It is just like a bus ride. Little or no thinking should be, or indeed is, necessary. People who only travel in one make or the other are just being silly. Statistically there is little to choose between Boeing and Airbus both in safety and economy. Most airline purchasing decisions today are decided by other factors like fleet commonality and maintenance availability.
I could argue the point about the bus ride all day.
As far as little or no thinking necessary, I disagree as well. People don't care because they don't know any better. Doesn't mean it doesn't matter.
As far as airline safety statistics go, if you look at it on a PER-TRIP basis, it
is more safe than driving. Granted. I will concede that.
However, if you look at it on a PASSENGER-MILE basis, it is many times more dangerous than driving. It's all in how you look at the numbers. And since I am only one passenger, I go with the latter statistics.
The airlines' decisions are based on money. If you think it's based on something else, have another glass of cool-aid.