers pushing past you. I therefore like a 2 x seat configuration with good width and pitch.

Engines.

Most aircraft engines are well maintained but some generate less noise and I like Rolls Royce.

Air Quality.

Air Quality very important on long-haul flights you don't want the smell of the engine in the cabin or bugs flying around from other passengers the filtration on the 767 and 777 is very good.

Entertainment.

A seat back TV  - good films - good children's programming - good music together with satellite information on where you are.

Meals.

Good food - plenty of it and soft drinks, coffee or tea and snacks available throughout the journey.

  My choice of Aircraft ... Shuttle: Airbus 319... Boeing 737/400  Long-Haul: Boeing 777.

  SEATING CONFIGURATIONS.

Boeing 737-400 single aisle 3 x 3 seating.

Boeing 767  twin aisle 2 x 3 x 2

Boeing 777   mixed twin aisle 2 x 5 x 2 or 3 x 3 x 3 or 3 x 4 x 3

Boeing 747-400  twin aisle 3 x 4 x 3

MD11 twin aisle 2 x 5 x 2

THE FUTURE

Boeing New 717

New Airbus 380

Boeing 747/400

Some older aircraft are still around such as the early versions of the Boeing 727 - 737 - 747 - 757 - Air Bus 300 - 310 - 319 - 320 -British Aerospace 146 MD 80 - DC10 - ATR 42 - 47 - SAAB 340 - DASH 8.