American Eagle E-175 thoughts… They’re good…

Good evening from what I call the best British Airways lounge in North America (and they’re living up to their reputation).

Meanwhile, I’ve had a leg on American Eagle’s Embraer E-175s today (operated by the regional jet specialist – Republic Airlines). Whilst I’m not giving the full blow by bow trip report, some thoughts:

• In Main Cabin Extra (Row 8), they’re VERY comfy – as the seat is right behind first class – and in Main Cabin Extra)

• Overhead bin space wasn’t mainline standard, but on the other hand I saw only a couple of bags go forward to be gate checked on a full flight – that’s pretty good in my book for luggage storage on a plane.
• Whilst these were slimmer seats than usual, they actually felt like a seat rather than a bench. This is a good thing.
• Whilst I love the single seats of the ERJ-145s, the 2×2 E-175s offer a good balance of seat width (18-18.5″)and seat pitch (well… even better in Main Cabin Extra at 34″+ ). This isn’t regional jet standard – that’s Airbus sizing (especially with their Airbus Comfort Campaign).
• Layout seemed to work well. With Embaer’s, it is really impossible to louse up the seat layout, with at least one aligned window per seat.
• Whilst it was a drinks only service (TED Style for those of you who remember TED… or a cup only), it seemed appropriate for the leg, although I have had better in the past.

Whilst some deride the fall of the larger jets, and the rise of these mid-to-high capacity regional jets, don’t know theme till you try them…

Unless it’s a CRJ of any sort…

More from London Later on…