Some of us are highly irritated to be kept at home. I am fortunate that, when we can travel easily again, I shall continue to book the carriers I deem best, most appropriate etc. As I have always done. I recall some 20 years ago, a colleague returning from a trip to his home in NZ, swearing that he would never travel with Garuda again. I did not let my smile show on the outside!
One of the keys is Maintenance. The problem is that we cannot get direct sight of how well it is being done. We have to look around for the indicators in the company that filter down. Which brings us to the inevitable that EVERY carrier is cutting costs. The most extreme in the last couple of years was Boeing and they are now paying a considerable price for the way they changed their focus away from Engineering and towards Money. Firstly the 787 had teething problems and the Max has become unique, we hope that this has taught the rest of the world a lesson.
Look at a carrier across many years and at as many facets as you can. I have paid more money to route on carriers I trust and will do so again.