The DC-9 and its descendents (the MD-Awesome80s, MD-90 and Boeing 717) are still strikingly beautiful aircraft, and the fact that they are still the backbone of many a passenger airline service is testament to the solidity of the design. It's a safe and solid airframe, and still perfect for the short- and medium-haul markets. Northwest's DC-9s have "new look" interiors and are impeccably maintained, fpr example, and one would never know that the planes were 25-30 years old. The 717 is a gorgeous plane, I might add. I hope Boeing keeps making them!

--Anonymous