Ever flown on a 50-seater plane?!

[delmont]

I am flying to Orlando on a 50-seater plane on Thanksgiving day, and I am a little nervous. Has anyone ever flown on a small plane like this?

I don't normally LOVE to fly, but I get by ok. This size plane just seems to worry me.

Anyone have any comments/advice?

[Castlebound]

I once flew in what I guess was a 50 seater plane. I thought it was funny because there were like four rows of first class seat. Is it worth the money for first class if there really isn't much of a first class? I was a little uneasy about flying in such a small plane, but it was fine.

[crcormier]

They're just as safe as a larger plane, nothing for you to worry about. The bumps might seem slightly bigger if you hit turbulance, but there is nothing to worry about. I've flown small planes many times, you'll be fine.

[clkelley]

I LOVE the small commuter jets! I take them all the time. Our direct flights to Orlando are on either 50 passenger or 35 passenger jets. They don't take long to load, there is usually plenty of gate room as they don't need a jetway (in otherwords, no back up when you land waiting for an available gate) and the luggage service is great!!

If you have a larger carryon and aren't checking luggage, they are still placed "under" the plane just like checked luggage, but a handler takes them just before you load the plane, then they are given right back to you at your destination gate!

No fussing with trying to cram large carryons in the overhead space or underneath the seat, and no waiting at baggage claim!

The only downside is if the weather is nasty, there is usually a small distance you have to walk on the tarmac that is uncovered, but otherwise, they are really nice!

Carol

[Chicago526]

I've never flown on one, but I've been told that those that have motion sickness have bigger problems on smaller planes. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, you may want to take something before you fly. Otherwise they have an excellent safety record.

[Tigger&Belle]

I flew on a small plane from Seattle to Portland and then again down to southern Oregon. It was Alaska Air, which ended up being a lot of fun because they gave free micro-brew beer. After having a beer I didn't care if I was riding on a hang glider. lol Actually, besides the drink, it ended up being a lot of fun.

T&B

[MickeyCrazed]

One of the first flights I ever took was on a teeny tiny plane.
It only had one seat on each side of the plane...I would guess about 20 seats total.
Take if from a "Class A" scaredy cat...
You'll be fine!

[NCRedding]

I am alot like you--I don't love to fly, and the first time I flew on a regional jet, I was scared. I LOVE them. To me, they are less noisy, and very much more convenient than the larger jets. Weather has never been an issue, but I've never had a bad flight on a regional jet. Last trip to Orlando, we flew in a smaller embraer jet with 1 seat on one side, and 2 on the other--not my favorite, but OK.

[cranbiz]

I just did the Independance Air BOS-IAD-MCO route in the CRJ's

They were fine and the actual flight time was just about the same as a Boeing or an Airbus.

No problems, just a little tight in the seating. 4 across with the Lav in the rear. Loads quick. I has a smooth ride both ways.

Previous posters are correct, if your bag is too big they will gate check it. No hassles in trying to stuff it in the bin and it comes right off the plane and you pick it up either planeside, or in the jetway.

Independance said the A319's will be flying to MCO as of Sunday.

[SyracuseWolvrine]

I'm not a fan of the small Regional Jets. For me, there's not enough space on the plane to be comfortable. (I'm used to having to duck, but I've got a friend that's 5'8", and even THEY have to duck on these planes)

On the other hand, if you're on a 50 seat turboprop, then you'll have a bit of a nosier flight, but I personally (5'11", 220 lbs) found the seats on turboprops to be more comfortable than the seats on RJs.

[Deb & Bill]

Regional jets are not bad. Now I have flown on a small plane - a prop with about 10-12 seats. Before you get on the plane, they ask you how much you weigh so they can distribute the weight in the plane better. You can watch the pilot and co-pilot fly the plane, even turning the trip plan to see where they are going. It's neat to be able to watch out the front window instead of just the side ones.

[dirkus]

I've flown in a two seater before!!! And the other seat was empty!! :earseek:

As the others have said, you have nothing to worry about -- they are every bit as safe as the bigger ones. Try not to worry about it.

[Kevenswife2]

delmont, any chance you're flying out of Port Columbus?

We're flying out of CMH on Thanksgiving day. Using one of Delta's 50 seat jets again (Embrear w/ 3 seats across). We flew with them this time last year. The plane was small, the bathroom was in the back, and it was noisy, BUT it was a straight flight and I got a great rate. I was actually happy this year when Hotwire told me it would be the same as last year. A great rate AND a straight flight...can't beat that!

[klynn]

I have! I think it's kind of fun! I'm used of little planes though - my DH is a privot pilot.

[Kitty-chan]

Smaller planes are definitely more susceptible to turbulence. I'm terribly prone to motion-sickness, so I always take drammamine regardless of the size of the plane.

I'd wager that they're also a bit more susceptible to weather delays; at least that's what my personal anecdotal experience would suggest.

My son (8) loves the smaller planes. Once we flew on something like a 16-seater between LA and San Diego. He especially loved the fact that instead of pushing a cart of snacks and drinks, the flight attendant came down the aisle with a basket of granola bars and then again with bottles of water. He still raves about that flight.

[DebbieB]

I took my first 50 seat RJ flight in June. The flight was OK but I did feel kind of "closed in" because of the narrow and low body of the plane.