Flying in Smaller Aircraft

[Goof]

OK, this may sound very stupid to others but it happens to be a phobia of flying that i have. About 5 years ago my DW and i had a pretty rough experience on a smaller aircraft (Commuter Prop) when flying to Regan Nat'l to connect to a flight to Las Vegas.

The flight lasted about 45 minutes and the plane constantly shook, dropped a few hundred feet and was basically a rough flight from the time we got into the air. I must admit that there was a minor storm during the flight and even the lone flight attendant stayed pretty much strapped in her seat the entire flight. I have flown many times but that was the first and hope to be the last time i fly in a prop airliner.

My concern, how ever stupid it might be, is that for our trip to WDW in 2004, our outbound flight is on a smaller aircraft. Although it is a CRJ jetliner it is still a smaller aircraft and those memories of that frightening flight keep coming back.

For those who have flown the CRJ or equivalent, please tell me that it's just another jet which would normally offer a comfortable ride experience and not the characteristics of a prop ( i call them Crackerboxes).

 

[CarolA]

CRJ's are great. They fly much smoother and quiter then prop planes and since they can fly higher it is easier to get out of turbulence.

I love them, boarding is quick since there are not 200 people getting on.

If your carry on is too big, they will gate check it for you and give it to you when you get off the plane. (Just wait by the plane.) Computer bags can be carried on but the 22" rollerboard goes as a gate check.

 

[Goof]

CarolA, tks for the encourgement We love flying but not in a "Crackerbox"

 

[hercamore]

I agree with Carol.

CRJ's are the only aircraft that link our small airport to MSP.

We have flown in 6 of them this year (4 in the last month).

No problem and I actually prefer them to some of the big mega planes.

Go to www.seatguru.com for an overview of the plane.

herc.

 

[Beast fan]

DW used to (when flying from Memphis to a smaller city) always fly in a small prop and hated it. This past May we flew from FNT to CVG in a CRJ and was reasonably impressed. She says she still prefers larger jets, but won't be apprehensive the next time we need to fly in a CRJ.

 

[Goof]

tks to all of you for the encouragement! I am beginning to not dread the flight anymore

 

[CarolynNC]

I was glad to see all the positive responses from this post. I fly out of RDU and have avoided booking Delta for just that reason. Delta has better flight schedules but I just haven't been able to make myself opt for the little plane. I keep booking Southwest which means mid afternoon flights going and returning. I'm flying Southwest Thursday but may try Delta next trip.

I'd also be interested in knowing if seat room is reduced. Any feedback is welcome.

Thanks,
Carolyn

 

[erikthewise]

I agree with CarolA. CRJ's are very nice -- like a 737 only more intimate. They don't feel like a small plane.

ERJ's (Embraer) on the other hand, are not so nice. They feel like flying in an oversized lawn mower. I would fly on one only if I had no other choice -- same with turboprops. And I would not put my family on one. Delta is flying these from Columbus to Orlando (through "Chatauqua Airlines") and I just won't do it; on top of everything else it's too long a flight for commuter aircraft.

Smaller aircraft do not have as good a safety record as larger aircraft, though it's still pretty good.

 

[CarolynNC]

erikthewise,

That's good to know. I just double checked Delta's website and they're flying the Embraer out of RDU. I just may have to stick with my middle of the day Southwest flights.

Any more opinions out there?

Thanks,
Carolyn

 

[Goof]

CarolynNC, being that i am in eastern north carolina and normally fly out of Norfolk, Va., I regularly check rdu for flights out to see where the difference is.

I don't know how you feel about US Air, but for me there are several flights out of rdu that are of interest that connect in Charlotte. We usually fly delta also but their fares are way too high at this point. We did however, find a suitable Delta Connection flight out of Newpport News, Va. on a CRJ that was priced within reason for us.

 

[CarolynNC]

Thanks for the head's up. I'll check them next time I'm booking.

My biggest problem is I will only book a direct flight and so many out of RDU have connections in Charlotte or Atlanta.

It always seems to work out that I find a sale right when I'm ready to book. My flight this Thursday went on sale the day after I decided to book. Thankfully I was waiting for an email from my sister before booking and waited until the next morning. I've been incredibly lucky getting great fares. I just wish Southwest had additional flights but I can't frown too hard with $39 each way!

Carolyn

 

[amymouse]

We've flown on the CRJs about 12 times, now. These jets feel just as smooth to me as the bigger jets. The only difference I notice is when we land. We feel the tipping forward of the nose a little more.

Because they hold fewer passengers, our boarding and exiting are much faster than in the larger planes. Always a plus when we're just itching to get to WDW!

They are small. Our first few minutes on board seem a little tight, but we get used to it very quickly. Our last pilot had apparently heard all the jokes about his small plane. When he got on the intercom, he started out by saying "Welcome aboard our Barbie-fun-jet!"