American Eagle

[Forever Disney Young]

Has anyone ever flown American Eagle Airlines? Specifically an Embraier ERJ-145 jet. We never have flown a plane that small or this particular airline. Please share any experiences. Thanks!!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

While we haven't flown that particular airline, or plane, our trip from Edmonton, AB to Minneapolis is usually on a similar plane (albeit a little larger). You really wouldn't know you're on a smaller plane once you get in the air. There is also no in-flight entertainment on these smaller planes.

The ERJ-145 has 18 rows, with 1 seat on the left and 2 seats on the right. The following is the information provided by Seat Guru:

These planes are operated by American Eagle. Many flyers like the 1-2 because of the solo seats. Storage is limited as there is only overhead storage on the two-seat side and big rollaboards will not fit. If the plane is not full, passengers are often asked to switch seats for weight considerations. Beware, the window seats have limited underseat storage space because of the curvature of the fuselage.

 

[Tara]

I've flown on this plane and similar planes (Saab 340 and De Haviland Dash - though both of those are turbo props) and you can expect a noisier than average flight. If there's any turbulence, you'll feel it a little more than on a larger jet, but the differences are slight. The SeatGuru info posted by the PP is quite accurate, especially the part about the under-seat storage on the single-seat side of the aisle. If you have a carry-on suitcase, expect to gate-check it.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree - these planes are extremely loud - bring ear plugs. And you will have to gate check any suitcases, as the overhead bins are tiny.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I've not been on this model of Regional Jet but my experience with them is that they're GREAT and much preferred over propeller planes.

Article about this model at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ERJ-145

BobK/Orlando

 

[Carriemel]

The regional jets are fabulous. There's no more noise than you'd find on a bigger plane and it feels like there's more space cause there's only 3 seats across, 1 seat, an aisle, and 2 seats.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I hate RJs, there too small for my liking. They are louder inside then a fullsize jet and they tend to react a little harsher to turbulence, but for a casual flyer you probably won't notice or care all that much.

Many airlines are dropping RJs because of costs to run them (they are significantly more expensive then Turbo-Props), so you'll probably see less and less of them in the coming few years.

 

[winterman]

The first time I ever flew on a small 'commuter' plane was 20 years ago. There was only 1 seat on each side of the aisle and anyone over 5 feet couldn't stand up straight and I was not thrilled to be in something so small. But, I still remember that I was pleasantly surprised at the ride. Since then I've flown in many commuter planes. Never had a problem but they do pack you in fairly tight.

I'm quite sure that I flew in the plane that the OP is talking about, when AA still flew out of Bangor.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew 2 of those this week on Delta (PIT-CVG, CVG-RIC). They are small but fly just like any other plane. I wouldn't go more than an hour, they are cramped.

 

[NancyIL]

American Airlines (Eagle) is now the only airline flying out of my local airport, and the Embraers are what they fly. The ERJ-145 is the largest of the regional jets, with seating for 50 passengers. I don't mind flying them for a 30-minute flight to Chicago, but would prefer a larger jet for longer flights. As mentioned, the overhead compartments are small, so larger carry-ons will have to be gate-checked.

If you think you will fly on American Airlines again, be sure to join their frequent-flyer program: https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/programDetails/main.jsp?anchorEvent=false&from=Nav