These days most experienced travelers are doing their best to find cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages, but everyone would agree that air safety must remain everyones number one priority. Economy passengers do not have high expectations when it comes to flying, but some travelers are starting to question the age of the planes they fly on since it is not unusual to fly on planes that have worn interiors, broken creature comforts (such as tray tables) and are in less than spotless shape.
Many U.S. passengers fly on planes that are older than a decade and are showing they age in their cabins even though these distractions have nothing to do with flight safety. However, some fliers wonder if a plane that it not cosmetically well maintained is safe.
The average age of planes of the seven largest U.S. airlines is about 14 years old. American and Delta have the oldest fleets, with an average age of 16 years.
U.S. fleets are among the oldest in the world according to aviation experts. However since many older planes were built more durably and have been given proper maintenance, it is believed that a plane can fly safely for between 25 to 30 years.
Flying remains incredibly safe on U.S. and other developed world countries planes because of their high flight standards, maintenance regulations, and decades of experience.
Although a plane may be 20 years old or older, its engines and other major systems could be recently manufactured or upgraded. Unfortunately there is less pressure on airlines to upgrade planes interiors.